If you’re craving a comforting meal that feels fancy yet stays delightfully simple, this Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy Recipe is bound to become one of your go-to dishes. Combining tender ground chicken with bursts of Swiss cheese and a Parmesan-enhanced crust, this twist on a classic meatloaf is elevated by a rich, creamy Dijon gravy that brings everything together in perfect harmony. It’s the kind of dish that hugs you from the inside, perfect for weeknights or impressing guests without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy Recipe plays a special role, from building vibrant flavors to adding that perfect texture. These simple, thoughtfully combined staples ensure a balanced and mouthwatering result every time.
- Ground chicken: The lean base of the meatloaf, offering a tender, juicy texture that’s lighter than beef but equally satisfying.
- Breadcrumbs: Vital for structure, breadcrumbs soak up moisture and help hold the meatloaf together without making it dense.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that enhances the savory profile of the meatloaf.
- Egg: Acts as a natural binder to keep all ingredients cohesive during baking.
- Garlic powder: Infuses subtle warmth and savory richness throughout the meat mixture.
- Onion powder: Provides sweetness and a mild pungency, layering in complexity.
- Dried thyme: Brings an earthy herbal note that marries beautifully with chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance every bite.
- Shredded Swiss cheese: The melty surprise inside the meatloaf, bringing creamy, nutty flavor pockets.
- Unsalted butter: The luxurious base for your gravy, delivering richness and smoothness.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the Dijon gravy to just the right consistency.
- Chicken broth: Forms the savory liquid medium of the sauce, reinforcing the meat’s natural flavor.
- Heavy cream: Adds velvety smoothness to the gravy for an indulgent finish.
- Dijon mustard: Injects a tangy, sharp zing that’s signature to this recipe’s sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: Contributes umami depth and a subtle complexity to the gravy.
- Fresh parsley: A bright garnish that lifts the overall dish with its fresh, herbal pop.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and getting a loaf pan ready—either greased or lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and salt and pepper until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here—this keeps your meatloaf tender and juicy instead of tough. Once that’s done, gently fold in the shredded Swiss cheese so you get little melty pockets throughout without breaking the mixture apart too much.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf
Transfer your mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). This guarantees that your chicken is perfectly cooked but still moist. When the timer goes off, let your meatloaf rest outside the oven for about 5 to 10 minutes—this crucial step helps the juices redistribute so every slice is juicy and not crumbly.
Step 3: Whip Up the Dijon Gravy
While your meatloaf is baking (or resting), it’s time to prepare that incredible Dijon gravy. Melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux that cooks until slightly golden—this base is the secret to a luscious gravy. Gradually add in the chicken broth while continuously whisking, making sure no lumps form. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer until thickened and aromatically rich. The tangy sharpness of Dijon mustard paired with the creamy texture makes this sauce heavenly when poured over each slice.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
To finish your Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy Recipe just right, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for that splash of green and refreshing flavor contrast. It elevates the presentation and adds a subtle herbal brightness that complements the rich gravy.
Side Dishes
This meatloaf pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes to soak up the luscious Dijon gravy. Alternatively, roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp green salad offer a lovely balance of textures and flavors to round out your meal perfectly without overwhelming the main star.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the meatloaf thick and serve it open-faced on a toasted bun with extra Dijon gravy drizzled over for a gourmet sandwich experience. Or present smaller, individual mini-loaf portions for an elegant appetizer twist at your next dinner party. The versatility of this Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy Recipe means you can make it your own in so many delightful ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover meatloaf should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays great for up to 3 days and actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have melded. Just make sure to keep the gravy separate if storing to maintain the perfect texture for reheating.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this meatloaf for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. Freeze the Dijon gravy separately in a sealed container to reheat and pour fresh later.
Reheating
For the best reheating experience, thaw frozen meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator. Warm slices gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, then reheat your Dijon gravy on the stove until smooth and warm. This method preserves that home-cooked, just-made taste we all love in the Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy Recipe.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a lean alternative and will yield a similarly tender meatloaf. Just be mindful of moisture levels to keep it from drying out.
Is there a way to make the gravy dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with olive oil and the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative for a delicious dairy-free Dijon gravy.
Can I prepare this meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerate before baking?
Definitely. You can assemble the meatloaf a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh whenever you’re ready for a hassle-free dinner.
What’s the best way to slice the meatloaf without it falling apart?
Letting the meatloaf rest after baking is key. Use a sharp knife and cut gently to preserve the structure, especially since the Swiss cheese inside helps bind it as well.
Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf mixture?
Sure! Finely diced veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be folded in to boost nutrition and flavor while keeping the dish moist and tasty.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or hoping to impress guests with heartwarming flavors, this recipe is a winner that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Give it a try, and you’ll have a new favorite comfort meal in your repertoire.
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Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy is a comforting and delicious twist on classic cordon bleu. Ground chicken is mixed with flavorful ingredients and Swiss cheese, baked to perfection, then served with a creamy Dijon mustard gravy. It’s a perfect family dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Dijon Gravy
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined to keep the meatloaf tender. Fold in the shredded Swiss cheese carefully so it’s evenly distributed without overworking the mixture.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Shape and Bake: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it gently into an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing.
- Make the Dijon Gravy: While the meatloaf rests, prepare the gravy. In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until it turns a light golden color. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to prevent lumps, followed by the heavy cream. Add Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve warm, topped with the creamy Dijon gravy and garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid a dense meatloaf.
- Resting the meatloaf after baking helps retain moisture and improves slicing.
- You can substitute ground turkey if preferred, but cooking times may vary slightly.
- Use fresh parsley in the gravy for a fresh herbal note and visual appeal.
- The gravy can be adjusted for thickness by adding more broth for a thinner sauce or cooking longer for thicker consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
