Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy is a flavorful twist on the classic meatloaf, combining lean ground chicken with the richness of Swiss cheese and a creamy, tangy Dijon gravy. It’s a comforting, elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. The Dijon gravy adds a beautiful depth of flavor to the tender, moist meatloaf, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the 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
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Meatloaf:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Gently fold in the shredded Swiss cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed but not overworked.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it into an even layer.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once baked, remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Make the Dijon Gravy:
6. While the meatloaf is baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
7. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth, then stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Serve:
8. Slice the meatloaf into 1-inch thick slices. Drizzle the warm Dijon gravy over the meatloaf and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh side salad.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meatloaf: Overmixing can cause the meatloaf to become dense. Mix the ingredients just until combined.
- Rest the meatloaf: Letting the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking helps it firm up and makes slicing easier.
- Gravy thickness: If the gravy is too thick, add more chicken broth until you reach the desired consistency.
- Make-ahead option: The meatloaf and gravy can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Add vegetables to the meatloaf: For extra nutrition and flavor, finely chop vegetables like carrots or bell peppers and add them to the meatloaf mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Meatloaf
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (from 6 servings)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 95mg