Cordon Bleu Chicken Meatloaf (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Meatloaf Base

01 - 2 pounds ground chicken
02 - 1 egg
03 - 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
04 - 2 teaspoons minced onion
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
07 - 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise

→ Filling

10 - 6 slices Virginia ham
11 - 6 slices Swiss cheese

→ Topping

12 - 3/4 cup fresh or panko breadcrumbs

→ Creamy Dijon Gravy

13 - 3 tablespoons butter
14 - 3 tablespoons flour
15 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
16 - 1 cup skim or 1% milk
17 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
18 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
19 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
20 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
21 - Pinch of salt and pepper, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, minced onion, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
02 - Lightly spray a 9″ x 5″ loaf pan with cooking spray. Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Layer with three slices of ham, followed by three slices of cheese. Repeat the ham and cheese layers, then top with the remaining chicken mixture, smoothing the surface.
03 - Transfer the loaf pan to the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Remove it from the oven and evenly sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy texture.
04 - Place the loaf pan back in the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes. If the breadcrumbs begin browning too quickly, cover with foil midway through.
05 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add heavy cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens.
06 - Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese and freshly grated nutmeg. Cook for 3-4 minutes, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
07 - Allow the meatloaf to rest in the pan for 10 minutes after baking. Carefully remove and slice into portions. Serve with the Dijon gravy either drizzled on top or on the side.

# Notes:

01 - Ensure the chicken mixture is evenly spread for consistent cooking.
02 - Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.