- Ground Chicken: 2 lbs, lean and versatile
- Egg: 1 large, for binding
- Bread Crumbs: 1/4 cup plain, plus 3/4 cup panko for topping
- Onion: 2 teaspoons minced, adds flavor and moisture
- Garlic Powder: 1 1/2 teaspoons, enhances the savory profile
- Dried Parsley: 1/2 teaspoon, for a hint of freshness
- Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons, to taste
- Ground Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, for a slight kick
- Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup, keeps the meatloaf moist
- Virginia Chicken Ham: 6 slices, for that classic cordon bleu taste
- Swiss Cheese: 6 slices, creamy and melty
- For the Creamy Dijon Gravy:
- Butter: 3 tablespoons
- Flour: 3 tablespoons
- Heavy Cream: 1/4 cup
- Milk: 1 cup skim or 1%
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready when you need it.
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
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- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 lbs of ground chicken, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs, 2 teaspoons minced onion, 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper.
- Add 1/4 cup mayonnaise to the mixture to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
- Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
Assemble the Meatloaf:
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- Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of the loaf pan.
- Lay 3 slices of Virginia chicken ham over the chicken mixture.
- Place 3 slices of Swiss cheese on top of the ham.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining chicken mixture, ham, and cheese.
Bake the Meatloaf:
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- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs over the top.
- Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Prepare the Creamy Dijon Gravy:
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- While the meatloaf is baking, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1 cup milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the Meatloaf:
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- Once baked, allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve each slice topped with the creamy Dijon gravy for an extra layer of flavor.