Mississippi Mud Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Mississippi Mud Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with a creamy ranch and barbecue sauce blend, cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions. This comforting recipe comes together quickly and bakes to bubbly perfection, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, smoked paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and if you like, garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Step 3: Arrange the chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Brush each piece with barbecue sauce, then spoon ranch dressing evenly over the top.
- Step 4: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on each chicken breast.
- Step 5: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Step 6: Remove the dish from the oven and immediately top each piece of chicken with crispy fried onions.
- Step 7: Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked cheddar or add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the cheese topping.
- Try swapping ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing if you prefer a tangier taste.
- If you want more sauce, mix extra barbecue and ranch together and spoon over the chicken before baking.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Storage
Store leftover Mississippi Mud Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the crispy onions from getting soggy, or microwave covered for shorter reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay moister. Adjust baking time to about 30–35 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What if I don’t have crispy fried onions?
You can substitute with crushed potato chips, toasted breadcrumbs, or make your own crispy onions by thinly slicing and frying onions until golden brown.
Print
Mississippi Mud Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Mississippi Mud Chicken is a decadent baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheddar cheese, topped with crispy fried onions for a deliciously crunchy finish. This comfort food is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ tsp garlic powder
- Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika
Sauces & Toppings
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken thoroughly and melting the cheese to perfection.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and if desired, sprinkle on garlic powder and smoked paprika to add an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a greased baking dish in a single layer, ensuring they have space for even cooking.
- Add Sauces: Brush the top of each chicken breast with barbecue sauce, then spoon ranch dressing over each piece, distributing it evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the sauced chicken breasts.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Crispy Onions: Remove the dish from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over each chicken breast to maintain their crunch.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute and the cheese set slightly for best texture.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through by checking it with an instant-read thermometer, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Use store-bought crispy fried onions for convenience; they add the perfect crunch contrast.
- Adjust seasonings according to your preference, adding more garlic powder or smoked paprika if desired.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Mississippi Mud Chicken, baked chicken, ranch chicken, BBQ chicken, cheesy chicken, crispy fried onions, easy dinner recipe
