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
Scale
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
