Mississippi Mud Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Mississippi Mud Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with creamy ranch, tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheddar, and crispy fried onions. It’s an easy, one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
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 the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Step 3: Place the chicken in a greased baking dish. Brush each breast with barbecue sauce, then spoon ranch dressing evenly over the top.
- Step 4: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the chicken breasts.
- Step 5: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 6: Remove the dish from the oven and top each piece of chicken with crispy fried onions.
- Step 7: Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.
Tips & Variations
- Swap ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing for a bolder flavor.
- Add smoked paprika for a smoky depth or garlic powder for a savory kick.
- Use spicy barbecue sauce to add a little heat to the dish.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes to complete the meal.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain crispy onions; alternatively, reheat in the microwave but add fresh fried onions on top for crunch.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely in the refrigerator before preparing.
What if I don’t have crispy fried onions?
You can substitute with homemade fried onions or crushed potato chips for a similar crunchy topping.
Print
Mississippi Mud Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Mississippi Mud Chicken is a comforting, flavorful baked chicken dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, creamy ranch dressing, melted cheddar cheese, and topped with crispy fried onions for a perfect crunchy finish.
Ingredients
Main 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Season Chicken: Season each chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, and, if using, garlic powder and smoked paprika to add extra flavor complexity.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into a greased baking dish to prevent sticking and brush each breast with barbecue sauce.
- Add Ranch Dressing: Spoon ranch dressing evenly over each piece of chicken, coating them to provide a creamy texture and tangy taste.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the chicken breasts to melt into a delicious golden layer during baking.
- Bake: Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Crispy Onions: Remove the chicken from the oven and immediately top each piece with crispy fried onions for a crunchy, savory topping.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving for a moist and flavorful bite.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and juiciness.
- Store-bought crispy fried onions add the classic crunch, but you can make your own if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning and optional spices according to your taste preferences.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Mississippi Mud Chicken, baked chicken, ranch dressing chicken, cheesy chicken bake, barbecue chicken recipe, comfort food, crispy onions chicken
