Mississippi Mud Chicken Recipe

ByLily Monroe
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Introduction

Mississippi Mud Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with tangy barbecue sauce, creamy ranch, melted cheddar, and crunchy fried onions. This easy bake delivers a satisfying mix of textures and bold flavors perfect for a weeknight dinner.

A close-up view of a cooked chicken dish inside a black pot, showing three large pieces of golden-brown roasted chicken with some charred spots on the skin. The chicken is wet and shiny with juices pooling at the bottom of the pot, surrounded by several bright green pepperoncini peppers. Two silver forks with worn handles are pulling apart the tender white shredded chicken in the center. The background is dark, highlighting the texture and color of the meat and peppers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and if desired, garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
  3. Step 3: Place the chicken in a greased baking dish. Brush each piece with barbecue sauce, then spoon ranch dressing evenly over the top.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each chicken breast.
  5. 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.
  6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and top each chicken breast with crispy fried onions.
  7. Step 7: Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra smoky flavor, add a bit of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
  • Use your favorite BBQ sauce—sweet, spicy, or tangy—to customize the dish.
  • To make it lighter, swap cheddar for a reduced-fat cheese or use Greek yogurt in place of ranch dressing.
  • Add sliced jalapeños under the cheese for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To keep the fried onions crispy, add them fresh just before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a skillet filled with cooked chicken drumsticks and thighs. The chicken is browned and crispy with a golden color, covered in melted cheese that is creamy and slightly browned on top. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled over the cheese, adding a fresh touch. The skillet holds a thick layer of chicken with cheese evenly melted over each piece. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken instead?

Yes, but bone-in chicken breasts will require longer baking time to reach the safe internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Is there a substitute for crispy fried onions?

You can substitute with crushed fried shallots, French fried onions, or even toasted breadcrumbs for a similar crunch and flavor.

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Mississippi Mud Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 149 reviews

Mississippi Mud Chicken is a flavorful baked chicken dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts smothered in BBQ sauce and ranch dressing, topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch. This comforting recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty dinner.

  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • Optional: smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
  2. Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder and smoked paprika for added flavor.
  3. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking, and place the seasoned chicken breasts inside.
  4. Apply Sauces: Brush each chicken breast evenly with barbecue sauce, then spoon ranch dressing over the top of each piece.
  5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over each chicken breast.
  6. Bake: Bake the chicken breasts uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Add Crispy Onion Topping: Remove the dish from the oven and immediately top each chicken breast with crispy fried onions for added texture and flavor.
  8. Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute and toppings set.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Use store-bought crispy fried onions for convenience and best texture.
  • Optional seasonings like garlic powder and smoked paprika enhance flavor but can be omitted for simplicity.
  • Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Mississippi Mud Chicken, baked chicken recipe, BBQ chicken, ranch chicken, crispy fried onions, easy dinner recipes, cheesy chicken breast

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