Mississippi Mud Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Mississippi Mud Chicken is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken breasts with rich barbecue sauce, creamy ranch dressing, melted cheddar, and crispy fried onions. This flavorful meal comes together in under an hour, making it 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 optionally 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 over the top.
- Step 4: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over 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.
- Step 6: Remove the dish from the oven and top each piece with crispy fried onions.
- Step 7: Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Tips & Variations
- Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a smoky or spicy kick.
- Substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a tangier flavor.
- Use thick-cut chicken breasts to keep the meat juicy during baking.
- For a lower calorie option, use reduced-fat cheese and dressing.
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 preserve the crispy onion topping as much as possible.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Bone-in chicken can be used, but it will require longer cooking time. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
What can I serve with Mississippi Mud Chicken?
This dish pairs well with simple sides like steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
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Mississippi Mud Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Mississippi Mud Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a tangy blend of ranch dressing and barbecue sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions for a crunchy finish. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together quickly.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, smoked paprika
Toppings and Sauces
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure an even baking temperature for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Season Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and optionally garlic powder and smoked paprika to add extra flavor.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking, then place the seasoned chicken breasts inside.
- Add Sauces: Brush the chicken breasts evenly with barbecue sauce. Spoon ranch dressing over each piece, spreading it carefully to cover the top.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the chicken and sauce layers to create a melty, savory topping.
- Bake: Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Add Crispy Onions: Remove the chicken from the oven and immediately top each breast with the crispy fried onions to add a crunchy texture contrast.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving. This helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for safety.
- Ranch dressing and barbecue sauce can be adjusted based on flavor preference or dietary needs.
- For extra spice, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning mix.
- Crispy fried onions can be substituted with homemade fried shallots for a fresh touch.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Mississippi Mud Chicken, baked chicken, ranch chicken, barbecue chicken, comfort food, easy dinner, chicken with crispy onions
