Mississippi Mud Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Mississippi Mud Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a rich combination of barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions. It’s an easy bake that creates a deliciously crispy and cheesy crust perfect for weeknight dinners.
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 using, garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Step 3: Place 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 over each chicken breast.
- Step 5: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and immediately top each chicken breast with crispy fried onions.
- Step 7: Allow the chicken to rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to let the juices settle.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika when seasoning the chicken.
- Use spicy ranch dressing or BBQ sauce for a bit of heat.
- Try substituting cheddar with pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor.
- Leftover crispy onions can be stored separately to keep them crunchy for topping.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through to preserve the crispy texture of the onions; add fresh fried onions on top if they have softened.
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 with this recipe and stay juicy. Adjust baking time to about 30–35 minutes depending on thickness.
What can I substitute for crispy fried onions?
If you can’t find crispy fried onions, crushed potato chips or toasted breadcrumbs can provide a similar crunchy topping.
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Mississippi Mud Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Mississippi Mud Chicken is a flavorful, oven-baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in barbecue sauce and ranch dressing, topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions for a savory crunch. This easy-to-make recipe blends creamy, smoky, and crispy textures for a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ tsp garlic powder
- Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika
Sauce and Toppings
- 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 prepare for baking the chicken.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and if desired, garlic powder and smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish, then place the seasoned chicken breasts inside, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Add Sauces: Brush the chicken breasts generously with barbecue sauce, then spoon ranch dressing evenly over each piece to create a rich, tangy coating.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of each chicken breast to ensure a golden, bubbly finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Crispy Onions: Remove the chicken from the oven and immediately top each breast with a generous handful of crispy fried onions to add texture and flavor.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender bites.
Notes
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Use store-bought crispy fried onions to save time and add a crunchy texture.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste, adding more garlic powder or smoked paprika if desired.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Mississippi Mud Chicken, baked chicken, BBQ chicken, ranch chicken, cheesy chicken, crispy fried onions, American chicken recipe, easy dinner recipe
