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
Scale
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
