Mississippi Mud Chicken Recipe
Mississippi Mud Chicken is a deliciously rich and comforting baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in barbecue sauce, creamy ranch dressing, melted cheddar cheese, and topped with crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner that brings bold flavors and satisfying textures together.
- Author: Cara
- 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
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
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature when you are ready to bake the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and optionally garlic powder and smoked paprika to add extra flavor and depth.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish and arrange the seasoned chicken breasts evenly inside.
- Add Sauces: Brush each chicken breast generously with barbecue sauce, then spoon ranch dressing over the top to create a creamy layer of flavor.
- Top with Cheese: Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each chicken breast to allow it to melt and create a savory topping while baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Add Crispy Onions: Remove the baking dish from the oven and immediately top each chicken breast with a generous amount of crispy fried onions for texture and crunch.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and to cool slightly for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- For an extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika when seasoning the chicken.
- To ensure even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, swap ranch dressing with spicy ranch or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
Keywords: Mississippi Mud Chicken, baked chicken recipe, BBQ chicken, ranch chicken, cheesy baked chicken, crispy fried onions, easy dinner recipe