Description
Mississippi Mud Chicken is a comforting, flavorful baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in barbecue sauce and ranch dressing, topped with melted cheddar cheese and crunchy fried onions. This hearty Southern-inspired meal delivers a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, smoky, and crispy textures in every bite, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, smoked paprika
Sauces & 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 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and if desired, add garlic powder and smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish lightly to prevent sticking, then place the seasoned chicken breasts evenly spaced in the dish.
- Add Sauces: Brush each chicken breast with barbecue sauce; then spoon ranch dressing over each piece, ensuring they are well coated.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of each chicken breast.
- Bake: Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Crispy Onions: Remove the dish from the oven and immediately top each chicken breast with the crispy fried onions for a crunchy finish.
- Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences by adding more spices or herbs.
- Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked perfectly without drying out.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to retain moisture.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the barbecue sauce before brushing on the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: Mississippi Mud Chicken, baked chicken breast recipe, barbecue chicken, ranch dressing chicken, cheesy chicken bake, crispy fried onions chicken
