Mississippi Mud Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Mississippi Mud Chicken is a surprisingly simple and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with creamy ranch, tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheddar, and crispy fried onions. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal 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 your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and, if you like, a sprinkle of garlic powder and smoked paprika.
- Step 3: Place the chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Brush each breast with barbecue sauce, then spoon ranch dressing evenly over the top.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the chicken breasts.
- Step 5: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Step 6: Remove the dish from the oven and immediately top each piece with a generous handful of crispy fried onions.
- Step 7: Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a tangier flavor.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle with hot sauce before baking.
- Use smoked cheddar instead of regular cheddar for a deeper smoky taste.
- Serve over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage
Store leftover Mississippi Mud Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding extra crispy onions fresh if desired to keep the crunch.
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 can be used. They may take a few minutes longer to cook and will be juicier and more flavorful.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the chicken with sauces and cheese ahead, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add crispy onions just before serving for best texture.
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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 smoky barbecue sauce, creamy ranch dressing, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions. This comforting meal delivers a delightful combination of textures and rich, savory flavors perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
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, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Season Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and if desired, a sprinkle of garlic powder and smoked paprika for added depth of flavor.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a greased baking dish to prevent sticking. Brush each piece generously with barbecue sauce, then spoon ranch dressing evenly over them.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of each chicken breast to create a gooey, cheesy layer that will melt beautifully while baking.
- 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 bubbly and slightly golden.
- Add Crispy Onions: Remove the baking dish from the oven and immediately top each chicken breast with crispy fried onions to add a satisfying crunch.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring tender, juicy chicken.
Notes
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Use ranch dressing and barbecue sauce of your choice; experimenting with different flavors can customize the dish.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning.
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven to preserve the crispy onion topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Mississippi Mud Chicken, baked chicken, barbecue chicken, ranch dressing chicken, cheesy chicken, crispy fried onions, easy chicken recipe
