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
Scale
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
