Description
Mississippi Mud Chicken is a savory and comforting baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, melted cheddar cheese, and topped with crispy fried onions for an irresistible crunch. This easy-to-make recipe combines smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors that make for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Sauces and Toppings
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken evenly.
- Season the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and optionally garlic powder and smoked paprika to enhance flavor.
- Arrange Chicken in Baking Dish:
Grease a baking dish lightly and place the seasoned chicken breasts evenly spaced inside.
- Add Sauces:
Brush each chicken breast with barbecue sauce, then spoon ranch dressing over the top of each piece for a creamy layer.
- Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken breasts to cover them well.
- Bake the Chicken:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Add Crispy Onions:
Remove the dish from the oven and immediately top each chicken breast with crispy fried onions to retain crunch.
- Rest Before Serving:
Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for tender, juicy bites.
Notes
- You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more smoked paprika for extra smoky flavor.
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- If preferred, replace ranch dressing with a homemade version for a fresher taste.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached 165°F for food safety.
- Crispy fried onions add texture but can be omitted for a softer topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Mississippi Mud Chicken, baked chicken, BBQ chicken, ranch chicken, cheddar cheese chicken, crispy fried onions, easy chicken dinner
