why make this recipe
Mississippi Mud Chicken is fast, tasty, and uses simple pantry items. You get creamy ranch, tangy BBQ, melty cheese, and a crunchy top in one dish. If you like easy comfort food, this recipe is a good pick. For a more classic take on the dish, see this easy ranch chicken bake for ideas you can borrow.
introduction
This dish cooks in the oven and comes together fast. It makes a tasty weeknight meal and pleases kids and adults. The flavors are bold but not hard to make. For more background on Mississippi-style chicken, check this Mississippi chicken page.
how to make Mississippi Mud Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or smoked paprika.
- Place chicken in a greased baking dish. Brush with BBQ sauce and spoon ranch over each breast.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and top each piece with crispy fried onions. Let rest 3–5 minutes before serving.
This method keeps steps clear and simple. If you like creamy baked chicken styles, you may also find tips from this baked cream cheese chicken helpful.
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
Directions :
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika if desired.
- Place chicken in a greased baking dish. Brush with BBQ sauce and spoon ranch dressing over each breast.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and top each piece with crispy fried onions.
- Let rest 3–5 minutes before serving.
how to serve Mississippi Mud Chicken
Serve the chicken with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. The crispy onions add texture, so add them last. You can slice the breasts and spoon any juices over the meat. A side of steamed veggies works well to balance the rich flavors.
how to store Mississippi Mud Chicken
Cool the chicken to room temperature, then place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the topping crisp, or microwave for a quick meal but the onions may soften.
tips to make Mississippi Mud Chicken
- Pound the chicken to even thickness so it cooks evenly.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning so toppings stick.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F for safe cooking.
- Add the crispy onions only after baking to keep them crunchy.
- For extra flavor, let the chicken sit with ranch and BBQ for 10 minutes before baking.
- For different textures and ideas, compare methods like the bang bang chicken bowl tips and adapt what you like.
variation (if any)
- Use cream cheese under the ranch for a richer sauce.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Try chicken thighs instead of breasts; cook until they reach 165°F.
- Make a low-sodium version by using low-salt ranch and BBQ sauces.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, but thaw them before baking for even cooking. If you cook from frozen, increase time and check internal temp.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. You can cook on low for 4–6 hours and add cheese and onions near the end. For a slow cooker version, see slow cooker ideas and cook times online.
Q: Can I skip the crispy onions?
A: Yes. The onions add crunch, but the dish still tastes good without them.
Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Yes. The flavors are mild and cheesy, which many kids enjoy.
Conclusion
This simple Mississippi Mud Chicken recipe delivers creamy, tangy, and crunchy flavors with little fuss. For a slow-cooker variation and more tips, see this slow cooker Mississippi chicken recipe. If you want another home-cooked version and step-by-step photos, check the Salt & Lavender Mississippi Chicken guide.
Mississippi Mud Chicken
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Pound to even thickness for even cooking.
- ½ cup ranch dressing Can use low-sodium version for a lighter choice.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Can substitute with pepper jack for a spicy version.
- ½ cup barbecue sauce Use low-salt BBQ for a lighter choice.
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought) Add after baking to maintain crunchiness.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season according to preference.
- to taste Garlic powder, smoked paprika Optional for added flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or smoked paprika.
- Place chicken in a greased baking dish.
- Brush with BBQ sauce and spoon ranch over each breast.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly on top.
Cooking
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and top each piece with crispy fried onions.
- Let rest 3–5 minutes before serving.
