Mississippi Mud Chicken

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Mississippi Mud Chicken: A Flavorful & Easy Weeknight Meal!

Get ready for a burst of savory, tangy, and cheesy goodness with this incredibly simple Mississippi Mud Chicken! This dish features tender boneless chicken breasts smothered in a unique blend of creamy ranch and smoky barbecue sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese, and finished with delightful crispy fried onions. It’s a comforting, flavor-packed meal that comes together with minimal effort, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner!

This recipe delivers a fantastic combination of textures and tastes: the juicy chicken, the creamy and tangy sauce, the gooey melted cheese, and the satisfying crunch of fried onions. It’s an easy way to elevate everyday chicken into something truly special and satisfying, making it a guaranteed family favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ – 2 lbs total)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup ranch dressing
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite kind)
  • ¼ cup crispy fried onions (such as French’s Crispy Fried Onions)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment:

  • 9×13 inch baking dish or a large baking sheet
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Season the boneless chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Place them in the prepared baking dish or on the baking sheet.

  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the ½ cup ranch dressing and ½ cup barbecue sauce until well combined.

  3. Sauce & Cheese the Chicken: Pour the mixed ranch and barbecue sauce evenly over the top of the seasoned chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of each chicken breast, covering the sauce.

  4. Bake the Chicken: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C), and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.

  5. Add Crispy Onions & Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven. Immediately top each chicken breast with a sprinkle of crispy fried onions. The heat from the chicken will warm them slightly. Serve hot with your favorite side dish, such as mashed potatoes, rice, a simple green salad, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy this quick, flavorful, and incredibly comforting Mississippi Mud Chicken!

Tips & Variations:

  • Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can pound them slightly to an even thickness (about ¾-inch) for more even cooking.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ranch-BBQ mixture for a little kick.
  • Cheese Variety: While cheddar is classic, feel free to use other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend.
  • Make Ahead: The chicken can be seasoned and placed in the dish, and the sauce mixed, up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then proceed with baking when ready. Add crispy onions only just before serving.
  • Leftovers: Store any leftover Mississippi Mud Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven. The fried onions might lose some crispness upon reheating, but the flavor will still be great!

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