Mississippi Mud Chicken Recipe

Mississippi Mud Chicken is a comforting Southern classic that layers smoky BBQ sauce, tangy ranch, sharp cheddar, and crispy fried onions over tender baked chicken breasts. I first tasted a version of this dish at a family potluck, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. The combination of bold, familiar flavors with minimal prep makes it a winner for busy weeknights.

This recipe quickly became a go-to in my kitchen because it delivers restaurant-quality results without the fuss. The creamy ranch balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce, while melted cheddar adds richness and those crispy onions bring an irresistible crunch. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for meal prep Sunday, Mississippi Mud Chicken is a reliable, crowd-pleasing choice that never disappoints.

What You’ll Need to Make Mississippi Mud Chicken

Before you start, gather these simple ingredients. I always use a good-quality BBQ sauce with a balance of smoke and sweetness, and I recommend sticking with full-fat ranch dressing for the creamiest texture. Pro tip: freshly shredded cheddar melts better than pre-shredded varieties.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 to 8 oz each)
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing (I prefer full-fat for richness)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works beautifully)
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought like French’s)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: garlic powder, smoked paprika (adds depth)

How to Make Mississippi Mud Chicken Step by Step

I recommend prepping all your ingredients before you start so the assembly goes smoothly. This Mississippi Mud Chicken recipe is incredibly forgiving, but using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.

Step 2: Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or smoked paprika. I like to use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder per breast for extra flavor.

Step 3: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Brush each piece evenly with BBQ sauce, then spoon about 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing over each breast. The ranch will pool slightly around the edges, which is exactly what you want.

Step 4: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Don’t be shy with the cheese, it creates a golden, bubbly layer that’s delicious.

Step 5: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer in the thickest part. The cheese should be melted and bubbly with golden edges.

Step 6: Remove the baking dish from the oven and immediately top each piece of chicken with crispy fried onions. I use about 1/4 cup per breast for maximum crunch.

Step 7: Let the Mississippi Mud Chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.

Perfect Pairings for Mississippi Mud Chicken

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with sides that balance the richness and add freshness or comfort.

Roasted vegetables: Brussels sprouts, green beans, or broccoli add a healthy contrast and soak up the flavorful drippings.

Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the BBQ and ranch flavors while providing comforting, satisfying texture.

Side salad: A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing crunch.

Rice or quinoa: Both grains work as a neutral base to soak up the delicious sauce from the best Mississippi Mud Chicken recipe.

More Chicken Dinners You’ll Love

Mississippi Mud Chicken is just one of many easy chicken breast recipes that deliver big flavor with minimal effort. For another simple weeknight option, try the Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken with its sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce offers a similar comfort food appeal with an Italian twist that pairs perfectly with pasta or roasted vegetables.

If you’re looking to add variety to your meal rotation, the One Pan Marry Me Chicken delivers creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with minimal cleanup, while the Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Breast uses a similar baking method to create incredibly tender results. For slow cooker fans, the Crock Pot Crack Chicken offers that same addictive ranch and cheese combination with even less hands-on time.

Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers

Store any leftover Mississippi Mud Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend keeping the crispy onions separate if possible to maintain their crunch.

To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through. This method keeps the chicken moist and helps the onions stay crispier than microwaving. If you stored the onions separately, add them during the last 2 minutes of reheating.

Pro tip: This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can also assemble the entire Mississippi Mud Chicken recipe ahead of time (minus the fried onions) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Common Questions About Mississippi Mud Chicken

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