Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs work great and stay juicy. They may need a few extra minutes—still aim for 165°F .

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover Mississippi Mud Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days . Keep extra crispy onions separate if you can.

What’s the best way to reheat it?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave gently. Add fresh crispy onions after reheating to bring back that crunch.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken with the sauces and cheese, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours . Bake when ready, then add crispy onions at the end.

Can I make it lighter?

You can use a lighter ranch or less cheese, but I’ll be honest: this recipe’s whole vibe is cozy comfort. If you want balance, pair it with veggies and call it a win.

Mississippi Mud Chicken: A Craveable 30-Min Winner

Description

Mississippi Mud Chicken is an easy baked chicken dinner made with BBQ sauce, creamy ranch, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions. Comfort food made simple and irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
½ cup barbecue sauce
½ cup ranch dressing
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or smoked paprika.
Place the chicken in the prepared baking dish. Brush each piece with barbecue sauce.
Spoon ranch dressing evenly over the chicken.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each breast.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove from the oven and immediately top with crispy fried onions.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pound thick chicken breasts slightly for even cooking.

Add the fried onions after baking to keep them crunchy.

For a smoky kick, use smoked cheddar or spicy BBQ sauce.

Great served with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 980 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 115 mg