If you’re craving comfort food with bold Southern flair, Mississippi Mud Chicken is about to steal your heart (and your taste buds). This irresistible dish piles up juicy, seared chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy topping loaded with mushrooms, bacon, green onions, barbecue sauce, and ranch dressing—then bakes it all until bubbling and golden. Whether you’re feeding a family or whipping up a hearty weeknight dinner, Mississippi Mud Chicken guarantees a plateful of happiness with every cheesy, barbecue-drizzled bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Mississippi Mud Chicken is just how effortlessly spectacular it comes together. Every ingredient serves up something special: savory flavor, gooey texture, a pop of color, or a welcome crunch. Here’s what you’ll need (and why each one matters!):
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless breasts as a blank, juicy canvas that can soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Salt: A simple sprinkle brings out the best in your chicken and balances the rich toppings.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth that wakes up the whole dish.
- Olive Oil: Perfect for searing the chicken, giving it a golden crust before baking.
- Sliced Mushrooms: Earthy and tender, they add a lovely savory layer that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese.
- Cooked and Crumbled Bacon: Smoky, salty, and crispy—bacon is a classic “mud pie” topping for good reason!
- Chopped Green Onions: Fresh, mild, and crunchy, these give just the right pop of color and flavor contrast.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty richness that defines the dish’s signature gooey topping.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that irresistible stretch and creamy finish—nothing beats mozzarella for cheesiness!
- Barbecue Sauce: Sweet, tangy, and smoky, it brings all the Southern barbecue energy right into the pan.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy, herby, and cool, ranch ties all the toppings together for the ultimate finish.
How to Make Mississippi Mud Chicken
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and giving your 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of nonstick spray or oil. This keeps cleanup easy and helps the chicken bake evenly. While the oven heats, let your ingredients come to room temperature—especially the cheese, for better melting!
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry, then season both sides with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sear each chicken breast for 3–4 minutes per side, just until they’re golden brown on the outside. Don’t worry about cooking them through at this stage—they’ll finish baking in the oven.
Step 3: Layer on the “Mud”
Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish. Here comes the fun part: evenly scatter sliced mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions over each piece. Don’t be shy—this is what makes Mississippi Mud Chicken living up to its name!
Step 4: Drizzle with Sauces
Next, pour the barbecue sauce and ranch dressing right on top of the layered goodness. The sauce soaks into the toppings and chicken as it bakes, creating one flavorful, cohesive bite every time.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Blanket
Generously sprinkle both the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over everything, making sure every corner is covered. The mix of cheeses means you’ll get the perfect combo of sharp, melty, and stretchy with every forkful.
Step 6: Bake and Rest
Slide the baking dish into your hot oven and bake, uncovered, for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know your Mississippi Mud Chicken is ready when the cheese is bubbling and golden and the chicken’s internal temperature hits 165°F. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to set those oozy layers—then dig in!
How to Serve Mississippi Mud Chicken
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of fresh green onions or chopped parsley adds a pop of brightness and color. If you’re feeling indulgent, a pinch of extra crispy bacon crumbles on top can only be a good idea for this already-deluxe Mississippi Mud Chicken.
Side Dishes
Mississippi Mud Chicken sings alongside a heap of creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or oven-roasted veggies. A crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette offers freshness and balances the richness of the “mud.” For a true Southern spread, don’t forget buttery cornbread!
Creative Ways to Present
Bring extra flair to your table by serving the chicken bubbling hot in individual cast-iron skillets or ramekins. For parties, slice the chicken breasts before baking, and arrange artfully for easy serving. Mississippi Mud Chicken also makes a showstopping open-faced sandwich—pile it on toasted sourdough and let those toppings ooze down the sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooled Mississippi Mud Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and meld even more by day two—making it a lunch you’ll look forward to!
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each portion tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Mississippi Mud Chicken freezes well for up to 2 months. For the best texture, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered loosely with foil, until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again—about 15–20 minutes. In a pinch, use the microwave in short bursts, but the oven helps restore that freshly-baked finish.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Mississippi Mud Chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more juiciness and flavor. Just keep in mind that thighs might take a few minutes longer to reach that safe 165°F internal temperature.
Is there a way to make Mississippi Mud Chicken spicier?
Of course! Add some sliced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or a kicky BBQ sauce to turn up the heat. Hot sauce on the side is a great customizable touch.
Can I prep Mississippi Mud Chicken the day before?
Yes! You can assemble everything up to the point of baking and refrigerate tightly covered overnight. When you’re ready to cook, bake straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What type Main Course
A classic sweet and smoky barbecue sauce is traditional for Mississippi Mud Chicken, but feel free to use your favorite—you can go tangy, spicy, or honeyed, depending on your taste.
Is Mississippi Mud Chicken gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients called for are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your barbecue sauce and ranch labels to be sure if gluten is a concern for you.
Final Thoughts
It’s impossible not to fall in love with Mississippi Mud Chicken: it’s just the right balance of hearty, cheesy, smoky, and tangy. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own! Whenever you’re craving some edible happiness, this dish is sure to deliver—so gather your ingredients and dig in.
Print
Mississippi Mud Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Mississippi Mud Chicken, a cheesy and savory baked dish that’s sure to impress with its combination of barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, bacon, and gooey melted cheeses over tender chicken breasts.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings:
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Season Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: In a skillet, sear chicken in olive oil until lightly browned.
- Assemble: Transfer chicken to the baking dish. Top with mushrooms, bacon, green onions, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and cheeses.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked and cheese is melted.
- Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Marinate chicken in barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Chicken thighs can be used as an alternative.
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