Name: Mississippi Mud Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each, patted dry); 1/2 cup ranch dressing (room temperature for easy spreading); 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety (sweet or smoky)); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (freshly shredded for best melting); 1/4 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade, for topping); Salt (to taste); Pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, juicy, and downright comforting, Mississippi Mud Chicken is the kind of weeknight winner that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With a tangy ranch-and-barbecue sauce base, melty cheddar, and a crunchy crown of fried onions, this dish hits savory, creamy, and crispy notes all at once. Fun fact: the “Mississippi” label has wandered from pot roasts to chicken recipes over the years, and this version borrows the saucy, cozy spirit of its namesake. If you love easy comfort food, this recipe takes under an hour from start to finish and uses just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients.

If you’re exploring similar crowd-pleasers, check out this flavorful Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken for a slow-cooker twist that needs almost zero babysitting. This recipe is special because it’s simple, quick, and family-friendly—perfect for busy nights or casual company. Read on and get ready to make a cheesy, saucy dinner your whole family will ask for again.

What is Mississippi Mud Chicken?

What’s in a name? Why “Mississippi Mud Chicken”? Is it messy in the best possible way? The name is playful—think rich, saucy, and a little indulgent, like the famous Mississippi Mud Cake but savory. Maybe someone joked that the saucy, dark glaze and melted cheese looked like a comforting mud puddle of flavor. Who knows? Whatever the origin, this dish proves that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” So why not give it a try and see if it charms your household the same way?

Why You’ll Love This

This recipe is irresistible for three reasons. First, the main highlight is the tangy, creamy ranch-barbecue sauce marriage with melted cheddar—every bite is juicy and satisfying. Second, making it at home saves money over takeout and uses affordable pantry staples you may already have on hand. Third, the crunchy fried onions on top add texture and a restaurant-style finish that elevates the dish.

The flavors are familiar yet comforting, reminiscent of other fan favorites like our Mississippi Mud Cake Brownies in the way they combine simple ingredients into something richer than the sum of their parts. Give it a try and see how easily it becomes a family favorite.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This meal is quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear from plates. Preparation is straightforward: season, mix, slather, cheese, bake, and finish with a crisp topping. Texture-wise you’ll love the creamy sauce and melty cheese paired with juicy chicken and a crunchy onion topping. Total time: about 35–40 minutes (10 minutes prep, 25–30 minutes baking).

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each), patted dry
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, freshly shredded for best melting
1/2 cup ranch dressing, room temperature for easy spreading
1/2 cup barbecue sauce, your favorite variety (sweet or smoky)
1/4 cup crispy fried onions, store-bought or homemade, for topping
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the center of the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease a shallow baking dish for easier cleanup.
Pat each chicken breast dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Dry chicken browns better and helps the sauce cling.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet or dish. Give them a little room so heat circulates evenly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and barbecue sauce until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust—if you like it smokier, add a splash more BBQ sauce.
Spoon the ranch-barbecue mixture evenly over each chicken breast, using the back of the spoon to spread it to the edges. Don’t worry if it drips a little—that’s part of the flavor.
Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over each chicken breast. Make sure the cheese covers the top so it melts into a bubbly blanket.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like a browner top, switch to broil for the last 1–2 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.
Remove from the oven and immediately top each breast with the crispy fried onions for contrast in texture. Let the chicken rest 3–5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
Serve with your favorite side and enjoy this cheesy, saucy, and crispy comfort food.

Mississippi Mud Chicken

What to Serve With

Pair Mississippi Mud Chicken with sides that balance the richness. Great options include:

Buttery mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower for a creamy bed to soak up sauce
Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for a bright, slightly bitter contrast
A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette to cut the richness
Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to mop up extra sauce
For drinks, iced tea, a light lager, or a sparkling lemonade complement the tangy profile

Top Tips for Perfecting

Ingredient substitutions: Use shredded pepper jack for a little heat, or swap ranch for a creamy blue cheese dressing for depth.
Timing adjustments: Thicker chicken breasts may need an extra 5–7 minutes; thin cutlets will cook faster—adjust accordingly and check temperature.
Flavor boosts: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce mix for extra umami.
Crunch hacks: If crispy onions get soggy, store them separately and add right before serving.
Common mistakes: Don’t overbake—dry chicken ruins the experience. Use a meat thermometer to ensure juiciness.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through to preserve texture. For quicker reheating, microwave in 30-second intervals and finish in a hot pan to crisp the topping. Avoid high microwave power for long periods to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Bone-in or boneless thighs work well and may stay juicier. Increase baking time by about 5–10 minutes if using bone-in thighs.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely. Use dairy-free ranch, dairy-free shredded cheddar, and skip or replace crispy onions with toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the chicken with sauce and cheese, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the crispy onions just before baking or after reheating.

How do I make homemade crispy fried onions?
Thinly slice an onion, dredge in flour seasoned with salt and pepper, and fry in hot oil until golden. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle on top just before serving.

Can I prepare this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
This exact assembly shines in the oven, but you can adapt it—slow-cook the chicken with sauce, then transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil to melt and crisp. For a slow-cooker version, follow your favorite Mississippi chicken slow-cooker recipe.

Conclusion

Mississippi Mud Chicken is a straightforward, flavor-packed weeknight dish that brings creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures together in less than an hour. It’s easy enough for busy nights yet tasty enough to serve when friends drop by. If you loved this baked version, you might enjoy exploring other takes on Mississippi-style chicken like the slow-cooked comfort of Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken – The Country Cook or a slightly different homemade spin at Mississippi Chicken • Salt & Lavender. Give this recipe a try, share it with family, and enjoy the happy, saucy results.