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Mississippi Mud Chicken Bake

Mississippi Mud Chicken Bake is an easy cheesy baked chicken dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 2 –3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ large red onion sliced into half-moon rounds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning
  • ½ –¾ cup barbecue sauce
  • 3 –4 sliced pepperoncini per piece of chicken
  • 1 teaspoon pepperoncini juice
  • 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1½ cups French fried onions
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter melted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Butterfly the chicken breasts all the way through so you have 4–6 thinner chicken pieces.
  • Spread the sliced red onion across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with about one-quarter of the ranch seasoning. Toss to coat, then arrange the onions in an even layer.
  • Place the chicken pieces in a single layer over the onions. Sprinkle the remaining ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken.
  • Spoon the barbecue sauce over the chicken, using approximately ¼ cup per whole chicken breast and dividing it between the butterflied pieces.
  • Arrange 3–4 pepperoncini slices over each chicken piece. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of pepperoncini juice across the entire baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the freshly shredded mozzarella evenly over the chicken.
  • Place the French fried onions in a large zip-top bag and gently crush them into rustic pieces. Add the melted butter, seal the bag, and shake until the onions are evenly coated.
  • Sprinkle the buttery fried onions evenly over the mozzarella.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, crimping the foil securely around the edges. This traps moisture inside and helps keep the chicken tender while it cooks.
  • Bake the Mississippi Mud Chicken Bake covered for 25 minutes.
  • Carefully remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling, the onion topping is golden, and the chicken is completely cooked.
  • Check the thickest portion of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
  • Rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can substitute another good melting cheese for some or all of the mozzarella. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a combination of cheeses can give this barbecue chicken bake a slightly different flavor.