Description
Mississippi Mud Chicken is a quick dinner packed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and smoky barbecue flavor. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, easy dinner plans, comfort food cravings, and family dinner ideas when you want something hearty, cheesy, and seriously satisfying.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon chopped chives or parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Pat the chicken dry and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
5. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.
6. Top each piece with Monterey Jack cheese and cheddar cheese.
7. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the chicken.
8. Spoon the barbecue sauce over the top of each piece.
9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
10. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Searing the chicken first adds flavor and helps keep it juicy during baking.
Use a thick barbecue sauce so the topping stays rich and glossy instead of running off.
Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving so the cheese and sauce settle nicely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1180mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 58g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: Mississippi Mud Chicken, easy dinner, quick dinner, chicken dinner ideas, comfort food, baked chicken recipe, cheesy chicken, barbecue chicken