Go Back
A close-up overhead shot of a skillet filled with cheesy baked Mississippi Mud Chicken, topped with crumbled bacon and sliced green onions.

Mississippi Mud Chicken: The Ultimate Cheesy Baked Dinner

This Mississippi Mud Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, savory sauce, then topped with melted cheese and crispy bacon. It's the ultimate one-pan comfort food dinner, perfect for any busy weeknight meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6 oz each
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large oven-safe skillet (12-inch) A cast-iron skillet works best.
  • 1 Small mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Season the chicken on all sides.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce, stirring and scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle both cheeses and the crumbled bacon over the chicken. Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese as it melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
A cast-iron skillet is ideal for going from stovetop to oven, but a regular skillet and baking dish will also work.
Ensure chicken breasts are of a similar thickness for even cooking.