Mississippi Mud Chicken (Printable)
Tender chicken smothered in a velvety cream sauce with mushrooms, bacon, and bubbly cheese
# What's Needed:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Sauce & Toppings
06 - 6 strips bacon, chopped
07 - 1 cup cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 cup heavy cream
10 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
11 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
12 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
13 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
14 - 2 green onions, sliced
15 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
03 - In a large ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden. Remove to a plate.
04 - In the same skillet, add chopped bacon. Cook until crispy; remove and set aside, reserving about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the skillet.
05 - Add mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
06 - Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
07 - Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over each piece. Top with cooked bacon, cheddar, and mozzarella cheese.
08 - Transfer skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F) and cheese is melted and bubbling.
09 - Sprinkle with green onions and parsley before serving.
# Tips for Success:
01 -
- Bacon and melted cheese transform ordinary chicken into something that feels like a special occasion dinner
- The entire dish comes together in one skillet meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying the meal
02 -
- An ovenproof skillet is essential because transferring everything to a baking dish causes you to lose all those flavorful browned bits
- Let the chicken rest for five minutes after baking so the sauce has time to thicken slightly and cling to each piece
03 -
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness at 165°F because overcooked chicken will toughen even in this creamy sauce
- If the sauce looks too thick after baking add a splash of warm chicken broth to reach your desired consistency