Description
Mississippi Mud Chicken is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring tender bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs simmered in a rich, savory sauce made with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and smoked paprika. The chicken is first browned on the stovetop and then baked to perfection in the oven, ensuring juicy meat with a deep, smoky taste. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this recipe is garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later.
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 5 minutes per side until the skin is golden and crispy, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they become soft and fragrant, which should take a few minutes.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and beef broth into the skillet. Mix well and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken slightly.
- Add chicken back to skillet: Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish and serve: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and garnish the chicken with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the Mississippi Mud Chicken hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- For best results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to keep the meat juicy and flavorful during cooking.
- If you don’t have a large ovenproof skillet, transfer the sauce and chicken to a baking dish before placing in the oven.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper after baking if needed.
- The sauce pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
