Mississippi Chicken Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Dish
Introduction
If you’ve been searching for an easy, delicious, and hearty dish, look no further than Mississippi Chicken. This Southern classic packs tons of flavor with simple ingredients and minimal effort, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight meal. In this article, we’ll break down the recipe, step by step, while offering tips and variations to make it just right for you.
What is Mississippi Chicken?
Mississippi Chicken is a tender, juicy, and tangy dish typically made with a few pantry staples: chicken, ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. Originally inspired by Mississippi Pot Roast, this chicken version has quickly become a family favorite for its flavor and simplicity.
Ingredients for Mississippi Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this savory dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 6-8 pepperoncini peppers
- ¼ cup pepperoncini juice
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: Adds a creamy, tangy flavor.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix: Elevates the savory depth of the chicken.
- Butter: Ensures richness and tenderness.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: Provides a mild heat and vinegar zing.
How to Prepare Mississippi Chicken
Step-by-step Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Season: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix over the chicken.
- Add the Butter: Cut the butter into small cubes and scatter them on top of the seasoned chicken.
- Pepperoncini Time: Add the pepperoncini peppers and pour in some juice from the jar to give the chicken a kick.
- Cook: Set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, depending on how much time you have.
Once the chicken is done, it should be fork-tender and infused with the tangy, buttery sauce.
Tips for Cooking the Perfect Mississippi Chicken
- Don’t skip the butter: This keeps the chicken tender and adds a luscious flavor to the sauce.
- Watch the time: Overcooking the chicken will cause it to dry out, so be mindful of the cooking time.
- Use pepperoncini wisely: If you’re not a fan of heat, feel free to reduce the number of peppers or use milder varieties.
Variations of Mississippi Chicken
Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken
This is the traditional method. Simply follow the instructions above for a set-it-and-forget-it meal.
Instant Pot Mississippi Chicken
For a quicker version, you can use the Instant Pot. Set it to “Poultry” for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release. This method gives you the same delicious results in less time.
Baked Mississippi Chicken
Prefer baking? You can place the ingredients in a baking dish and cook at 350°F for about 45 minutes. The butter will melt and combine with the seasoning for a flavorful sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this flavorful dish over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a simple side salad.
Why Mississippi Chicken is Popular
One of the main reasons for the popularity of Mississippi Chicken is its simplicity. It requires minimal prep, and the slow cooker does most of the work. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, making it perfect for meal prep or serving at family gatherings.
Advantages of Mississippi Chicken
- Simple and Easy to Make
This recipe is incredibly simple, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. You just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it cook while you take care of other tasks.
- Minimal Ingredients
Mississippi Chicken requires only a few pantry staples—ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini. These easy-to-find ingredients come together to create a flavor-packed dish.
- Versatile
You can use different cuts of chicken, such as thighs or drumsticks, and cook Mississippi Chicken in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or even bake it in the oven. It’s adaptable for different cooking methods.
- Meal Prep Friendly
Since this dish stores well, you can make a large batch and use it for meal prep. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor
The combination of ranch seasoning, buttery richness, and tangy pepperoncini creates a dish that’s hard to resist. It’s mild enough for kids yet flavorful enough to satisfy adults.
Disadvantages of Mississippi Chicken
- High in Fat
With half a cup of butter, this dish is rich and indulgent but can be high in fat. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you may want to reduce the amount of butter or use a light butter alternative.
- Sodium Content
Both ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix are known for being high in sodium. If you’re watching your salt intake, opt for low-sodium versions of these ingredients or reduce the quantity.
- Not for Spicy Food Lovers
While pepperoncini peppers add a little bit of heat, they aren’t very spicy. If you prefer a spicier dish, you might need to add some extra heat with chili flakes or jalapeños.
Nutritional Information
For a typical serving of Mississippi Chicken:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
Keep in mind that the nutritional value can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
Mississippi Chicken for Meal Prep
This recipe works wonderfully for meal prepping. You can make a big batch and portion it out for the week. Simply store it in airtight containers in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.
How to Store and Reheat Mississippi Chicken
- Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm it up in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to maintain moisture.
Best Side Dishes to Pair with Mississippi Chicken
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed vegetables
- Rice or quinoa
- Buttery rolls
Conclusion
Mississippi Chicken is a simple, versatile, and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a win for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
FAQs
What cut of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but you can also use chicken thighs for more flavor.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just adjust the cooking time slightly longer if using frozen chicken.
What can I substitute for pepperoncini?
You can use banana peppers or mild jalapenos if you prefer less heat.
Is Mississippi Chicken gluten-free?
Most ranch seasoning and au jus packets contain gluten, so be sure to choose gluten-free versions.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, it can be baked in the oven or made in an Instant Pot.