Discover the irresistible flavors of Mississippi Chicken, a delightful and easy-to-prepare dish. It has become a beloved staple in Southern cuisine. This crockpot recipe combines just five simple ingredients.
These ingredients are boneless skinless chicken breasts, ranch seasoning mix, au jus mix, unsalted butter, and jarred peperoncini peppers. Together, they create a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Inspired by the classic Mississippi Pot Roast, this chicken-based version offers the same savory and tangy profile. It also has a kick of spice from the pepperoncini peppers. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting to explore southern comfort foods, this Mississippi Chicken recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Table of Contents
What Makes Mississippi Chicken Special
Mississippi Chicken is a tasty one-pot meal loved by many. It comes from the classic Mississippi Pot Roast, but with some changes. These make it a great choice for one-pot meals and flavorful chicken recipes.
Origins of the Recipe
The Mississippi Chicken recipe was inspired by the Mississippi Pot Roast. This dish is known for its slow-cooked beef. By using chicken breasts instead, it offers a leaner option that many enjoy.
Key Flavor Components
The taste of Mississippi Chicken comes from a mix of ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, butter, and sliced peperoncini peppers. This mix gives it a family-friendly flavor that’s both savory and tangy. It’s a hit with everyone at the table.
Why It’s a Family Favorite
Mississippi Chicken is more than just tasty. It’s easy to make and can be served in many ways. The tender chicken works well in sandwiches, wraps, or with rice or pasta. It’s a favorite for families because it’s so versatile.
Essential Ingredients for Mississippi Chicken Recipe
To make the tasty Mississippi Chicken, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Start with 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts – the main attraction. Add 1 ounce packet of dry ranch dressing mix and 1 ounce packet of dry au jus gravy mix for bold, savory flavors.
Don’t forget 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted and mixed into the recipe. Also, 5-6 jarred peperoncini peppers bring a tangy, pickled kick. Some people also add black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder for extra flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 2 lbs |
| Dry Ranch Dressing Mix | 1 oz packet |
| Dry Au Jus Gravy Mix | 1 oz packet |
| Unsalted Butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Jarred Peperoncini Peppers | 5-6 |
| Optional Seasonings | Black Pepper, Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious Mississippi Chicken dish. It’s a mix of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. This recipe is sure to please everyone at your table.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the delicious Mississippi Chicken recipe, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. The key to this dish is the slow cooker. It’s perfect for cooking one-pot meals that are tender and full of flavor.
Slow Cooker Specifications
A 6-quart slow cooker is the best size for this Mississippi Chicken recipe. It gives enough room for the chicken, peppers, and seasonings to mix and get their unique taste. The slow cooking is crucial for the dish’s tender texture.
Alternative Cooking Vessels
You can also make Mississippi Chicken on the stovetop in a big stock pot or in an Instant Pot for faster cooking. No matter the choice, make sure it can hold the 3 pounds of chicken needed for this recipe.
Tools like a meat thermometer are helpful. They ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C). Also, two forks or a hand mixer make shredding the chicken easy.
| Equipment | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Slow Cooker | 6-quart capacity |
| Stock Pot | Large, for stovetop cooking |
| Instant Pot | For pressure cooking |
| Meat Thermometer | To ensure safe internal temperature |
| Forks or Hand Mixer | For shredding cooked chicken |
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Making the delicious Mississippi Chicken is easy and results in tender, tasty chicken. Start by putting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs in your slow cooker. Then, sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix over the chicken to ensure even coverage.
Next, add the key ingredient – butter. Cut 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and place them on top of the chicken. This will melt and make a creamy sauce. For more flavor, add sliced yellow onion and minced garlic.
- Place the chicken breasts and thighs in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix over the chicken.
- Add 4 tablespoons of sliced, unsalted butter on top of the chicken.
- Layer the pickled banana pepper rings over the butter.
- Optional: Add diced yellow onion and minced garlic for additional flavor.
Finally, put the pickled banana pepper rings on top of the butter. No extra liquid is needed because the chicken and butter will make their own juices. Follow these steps for a comforting and tasty easy chicken dishes and comfort food recipe.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 2 pounds |
| Ranch Dressing Mix | 1 packet |
| Au Jus Gravy Mix | 1 packet |
| Unsalted Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Pickled Banana Pepper Rings | 3/4 cup |
| Yellow Onion (optional) | 1 small, diced |
| Garlic, minced (optional) | 2 cloves |
“The secret to the perfect Mississippi Chicken lies in the balance of flavors – the tangy ranch, the savory au jus, and the rich, creamy butter. It’s a comfort food dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.”
Slow Cooker Cooking Instructions
Learning to cook perfect slow cooker Mississippi chicken is key. You can choose between high or low heat. Either way, you’ll get a dish that’s tender and full of flavor, loved by all.
High Heat Method
Want it fast? Try the high heat method. Just put all your ingredients in the slow cooker. Set it to high and cook for 3-4 hours. Your chicken will be juicy and tender.
Low Heat Method
Got more time? Go for the low heat method. Set it to low and cook for 6-8 hours. This way, the flavors blend beautifully, making the dish even more delicious.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Always check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before shredding.
- Use two forks or an electric hand mixer to easily shred the cooked chicken.
- Let the shredded chicken sit in the flavorful cooking juices for 10-15 minutes before serving, allowing it to soak up even more deliciousness.
Follow these tips for a slow cooker Mississippi chicken that’s full of flavor. Enjoy every bite!
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you don’t have a slow cooker or prefer other cooking ways, you can still make one-pot meals and easy chicken dishes like Mississippi Chicken. You can use the stovetop, Instant Pot, or oven. Each method lets you enjoy the same tasty flavors of this beloved recipe.
Stovetop Method
To cook on the stovetop, put chicken, pepperoncini peppers, butter or ghee, bouillon, and ranch seasoning in a big stockpot. Add 1 cup of chicken broth, cover, and simmer on medium-low heat for up to 4 hours. This way, the chicken becomes tender and falls off the bone.
Instant Pot Method
The Instant Pot makes Mississippi Chicken easy to prepare. Put 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water in the Instant Pot. Then, add the rest of the ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then let it rest for 10 minutes.
Oven Method
To cook in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Put all the ingredients in a Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. This ensures the chicken is cooked and the flavors blend well.
No matter the method, you’ll get a tender and flavorful Mississippi Chicken. It’s sure to become a favorite in your family.
Perfect Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serving Mississippi Chicken can be a fun adventure. This dish is great for family meals and can be paired with many sides. It’s perfect for any event.
Side Dish Options
Try it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a classic taste. For a healthier option, go for cauliflower rice. You can also serve it with a garden salad, Longhorn Brussel Sprouts, or Air Fryer Green Beans.
Presentation Tips
To make your Mississippi Chicken look great, add peperoncini peppers and fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. For something different, make sandwiches with bread, mayonnaise, and provolone cheese on top.
| Serving Suggestion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Over Mashed Potatoes | 350 | 28g | 35g | 15g |
| With Cauliflower Rice | 280 | 30g | 10g | 16g |
| On Open-Face Sandwich | 400 | 32g | 40g | 18g |
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying the delicious Mississippi chicken recipe doesn’t have to end with the first meal. This family-friendly dish can be easily stored and reheated to savor the flavors time and time again. Follow these simple guidelines to make the most of your leftovers:
Storage: Store any leftover Mississippi chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer-term storage, the dish can also be frozen for 1-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat the chicken, simply place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent drying out.
By following these easy storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy the delicious, family-friendly flavors of Mississippi chicken anytime. It’s a go-to option for easy chicken dishes that the whole family will love.
| Nutritional Information | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 365kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g |
| Trans Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 133mg |
| Sodium | 961mg |
| Potassium | 451mg |
| Fiber | 0.4g |
| Sugar | 0.2g |
| Vitamin A | 778IU |
| Vitamin C | 10mg |
| Calcium | 14mg |
| Iron | 0.5mg |
By following these simple storage and reheating guidelines, you can enjoy the delicious, family-friendly flavors of Mississippi chicken anytime. It’s a convenient and easy option for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
The Mississippi Chicken recipe is great for making your own version. You can change the ingredients and make it fit your diet. Want to try different proteins or adjust the spice? There are many ways to do it.
Ingredient Alternatives
Want to use darker meat? Try boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They’re fattier, making the chicken even juicier. You can also swap the pepperoncini peppers for milder banana peppers. Or mix them for the perfect spice.
Dietary Modifications
For a lactose-free version, use a dairy-free butter. You can also choose a dairy-free ranch dip mix. Or make your own seasoning with herbs and spices.
To cut down on sodium, look for low-sodium au jus gravy mix and ranch seasoning. Or make them from scratch for even less sodium.