When you’re craving something comforting, flavorful, and easy to make, Mississippi Chicken is the perfect choice. This dish brings together tender chicken, a rich buttery sauce, and a hint of tangy heat from pepperoncini peppers. It’s simple to prepare and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a meal for guests, Mississippi Chicken is your go-to recipe.
Why We Love Mississippi Chicken
Mississippi Chicken has become a staple for a reason. It’s a perfect blend of simplicity, flavor, and versatility. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Unbeatable Flavor Profile: The combination of ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, and pepperoncini peppers creates an irresistible flavor that’s both tangy and savory. The butter adds a smooth, creamy finish, making every bite melt in your mouth.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Taste: The beauty of Mississippi Chicken lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can make a meal that packs a punch. It’s a great option for those days when you don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.
- Set It and Forget It: You can make Mississippi Chicken in a slow cooker, which means you can toss everything in and let it cook while you go about your day. It’s a no-fuss dinner that will make you feel like a gourmet chef without all the hassle.
- Versatile Meal: Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, Mississippi Chicken adapts beautifully to whatever side you prefer. You can even throw it into a wrap for a fun and casual meal!
Ingredients for Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Before you start cooking, let’s gather the ingredients for Mississippi Chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They shred easily and work perfectly in Mississippi Chicken.
Ranch seasoning – A packet of dry ranch mix gives the classic tangy flavor.
Au jus gravy mix – Adds deep, savory flavor. Stick to the au jus mix, not regular gravy.
Pepperoncini peppers – These mild peppers give Mississippi Chicken its signature zing. Use the jarred kind.
Butter – Unsalted butter melts into the sauce for a rich, comforting finish.
How to Make Mississippi Chicken
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through how to make this dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken without overpowering the seasoning mix. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker or a baking dish.
Step 2: Mix the Seasonings
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken breasts. You don’t need to do anything fancy here – just make sure the chicken is fully coated with the seasonings for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Add the Butter and Peppers
Place the stick of butter directly on top of the chicken. As the butter melts, it will blend with the seasonings and create a rich sauce. Add the pepperoncini peppers around the chicken. Their tangy flavor will infuse the sauce as it cooks.
Step 4: Cook
Slow Cooker Method: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender and infused with the seasoning.
Oven Method: If you prefer to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the chicken for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker or oven and shred it using two forks. Stir the sauce to combine the melted butter with the seasoning. Serve the shredded chicken with the sauce over your favorite sides.
Expert Tips
To ensure that your Mississippi Chicken is absolutely perfect every time, here are a few expert tips:
Use Bone-In Chicken: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work wonderfully, bone-in chicken can offer even more flavor and juiciness. The bones help retain moisture during cooking, resulting in even more tender meat.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a little more heat, add extra pepperoncini peppers or even some sliced jalapeños. You can also drizzle in a bit of hot sauce to kick up the spice.
Don’t Skip the Butter: The butter is key to the creamy, flavorful sauce that makes this dish so irresistible. Make sure you include it!
Shred the Chicken Well: Once cooked, shred the chicken finely to help it absorb all of the flavors in the sauce. The more shredded it is, the more flavorful each bite will be.
Variations of Mississippi Chicken
Mississippi Chicken is a versatile dish that you can adapt to suit your tastes. Here are some fun variations to try:
Mississippi Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are a great alternative to breasts. They stay juicy during slow cooking and have a richer flavor. Simply swap out the breasts for thighs and follow the same cooking method.
Mississippi Chicken Wraps: For a casual twist, shred the chicken and wrap it in a tortilla with some fresh veggies, cheese, and a drizzle of ranch dressing. It’s a fun, hand-held way to enjoy this dish!
Spicy Mississippi Chicken: If you’re a fan of heat, add sliced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili flakes to the slow cooker. This will add a fiery kick to the dish.
Vegetarian Mississippi “Chicken”: If you prefer a plant-based alternative, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. These protein-packed options soak up the seasoning and provide a satisfying texture.
Serving Mississippi Chicken
Mississippi Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Here are some great options to serve with your dish:
Classic Pairings
Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, rich sauce from the chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, soaking into every bite.
Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice works perfectly to absorb the sauce and add substance to the meal.
Pasta: If you’re craving something different, serve the shredded chicken over pasta. The butter-based sauce will coat the noodles perfectly.
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FAQ
What is Mississippi Chicken?
Mississippi Chicken is a flavorful chicken dish made with ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, pepperoncini peppers, and butter. It’s a tender and juicy dish with a rich, tangy, and buttery sauce that makes it incredibly satisfying.
Can I make Mississippi Chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, Mississippi Chicken is traditionally made in a slow cooker. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and allows the chicken to cook slowly, making it tender and full of flavor. You can also bake it in the oven if you prefer.
Is Mississippi Chicken spicy?
While Mississippi Chicken has a subtle heat from the pepperoncini peppers, it’s not overly spicy. You can always add more peppers or hot sauce to adjust the heat level to your liking.
Can I use chicken thighs for Mississippi Chicken?
Yes! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They are rich in flavor and stay juicy when cooked slowly, making them an excellent alternative to chicken breasts.
What should I serve with Mississippi Chicken?
Mississippi Chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. You can also serve it with vegetables or fresh cornbread for a complete meal.
Mississippi Chicken
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or use chicken thighs for more flavor
- 1 packet ranch seasoning about 1 oz
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix about 1 oz
- 5 pepperoncini peppers or more for extra heat
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter 1/2 stick
Optional Garnishes
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- extra pepperoncini peppers for added spice
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Place them in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken.
- Place the butter on top of the chicken. Add the pepperoncini peppers around the meat.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with the sauce before serving.