Mississippi Chicken is a simple yet delicious slow-cooked dish that has gained popularity for its savory flavors and ease of preparation. This dish features tender chicken breasts infused with the rich tastes of ranch seasoning, au jus gravy, and zesty pepperoncini peppers. Once cooked, it creates a moist and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe delivers satisfaction with minimal effort.
Why We Love This Mississippi Chicken Recipe
There are countless reasons to love this Mississippi Chicken recipe. First and foremost, it requires just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The convenience of a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing the chicken to cook to perfection while you go about your day. The unique combination of ranch seasoning and pepperoncini peppers gives this dish a delightful punch of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, it’s a versatile meal that can be served in various ways – from a sandwich filling to a hearty main dish alongside rice or vegetables.
Ingredients about Mississippi Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 jar pepperoncini peppers (including the juice)
- 1/2 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Mississippi Chicken Directions
Making Mississippi Chicken is as straightforward as it gets. Here’s how to whip up this delightful dish:
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Begin by arranging the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crock pot. This serves as the base for the flavors to meld together.
- Season the Chicken: Take the ranch dressing mix and the au jus gravy mix, and sprinkle them evenly over the chicken breasts. These two mixes are the stars of the show, elevating the chicken’s flavor profile with their creamy and savory notes.
- Add Peppers: Next, open the jar of pepperoncini peppers. Pour these tangy peppers, along with their juice, over the chicken. This addition will infuse the dish with a delightful, subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the richness of the sauce.
- Top with Butter: Cut the butter into small pieces and distribute them over the top of the ingredients in the crock pot. The butter will melt as the chicken cooks, creating a luscious sauce.
- Cook: Cover your crock pot and set it to low heat. Let it cook for 6 to 8 hours. At the end of this cooking time, the chicken should be tender and fully cooked, making it easy to shred.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces directly in the crock pot. This ensures the chicken absorbs all the flavors from the sauce and spices.
- Mix It Up: After shredding, give everything a good stir to combine the chicken with the delicious sauce created from the ranch, au jus, and pepperoncini juice.
- Serve: Your Mississippi Chicken is now ready to be served warm. It can be enjoyed as is or with accompaniments of your choice.
How to Serve Mississippi Chicken
Mississippi Chicken is not only versatile, but it also adapts well to various serving styles. You can start by serving it on a bed of rice or alongside creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delightful sauce. If you’re looking for something lighter, consider serving it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. This dish also works wonderfully in sandwiches or wraps. Picture a hearty Southern-style sandwich packed with Mississippi Chicken, topped with your favorite greens and perhaps a drizzle of ranch dressing for an extra kick. Don’t forget the crusty bread or soft rolls that would make for perfect vessels for this flavorful filling.
Expert Tips: Mississippi Chicken
Here are a few tips to help you master your Mississippi Chicken and take it to the next level:
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra pepperoncini peppers or include sliced jalapeños for a fiery twist. Adjusting the amount of peppers will change the flavor profile to suit your taste.
- Chicken Variations: While this recipe uses chicken breasts, you can experiment with chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving when cooked.
- Adding Vegetables: For a one-pot meal, toss in some chopped veggies such as bell peppers, onions, or carrots. They will cook down and become tender alongside the chicken, creating a more rounded dish.
- Pair with Sides: To elevate the meal further, consider serving a side of crusty garlic bread or cornbread, which will complement the flavors of Mississippi Chicken perfectly.
- Leftover Magic: If you have any leftovers, try using them in breakfast burritos or as a topping for baked potatoes. The possibilities are endless!
How to Store Mississippi Chicken
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing Mississippi Chicken is easy. Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Place the shredded chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variation of Mississippi Chicken
While the classic Mississippi Chicken is absolutely fantastic, there are countless variations you can explore to keep things exciting. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Mississippi BBQ Chicken: Add a bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce to the mix with the ranch and au jus. The barbecue sauce will create a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory elements.
- Creamy Mississippi Chicken: For a richer sauce, stir in cream cheese or sour cream during the last hour of cooking. This will add creaminess that takes the dish to another level.
- Mississippi Chicken Tacos: Use the shredded Mississippi Chicken as a filling for soft or hard-shell tacos. Top with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and lettuce for a fun twist.
- Spicy Mississippi Chicken: Along with the ranch and au jus, incorporate a packet of taco seasoning or a splash of hot sauce to amp up the spice factor even more.
- Herbed Mississippi Chicken: Add fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to impart aromatic notes. This variation can make it feel a bit fresher and lighter.
FAQ
What is Mississippi Chicken? Mississippi Chicken is a slow-cooked dish featuring chicken breasts seasoned with ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, and pepperoncini peppers. It’s known for its savory and tangy flavor profile.
How long does it take to cook Mississippi Chicken in a slow cooker? Cooking Mississippi Chicken on low heat in a slow cooker typically takes between 6 to 8 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and flavorful.
Can I substitute chicken with other meats? While the recipe calls for chicken breasts, you can substitute chicken thighs or even turkey for a similar result. Adjust cooking time based on the meat’s tenderness.
Is Mississippi Chicken spicy? Mississippi Chicken has a mild spice level from the pepperoncini peppers. You can adjust the heat by using more or less of them, depending on your personal preference.
How can I use leftover Mississippi Chicken? You can use leftover Mississippi Chicken in a variety of dishes, such as salads, wraps, sandwiches, or even topped on baked potatoes for a quick meal.
Mississippi Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 jar pepperoncini peppers (including the juice)
- 1/2 cup butter Cut into small pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crock pot.
- Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Pour the pepperoncini peppers and their juice over the chicken.
- Distribute the cut butter pieces over the top of the ingredients in the crock pot.
Cooking
- Cover the crock pot and set it to low heat, cooking for 6 to 8 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces directly in the crock pot.
- Give everything a good stir to combine the chicken with the sauce.
Serving
- Serve warm, enjoy it as is, or with accompaniments like rice or vegetables.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!