Mississippi Chicken Recipe: A Flavor-Packed, Effortless Dinner You’ll Love

Mississippi Chicken is the perfect recipe for anyone seeking a comforting, full-flavored, and straightforward meal. It’s beloved for its rich taste and simplicity, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This recipe will walk you through the secrets of achieving tender, savory Mississippi Chicken that bursts with flavor in every bite. Using just a few pantry staples, you’ll create a meal that is guaranteed to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Mississippi Chicken Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Mississippi Chicken requires just five primary ingredients, all of which are pantry staples.
• Effortless to Make: Just layer everything in your slow cooker or oven, and you’re done!
• Customizable Flavors: This dish offers the perfect balance of savory, buttery, and tangy notes that can be adjusted to your liking.
• Great for Meal Prep: This recipe reheats beautifully, making it ideal for next-day lunches or leftovers.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its rich flavor and tenderness appeal to both kids and adults, making it great for family dinners or gatherings.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

• Chicken Breasts: This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease, but bone-in or thighs can add extra richness and moisture.
• Ranch spice Mix: This spice adds a flavorful, herbaceous texture. Use a blend of parsley, dill, onion powder, and garlic powder if it’s not readily available.
• Au Jus Gravy Mix: Adds depth and savory notes to the dish; however, brown gravy mix can work as a substitute.
• Pepperoncini Peppers: These peppers are mildly spicy and tangy, adding unique depth. Substitute with banana peppers if needed, or reduce them for a milder flavor.
• Butter: Creates a creamy sauce with the seasonings. Olive oil or ghee can be used to avoid dairy.

How to Make Mississippi Chicken (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place chicken breasts at the base of your slow cooker or baking dish. This keeps the chicken juicy by allowing the flavors to seep into the flesh.

Step 2: Add Seasoning and Peppers

Evenly distribute the ranch and au jus mixtures on top of the chicken. These seasonings will provide most of the flavor, so make sure they cover each piece. To add a little spice, add pepperoncini peppers.

Step 3: Add Butter Cubes

Scatter the butter cubes across the chicken breasts. The butter melts during cooking, creating a deliciously rich sauce that melds with the spices and pepperoncini.

Step 4: Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it to either high for two to three hours or low for four to five hours.

Cover with foil and bake for one hour at 350°F if using the oven technique.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

When done, the chicken should be soft enough to shred with a fork and combine with the sauce. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy the irresistible flavors of Mississippi Chicken!

Expert Tips for Success

• Keep the Lid Closed: If using a slow cooker, avoid opening the Lid frequently as it releases moisture and extends cooking time.
• Use Fresh Butter: The quality of butter impacts the sauce’s flavor, so aim for high-quality unsalted butter for the best taste.
• Adjust Pepperoncini to Taste: Pepperoncini can vary in spiciness. Add fewer peppers for a milder version, or substitute with banana peppers for a slightly different flavor.
• Check for Doneness: Chicken should be tender enough to shred easily. If it’s tough, let it cook a little longer, checking every 15 minutes.

Variations and Customizations

• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium seasoning packets or reduce the amount of seasoning to control sodium levels.
• Spicier Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to intensify the heat.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or plant-based butter.
• Keto-Friendly: This dish is naturally keto, but consider pairing it with cauliflower rice or a low-carb side.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Mississippi Chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store in a freezer-safe container, and label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating: To keep leftovers moist, reheat them in a pan over medium heat with a dash of water or broth. Alternately, microwave until well heated, 30 seconds at a time.

Serving Suggestions

A wide range of side dishes go well with Mississippi Chicken. Here are some popular choices:

• Mashed Potatoes: The dish’s savory aromas are counterbalanced by its creamy texture.

• Rice or Cauliflower Rice: Absorbs the delicious sauce while adding texture.

• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for a complete, balanced meal.

• Dinner Rolls or Garlic Bread: Ideal for soaking up the rich sauce.

Mississippi Chicken

Recipe by Chef SarahCourse: LunchCuisine: American, SouthernDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

4

hours 

Calories

380

kcal

This savory, tangy chicken dish comes together with simple ingredients for a meal that’s packed with flavor and easy to make!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix

• 1 packet of au jus gravy mix

• 4-6 pepperoncini peppers (or to taste)

• 1/2 a cup of unsalted butter (one stick), cubed

• 1/4 cup of chicken broth (optional; adds moisture)

Directions

• Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker or casserole dish if using the oven.
• Add Seasoning: Evenly distribute the au jus mixture and ranch seasoning over the chicken.
• Top with Butter and Peppers: Scatter butter cubes across the chicken and place pepperoncini peppers on top.
• Cook:
  Slow Cooker: Cover and simmer for 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high until the chicken is done.
  Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
• Serve: Once the chicken is done, shred it slightly to mix with the sauce. Serve warm, along with your preferred sides.

Notes

• Adjust the pepperoncini for more or less heat.
• Try using chicken thighs for a richer taste.

More Recipes to Try

• 30-Minute Irresistible Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Avocado-Lime Slaw
• Mouth-Watering Grilled Chicken Wraps: Your Go-To Easy Meal

Conclusion

Mississippi Chicken is a winning recipe for any home cook, combining the simplicity of a few ingredients with rich, tangy flavors that make it truly unforgettable. This recipe captures the essence of Southern comfort food in an easy-to-follow format, perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish that’ll impress family and friends, this Mississippi Chicken recipe is sure to hit the mark. Try it, customize it, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors it brings to your table.

Frequently Asked Questions