When my friends ask me for a dinner recommendation, I always suggest Mississippi chicken. It’s a dish I first tried at a potluck, and I was hooked immediately. With its unique blend of flavors and the rich, tender texture of slow-cooked chicken, it’s as comforting as a warm hug on a chilly evening. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
What makes this dish stand out is its simplicity and depth of flavor. The combination of ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix creates a savory marinade that infuses the chicken while it cooks, absorbing the slight tanginess from the pepperoncini peppers. It’s lovely served over rice or alongside your favorite vegetables, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Why you’ll love this
- Super easy and requires minimal prep time.
- Full of flavor with a unique kick from the pepperoncinis.
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
- Makes a hearty meal with little cleanup.
- Ideal for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
“Tastes incredible and so simple to make.”
Step-by-step overview
To make Mississippi chicken, you’ll be placing chicken breasts in a slow cooker and layering on the seasonings. After adding some pepperoncini peppers and butter, just cover and let it cook slowly. This method ensures the chicken turns out incredibly tender and flavorful. It’s truly a hands-off recipe that delivers big on taste.
Key ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 jar pepperoncini peppers
- 1/2 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Chicken breasts: You can use thighs if you prefer darker meat.
- Ranch dressing mix: Homemade seasoning can be a great alternative if you prefer to avoid packets.
- Au jus gravy mix: Beef broth or homemade gravy can be substituted for a different flavor profile.
- Pepperoncini peppers: Mild banana peppers can work if you want less heat.
How to make it
This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for those busy evenings. Here’s how to make Mississippi chicken.
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix over the chicken.
- Add the jar of pepperoncini peppers on top, including some of the juice.
- Place the butter on top of everything.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- Serve over rice or with sides of your choice.
Pro Tip: Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly spaced in the slow cooker to promote uniform cooking. You’ll know it’s done when it easily shreds apart with a fork, and the lovely aroma fills your kitchen.
Helpful cooking tips
- Use fresh chicken: Always opt for fresh chicken for the best texture.
- Even cooking: Cut chicken into even sizes for uniform cooking.
- Flavor infusion: Try to push some of the pepperoncinis down into the chicken for maximum flavor.
- Adjust heat scale: Use fewer pepperoncini peppers if you prefer a milder dish.
- Proper seasoning: Don’t skip on salt and pepper; they enhance the overall flavor.
Best ways to enjoy it
Mississippi chicken is versatile in serving options. You might serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up all the delicious juices. Alternatively, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or even fluffy biscuits. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and freshness as a garnish.
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you have any leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It generally keeps well for several days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the chicken gently until it’s steaming. You can also freeze portions for future meals, which can be a lifesaver on busy nights.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; reheat until steaming hot.
How to fix common issues
If you run into any issues while preparing Mississippi chicken, here are some quick fixes:
- Dry chicken: If your chicken turns out dry, it may have cooked too long; consider cooking on low for shorter periods next time.
- Bland flavor: To enhance flavor, add more ranch mix or seasoning to taste when serving.
- Soggy texture: Ensure there’s enough space in your slow cooker to prevent sogginess from excess liquid.
- Grainy sauce: Whisk the sauce after cooking to achieve a smooth consistency before serving.
- Too spicy: Balance the heat by serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese.
Creative twists
You can easily put your spin on Mississippi chicken. Here are a few ways:
- Spicy twist: Add sliced jalapeños along with the pepperoncini for extra heat.
- Southwest flair: Mix in black beans and corn for a heartier meal with a southwestern vibe.
- Herbaceous touch: Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before serving.
- Optional addition: A splash of cream added during cooking can create a richer sauce.
Common questions
Can I make Mississippi chicken in an oven?
Absolutely! You can make it in an oven-safe dish covered tightly with aluminum foil. Cook at a low temperature, typically around 300°F, until the chicken is shreddable.
What can I serve with Mississippi chicken?
It’s delicious served over rice, mashed potatoes, or even in a sandwich. You can also enjoy it alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Definitely! You can reduce the number of pepperoncinis or dice them smaller. For a milder flavor, consider rinsing the peppers before adding them to the dish.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it’s tender and shreds easily when you pull it apart with a fork. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Sure! You can prepare the chicken in advance and refrigerate it. Cook it on the day you plan to serve, or make it the night before and simply reheat before serving.
With Mississippi chicken, you have a dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious. It’s a meal that has become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m sure it will be in yours too!
Mississippi Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix over the chicken.
- Add the jar of pepperoncini peppers on top, including some of the juice.
- Place the butter on top of everything.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- Serve over rice or with sides of your choice.