Mississippi Chicken
This Mississippi Chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or special gatherings. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s an ideal dish for anyone looking to impress without the fuss. In just a few hours, you can serve up tender, juicy chicken that everyone’s sure to love. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this recipe fits perfectly into any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can focus on other tasks while the crockpot does the work.
- Flavorful: The combination of ranch and au jus gravy adds a delicious depth that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice, with veggies, or on a bun for a variety of tasty options.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is loved by both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Easy Clean-Up: Using a crockpot liner means less time scrubbing pots and pans after your meal.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing Mississippi Chicken requires just a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large crockpot
- Non-stick cooking spray or crockpot liner
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large crockpot: Ensures even cooking and holds all ingredients comfortably.
- Non-stick cooking spray or crockpot liner: Makes clean-up easy and prevents food from sticking to the pot.
Ingredients
For this delicious Mississippi Chicken recipe, gather these ingredients:
For the Chicken
- 3-4 chicken breasts, (boneless, skinless)
- 1 medium onion, (diced)
For the Seasoning
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
For Flavor Enhancements
- 8-10 pepperoncini peppers
- ¾ cup juice from pepperoncini
- ½ cup butter, (sliced)
How to Make Mississippi Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
- Spray a large crock pot with non-stick cooking spray or use a crock pot liner to make cleaning easier.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients
- Place diced onion on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the chicken breasts on top of the onions.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
- Sprinkle both packets of au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix over the chicken.
Step 4: Add Peppers and Butter
- Scatter pepperoncini peppers around the chicken.
- Place pads of butter randomly on top of everything.
- Pour the juice from the pepperoncini over all ingredients.
Step 5: Cook
- Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours until chicken is tender.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your flavorful Mississippi Chicken! Perfectly paired with sides like green beans or mashed potatoes, this meal will surely become a favorite in your household.
How to Serve Mississippi Chicken
Mississippi Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, these serving suggestions will help elevate your meal.
On Rice or Mashed Potatoes
- Rice: Serve Mississippi Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice, allowing the flavorful juices to soak in.
- Mashed Potatoes: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting combination that complements the savory chicken.
In Tacos
- Taco Shells: Shred the chicken and serve it in warm taco shells. Top with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and avocado for a zesty twist.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves as wraps filled with shredded Mississippi Chicken.
With Green Beans
- Sautéed Green Beans: A side of sautéed green beans adds a fresh and crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
- Roasted Green Beans: Toss green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them for added flavor.
As Sandwiches
- Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: Shred the chicken and serve it on soft buns with your favorite coleslaw for a delicious sandwich.
- Open-faced Sandwiches: Serve Mississippi Chicken on toasted bread topped with gravy for a hearty open-faced meal.
How to Perfect Mississippi Chicken
To make sure your Mississippi Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken and vegetables to enhance flavor and texture.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the number of pepperoncini peppers or their juice.
- Cook Low and Slow: For maximum tenderness, cook the dish on low heat for the full duration recommended.
- Shred or Leave Whole: Decide whether you want to serve the chicken whole or shredded based on your preference; both options are delicious!
Best Side Dishes for Mississippi Chicken
Pairing Mississippi Chicken with complementary side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up leftover juices from the dish.
- Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans pairs wonderfully with the savory notes of Mississippi Chicken.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled vegetables provide a colorful and healthy side that adds depth to your meal.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers crispness and tanginess that contrasts nicely with cooked chicken.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad filled with veggies can be a nutritious complement to this hearty dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Mississippi Chicken is simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch for.
- Skipping the onion: This adds essential flavor. Always include diced onion at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Using frozen chicken: Frozen meat can cook unevenly. Always use thawed, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for best results.
- Neglecting the juice: The pepperoncini juice is crucial for flavor. Don’t forget to pour it over the chicken before cooking.
- Overcrowding the crockpot: If you’re making a larger batch, be careful not to overcrowd. A crowded pot can lead to uneven cooking.
- Not adjusting cooking time: Cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker model. Always check for doneness and adjust accordingly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Mississippi Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Mississippi Chicken
- Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
- Properly stored, it can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Mississippi Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover chicken with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
- Stovetop: In a pan over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Mississippi Chicken.
What is Mississippi Chicken?
Mississippi Chicken is a flavorful slow-cooked dish made with chicken breasts, ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, and pepperoncini peppers.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
While boneless is preferred for ease, you can use bone-in chicken but adjust your cooking time accordingly.
How can I customize my Mississippi Chicken?
Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots or potatoes for more nutrition and flavor.
What should I serve with Mississippi Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Mississippi Chicken is an easy and delicious recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Its incredible flavors and versatility make it a family favorite. Customize it with your favorite sides or ingredients for a unique twist!
Mississippi Chicken
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Mississippi Chicken is a delightful slow-cooked dish that brings together tender chicken breasts, the savory flavors of ranch dressing mix, and the tangy kick of pepperoncini peppers. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this meal can be prepared in just 10 minutes, allowing you to enjoy quality time with family or friends while it cooks. The result is a juicy, flavorful chicken that can be served in various ways—over rice, in tacos, or as hearty sandwiches. With minimal clean-up required thanks to the crockpot, Mississippi Chicken is not only easy to make but also guarantees satisfaction for everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 8–10 pepperoncini peppers
- ¾ cup pepperoncini juice
- ½ cup butter, sliced
Instructions
- Spray a large crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or line it with a crockpot liner.
- Place diced onion at the bottom of the crockpot and add the chicken breasts on top.
- Sprinkle au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix over the chicken.
- Scatter pepperoncini peppers around the chicken and place slices of butter on top.
- Pour pepperoncini juice over all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours until chicken is tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: High for 4-5 hours / Low for 6-7 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
