Growing up in the South, Sunday dinners were special. I remember helping in the kitchen with my family. The smell of fried chicken filled the air.
One evening, a dear friend introduced us to Mississippi Chicken. It mixes pepperoncini peppers with ranch seasoning. This made our family gatherings unforgettable.
The best Mississippi chicken recipe is easy and delicious. It’s perfect for weeknights and big family meals.
Introduction to Mississippi Chicken
Mississippi chicken is a favorite in southern cuisine. It’s made with chicken thighs, which are tender and juicy. This makes it a great choice for families.
This recipe is simple. It needs just a few things: pepperoncini, dry ranch mix, and butter. It shows that cooking can be easy.
This dish is perfect for big groups or for meals later in the week. You can cook it fast or slow. It tastes great over mashed potatoes, in tacos, or on salads.
Even if you have leftovers, they’re good for days. Or you can freeze them for later. This makes it a great choice for cooks at home.
It’s not just tasty, but also healthy. Each serving has about 365 calories and 25 grams of protein. It’s a great addition to any meal.
What is Mississippi Chicken?
Mississippi chicken is a tasty dish from the South. It uses 3 to 4 chicken breasts. These are seasoned with ranch dressing and au jus gravy mix.
Pepperoncini peppers make this dish special. They add spice and keep the chicken moist.
This dish is great for families. It serves about four people. It’s easy to make and tastes amazing.
People love it, giving it a 4.74 rating from 2,486 votes. You can cook it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
The ingredients are simple. You need chicken, ranch mix, pepperoncini peppers, and their juice. Also, half a cup of butter is used.
Each serving has about 439 calories. It has 35g of protein and is good for you. It goes well with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
It’s also great for freezing. You can keep it in the freezer for up to three months.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 439 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 89mg |
| Sodium | 985mg |
| Points® Value | 2 Points® |
Ingredients for My Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Creating the perfect Mississippi chicken needs careful picking of ingredients. Knowing the right ingredients makes this classic dish my own. It fits my taste perfectly.
Main Ingredients Overview
The key parts of my Mississippi chicken recipe are simple yet tasty. Here’s what I use:
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix (like Hidden Valley)
- 1 packet of au jus seasoning
- ½ cup of unsalted butter
- 12 pepperoncini peppers
Using unsalted butter keeps the dish balanced and tasty. These ingredients mix to create amazing flavors.
Optional Ingredients for Variation
To make my meal even better, I try different Mississippi chicken versions. Some optional ingredients include:
- Chicken thighs for extra moisture
- More pepperoncini for more heat
- Serving it over mashed cauliflower for a low-carb choice
These changes let me serve the dish in new ways. It keeps the dish’s original taste but adds variety. This makes it a favorite in my kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Mississippi Chicken
I’ll show you how to make Mississippi chicken. It’s easy and tastes great. You can cook it in a slow cooker or oven.
Preparing the Chicken
Put four chicken breasts in your slow cooker or baking dish. Pour pepperoncini juice over them. This makes the chicken taste good.
Then, add ranch and au jus seasoning on top. Make sure each piece is covered. Add butter slices for extra flavor.
Cooking Methods: Slow Cooker vs. Oven
For the slow cooker, cover it and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Or cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. This makes the chicken tender and flavorful.
If you bake, preheat the oven to 375°F. Cover the chicken with seasoning and pepperoncini. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Make sure the chicken is 165°F inside.
Why Use Pepperoncini in Mississippi Chicken?
Pepperoncini make Mississippi Chicken taste better. They add a mild spice and tanginess. This mix goes well with ranch seasoning and au jus gravy.
As the dish cooks, the peppers get soft. They spread their flavor into the chicken. This makes the chicken taste like Southern food.
Pepperoncini make the dish affordable for 8-10 people. You need 2 pounds of chicken and ⅓ cup of pepperoncini. This way, you can make a tasty dinner or prep for the week.
Pepperoncini are great for more than just the main dish. You can keep the leftover chicken in the fridge for 3-4 days. Or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Adding a cornstarch slurry to the sauce makes it thicker. You can serve the chicken with rice, potatoes, or veggies. This makes a full and tasty meal.
Pepperoncini are key to a tasty Mississippi Chicken. They add a special touch that makes Southern cooking stand out. They make meals rich in flavor and easy to make.
Creating the Perfect Buttermilk Hushpuppies to Accompany Your Chicken
Buttermilk hushpuppies are a key part of Southern side dishes. They go great with Mississippi Chicken. These tasty bites have a crispy outside and a soft inside.
Quick Recipe for Buttermilk Hushpuppies
Here’s a simple recipe for buttermilk hushpuppies:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Oil for frying (peanut or vegetable oil recommended)
Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Then, mix both together gently. Don’t overmix.
Fry spoonfuls of the batter in hot oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
These hush puppies are great with fried catfish, shrimp, or chicken. Serve with tartar sauce or ranch dressing. They’re best eaten fresh but can be stored for up to four days.
Buttermilk hushpuppies add a Southern touch to your meal. They’re perfect with Mississippi Chicken. Enjoy making this recipe!
Serving Suggestions for Mississippi Chicken
Choosing the right sides can make Mississippi Chicken even better. Southern food has many great options that go well with this dish. Here are some traditional sides and pairing ideas to make your meal more flavorful.
Traditional Southern Sides
Southern cuisine is all about rich flavors and comforting dishes. Here are some top sides for chicken that capture the heart of Southern dining:
- Collard Greens – a staple that adds a nutritious and flavorful component.
- Biscuits – fluffy and buttery, perfect for soaking up juices.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes – sweet and creamy, balancing the spice of the chicken.
- Baked Beans – a hearty option that complements the meal well.
- Hush Puppies – crispy and delicious, making for a perfect crunchy contrast.
Best Pairings with Mississippi Chicken
Pairing sides with Mississippi Chicken is key to a great meal. Here are some ideas that pair well with the chicken.
- Fresh Green Beans – their crispness adds a refreshing touch.
- Creamy Coleslaw – a cool and tangy counter to the spices.
- Grilled Asparagus – a healthy, vibrant addition that enhances presentation.
- Zucchini Noodles – a light yet satisfying alternative to traditional pasta sides.
- French Fries – crispy and indulgent, an all-time favorite.
There are many options to choose from. Mixing healthy choices with indulgent ones makes a balanced meal. Whether you go for cornbread or something different, these sides will impress your guests and please your taste buds.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftover Mississippi Chicken
Storing chicken right keeps it tasty and safe. Put leftover Mississippi Chicken in a tight container. Then, refrigerate it for up to four days. If you need to keep it longer, freezing is good. It can stay frozen for up to three months.
To reheat Mississippi chicken, keep it juicy. You can use the microwave. Cover it with a lid or wrap to keep moisture in.
Or, you can use the stovetop. Heat it over low heat in a skillet. Add a little chicken broth or water and stir often.
These ways keep the chicken’s flavor and texture great. Using good ingredients makes it even better. Making Mississippi Chicken ahead of time saves time and makes each bite amazing.
Variations of Mississippi Chicken
Exploring different versions of my Mississippi Chicken recipe can be exciting. You might want something spicy or quick to make. Here are a few tasty twists you might love.
Making a Spicy Mississippi Chicken Version
Love bold flavors? Try a spicy Mississippi chicken recipe. It’s easy to make but packs a punch. Add more pepperoncini or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Add extra pepperoncini peppers to the dish for enhanced heat.
- Mix in crushed red pepper flakes to the au jus gravy mix for a spicy kick.
- Serve with a side of cooling ranch dressing to balance out the flavors.
How to Make Mississippi Chicken in the Instant Pot
Need a quick dinner? The Instant Pot Mississippi chicken recipe is perfect. It cooks fast and keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. Here’s how to make it quickly:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts or thighs | 2 lbs |
| Sliced pepperoncini | 6 oz |
| Au jus gravy mix | 1 oz packet |
| Ranch seasoning | 2 tbsp |
| Water or broth | 1 cup |
Cooking in the Instant Pot is fast. Just set it to high pressure for 15 minutes. This way, you get a delicious dish in less time than usual. I love how it keeps the classic taste but is quicker to make.
Conclusion
Exploring the Mississippi chicken recipe shows it’s full of Southern flavors. It’s easy to make, whether in a slow cooker or oven. This recipe is great for anyone who wants to cook something tasty quickly.
Mississippi chicken tastes amazing and lets you get creative in the kitchen. You can save leftovers and enjoy them later. This recipe is a hit, making it perfect for any meal.
Try my Mississippi chicken recipe for a special dinner. It brings Southern flavors right to your table. With the right sides, it makes any meal feel like a celebration.
