Mississippi Chicken

Mississippi Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a Southern twist—juicy, tender chicken slow-cooked in a rich blend of ranch seasoning, au jus gravy, butter, and tangy pepperoncini. This easy crockpot dinner has become a weeknight favorite for families who want bold flavor without a lot of effort. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a mouthwatering dish ready to serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or even on sandwich rolls.

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 the diced onions evenly across the bottom of the crockpot
• Add the chicken breasts on top of the onions
• Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix over the chicken
• Arrange the pepperoncini peppers around the chicken
• Place slices of butter randomly over the top of the chicken
• Pour the pepperoncini juice over everything in the crockpot
• Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours, until chicken is fork-tender
• Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and stir it back into the juices before serving

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips
• Over Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the tender shredded Mississippi Chicken over buttery mashed potatoes for a cozy, hearty meal.
• With Rice or Noodles: Serve it over white rice, brown rice, or egg noodles to soak up all the savory juices.
• Sandwich Style: Pile the chicken onto sandwich rolls or hoagie buns, add a slice of provolone or mozzarella, and toast for a melty, irresistible sandwich.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or alongside sautéed greens like spinach or kale.
• Family Dinner Spread: Pair it with roasted vegetables, green beans, corn on the cob, or a simple salad for a balanced meal.

Storage Tips
• Refrigeration: Store leftover Mississippi Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.
• Freezing: Allow the chicken to cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thawing and Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop or in the crockpot on low until heated thoroughly.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a double batch and portion into containers for easy lunches throughout the week.

Variations

Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in place of chicken breasts for a richer flavor and ultra-tender texture. Thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy even after long cooking times.

Spicy Mississippi Chicken
Prefer a little heat? Use hot pepperoncini peppers or add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes along with the seasoning packets. For even more spice, mix in a few slices of jalapeño.

Creamy Version
Add 4 oz of cream cheese during the last hour of cooking and stir it in before serving. This gives the dish a rich, creamy texture that’s great for serving over noodles or in sandwiches.

Cheesy Mississippi Chicken
After shredding the chicken, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone cheese until melted. It turns the chicken into a cheesy, crave-worthy meal kids especially love.

Mississippi Chicken Sandwiches
Serve the shredded chicken on toasted sandwich buns with melted provolone or Swiss cheese. Add a few extra pepperoncini on top for tang and crunch. It’s perfect for game day or busy weeknights.

Low-Sodium Version
To reduce sodium, use low-sodium ranch seasoning or make your own homemade mix. Swap out the au jus mix for a reduced-sodium brown gravy packet or make a homemade gravy base with beef bouillon and cornstarch.

Vegetable Add-Ins
Want a complete one-pot meal? Add sliced mushrooms, baby carrots, or cubed potatoes to the crockpot at the beginning of cooking. The veggies will absorb the flavorful juices while cooking.

Mississippi Chicken Tacos or Wraps
Use the shredded chicken as a filling for tacos or lettuce wraps. Top with coleslaw, avocado, or a drizzle of ranch dressing for a fun and flavorful twist.

Mississippi Chicken Casserole
After shredding the chicken, mix it with cooked pasta and a bit of sour cream or cream of chicken soup. Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly for a hearty casserole.

Instant Pot Version
Short on time? Prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then quick release. Shred the chicken and mix with the sauce for a fast, flavorful dinner.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. If using frozen directly, increase the cooking time by about 1 hour and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

2. What does Mississippi Chicken taste like?
It has a bold, savory flavor with creamy ranch notes, rich beefy undertones from the au jus, buttery richness, and a tangy kick from the pepperoncini peppers.

3. Is this recipe spicy?
Mississippi Chicken has a mild heat from the pepperoncini, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust the spice level by adding hot pepperoncini or crushed red pepper flakes.

4. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can cook it in a covered Dutch oven or deep skillet on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally and ensuring the chicken stays moist.

5. How do I make this dish creamier?
For a creamy version, stir in cream cheese or sour cream during the last hour of cooking or just before serving.

6. What should I serve with Mississippi Chicken?
Great side options include mashed potatoes, white rice, egg noodles, roasted vegetables, or sandwich rolls. It also pairs well with a fresh green salad.

7. Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?
Yes, cook the ingredients under high pressure for 15 minutes, then quick-release the pressure. Shred the chicken and mix with the sauce before serving.

8. Can I use other types of meat besides chicken?
Yes, you can substitute with pork shoulder or chuck roast to make Mississippi Pork or Mississippi Pot Roast, using the same ingredients and method.

9. How long does Mississippi Chicken last in the fridge?
It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.

10. Can I freeze Mississippi Chicken?
Absolutely. Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Mississippi Chicken is the kind of no-fuss recipe that delivers every time. Packed with savory, buttery, and slightly tangy flavors, it transforms simple ingredients into a hearty dinner the whole family will love. Whether served over starches or stuffed in a sandwich, it’s the go-to dish for when you need something delicious and easy.

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