Mississippi Chicken
This Mississippi Chicken recipe is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a hearty meal. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a flavorful dish that promises satisfaction. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this crockpot wonder is sure to impress with its rich flavors and tender chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just toss the ingredients in your crockpot and let it do the work.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of au jus, ranch dressing, and pepperoncini creates a mouthwatering taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own, over rice, or in sandwiches for a delightful twist.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults with its savory goodness.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this easy Mississippi Chicken recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
- Non-stick cooking spray
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe, allowing for low and slow cooking that enhances flavor.
- Chef’s knife: Essential for chopping onions quickly and efficiently, saving you prep time.
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 the Flavor Boosters
- 8-10 pepperoncini peppers
- ¾ cup juice from pepperoncini
For Richness
- ½ cup butter, (sliced)
How to Make Mississippi Chicken
Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot
Spray a large crock pot with non-stick cooking spray or use a crock pot liner to prevent sticking. This will make cleanup much easier!
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Place the diced onion at the bottom of your crockpot first. Then, add the chicken breasts on top of the onions.
Step 3: Season It Up
Sprinkle both packets of au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken breasts.
Step 4: Add Flavorful Touches
Add in 8-10 pepperoncini peppers. Distribute slices of butter randomly on top of everything. Finally, pour in the juice from pepperoncini, ensuring even coverage.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours. Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the pot for an easy serving option.
Enjoy this delightful Mississippi Chicken with your favorite sides!
How to Serve Mississippi Chicken
Mississippi Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you serve it on its own or with sides, it’s sure to impress. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
On a Bed of Rice
- Serve the shredded Mississippi Chicken over a fluffy bed of rice for a comforting dish that soaks up all the flavorful juices.
In Tacos
- Use soft tortillas to wrap Mississippi Chicken along with fresh toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa for a tasty twist.
With Mashed Potatoes
- Pair this chicken with creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. The gravy from the chicken adds extra flavor!
As a Sandwich
- Pile the shredded chicken on toasted buns with your favorite condiments for an easy and delicious sandwich option.
Over Pasta
- Toss cooked pasta with Mississippi Chicken and its juices for a quick and satisfying dinner that’s bursting with flavor.
In Salads
- Add shredded Mississippi Chicken to your salad mix for added protein and flavor, making your greens more exciting.
How to Perfect Mississippi Chicken
To make the most of your Mississippi Chicken, consider these tips. They will help elevate the flavors and ensure perfect results every time.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality seasoning mixes enhance the overall taste.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the number of pepperoncini peppers used in the recipe.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding; this helps retain moisture.
- Experiment with Vegetables: Add bell peppers or carrots to the crockpot for added nutrition and flavor complexity.
- Serve with Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with fresh parsley or cilantro can brighten up the dish.
- Make Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Cook in advance and store leftovers in an airtight container.
Best Side Dishes for Mississippi Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Mississippi Chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement the main dish beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up sauces.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that balances out the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overpowering the dish.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements savory dishes nicely; grill or boil it as an easy side option.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal veggies in olive oil and roast them until tender for added depth of flavor.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with veggies offers a healthy grain option full of texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Mississippi Chicken can be simple, but some common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Not using both the au jus and ranch dressing mixes can lead to bland chicken. Always ensure you add both for maximum flavor.
- Overcrowding the crockpot: Adding too much chicken or other ingredients can prevent proper cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
- Not using enough liquid: Failing to add sufficient juice from the pepperoncini might dry out the chicken. Ensure you measure accurately for juicy, tender meat.
- Removing the lid too often: Lifting the lid during cooking releases heat and prolongs cooking time. Keep it covered until it’s time to serve.
- Ignoring cook times: Cooking on low versus high can change texture and flavor. Make sure you follow the recommended cooking times for optimal results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the chicken to cool before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing Mississippi Chicken
- Freeze in a well-sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Divide into meal-sized portions for easy thawing.
Reheating Mississippi Chicken
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in short intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Mississippi Chicken that might help you make this recipe even better!
What is Mississippi Chicken?
Mississippi Chicken is a flavorful slow-cooked dish made with chicken breasts, pepperoncini peppers, and seasonings that create a savory sauce.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just increase the cooking time by about an hour if using them frozen.
How do I customize my Mississippi Chicken?
You can add vegetables like potatoes or carrots for extra nutrition or adjust spice levels by adding more pepperoncini or different seasonings.
What should I serve with Mississippi Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! You can use your Instant Pot; just follow similar steps but reduce the cooking time significantly—about 10-15 minutes on high pressure should suffice.
Final Thoughts
Mississippi Chicken is an incredibly easy and delicious recipe perfect for busy weeknights. It’s versatile enough to customize according to your taste preferences while providing comfort food satisfaction. Give it a try and enjoy its rich flavors!
Mississippi Chicken
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Mississippi Chicken is the ultimate slow-cooked delight that transforms your weeknight dinners into comforting feasts with minimal effort. This recipe features tender chicken breasts simmered with a flavorful blend of ranch dressing and au jus gravy mix, complemented by tangy pepperoncini peppers. Perfect for busy families or meal prep enthusiasts, Mississippi Chicken serves as a versatile main dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it over rice, in tacos, or as a hearty sandwich filling – the possibilities are endless! With just five key ingredients and simple prep steps, you’ll be savoring this mouthwatering dish in no time.
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 juice from pepperoncini
- ½ cup butter, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare your crockpot by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Layer diced onion at the bottom, followed by chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle au jus and ranch dressing mixes over the chicken.
- Add pepperoncini peppers and distribute butter slices on top.
- Pour in juice from pepperoncini to cover ingredients evenly.
- Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours.
- Shred chicken directly in the pot before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
