Mississippi Chicken: The Easiest, Most Flavorful Weeknight Dinner!

Looking for a ridiculously easy, incredibly flavorful dinner that will have everyone begging for seconds? Look no further than Mississippi Chicken! This recipe is a true weeknight champion, requiring minimal effort and delivering maximum taste. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker or Instant Pot, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time.

What is Mississippi Chicken?

Mississippi Chicken is a simple, yet incredibly delicious dish featuring chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful broth of ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a tangy, savory, and slightly spicy flavor that’s utterly addictive. The pepperoncini peppers add a delightful zing and a subtle heat that perfectly complements the richness of the other ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Effortless Preparation: Seriously, it’s dump-and-go! Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker or Instant Pot and let it work its magic.
• Incredible Flavor: The combination of ranch, au jus, butter, and pepperoncini creates a symphony of flavors that’s both savory and tangy.
• Versatile: Serve it shredded on buns for sandwiches, over rice or mashed potatoes, or even as a topping for salads.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe is always a hit with both kids and adults.
• Minimal Ingredients: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Mississippi Chicken is even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most common choice, but you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. About 2-3 pounds.
• Ranch Dressing Mix: One packet of dry ranch dressing mix. Don’t use the bottled dressing.
• Au Jus Gravy Mix: One packet of dry au jus gravy mix. This adds a deep, savory flavor to the sauce.
• Butter: Unsalted butter, cut into pats. The butter adds richness and helps to create a luscious sauce.
• Pepperoncini Peppers: These are the star of the show! Use jarred pepperoncini peppers, including the juice. The juice adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick. The quantity depends on your spice preference, about 5-10 peppers and 2-4 tablespoons of juice.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Although the mixes contain salt, adjust to your preference.

Equipment You’ll Need:

• Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot) OR Instant Pot: Either will work perfectly for this recipe.
• Measuring Spoons
• Tongs or Forks: For shredding the chicken.

How to Make Mississippi Chicken (Slow Cooker Method):

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking.
2. Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Sprinkle with Mixes: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken breasts.
4. Add Butter: Place the pats of butter on top of the chicken breasts, distributing them evenly.
5. Add Pepperoncini: Add the pepperoncini peppers and juice to the slow cooker. Distribute the peppers around the chicken.
6. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it is easily shredded with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker.
8. Serve: Serve the shredded chicken with the flavorful sauce.

How to Make Mississippi Chicken (Instant Pot Method):

1. Add Ingredients to Instant Pot: Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Sprinkle with the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix. Add the pats of butter on top, followed by the pepperoncini peppers and juice.
2. Cook: Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
3. Natural Pressure Release: Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once the pressure is fully released, carefully open the lid and shred the chicken with two forks.
5. Serve: Serve the shredded chicken with the flavorful sauce.

Tips for Perfect Mississippi Chicken:

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder flavor, use fewer pepperoncini peppers or remove the seeds before adding them. For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use hot pepperoncini peppers.
• Use quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your Mississippi Chicken will be.
• Don’t skip the butter: The butter adds richness and helps to create a delicious sauce.
• Taste and adjust seasonings: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add a little salt, pepper, or even a touch of sugar to balance the flavors.
• Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can thicken it by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and cook for a few minutes until thickened.
• Sear the chicken for added flavor (optional): While not necessary, searing the chicken breasts before adding them to the slow cooker or Instant Pot can add an extra layer of flavor. Simply sear the chicken in a hot pan with a little oil until lightly browned on both sides.

Serving Suggestions:

Mississippi Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Sandwiches: Shred the chicken and serve it on toasted buns with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, or cheese.
• Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Serve the shredded chicken and sauce over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
• Salads: Top your favorite salad with shredded Mississippi Chicken for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.
• Tacos or Burritos: Use the shredded chicken as a filling for tacos or burritos.
• Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with shredded Mississippi Chicken, cheese, sour cream, and your favorite toppings.
• Pasta: Toss the shredded chicken with cooked pasta and the sauce for a quick and easy pasta dish.
• Sliders: Use the chicken to make delicious sliders for parties or appetizers.

Variations:

• Mississippi Pot Roast: This recipe can easily be adapted to make Mississippi Pot Roast. Simply substitute a 3-4 pound beef chuck roast for the chicken breasts. Cook in the slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours or in the Instant Pot for 60-75 minutes.
• Spicy Mississippi Chicken: For a spicier version, use hot pepperoncini peppers or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the recipe. You can also add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Creamy Mississippi Chicken: For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese after shredding the chicken.
• Garlic Mississippi Chicken: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the slow cooker or Instant Pot for a garlicky twist.
• Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken: Serve the shredded chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal.

Make Ahead and Storage:

Mississippi Chicken is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the recipe and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Leftover Mississippi Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

• Calories: 300-400
• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 15-25g
• Carbohydrates: 5-10g

Recipe Card

Conclusion:

Mississippi Chicken is a winner in every way – it’s quick, easy, delicious, and versatile. Whether you’re using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the easiest, most flavorful weeknight dinner ever!