Mississippi Chicken is a delightful twist on the classic pot roast, combining tender chicken with the savory flavors of au jus, ranch seasoning, and mild pepperoncini peppers. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish delivers a juicy and flavorful meal that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even as a filling for sandwiches. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, Mississippi Chicken requires minimal prep work but delivers maximum flavor. With its simple ingredients and hands-off cooking method, you can enjoy a comforting and hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish is sure to become a new family favorite!
Full Recipe:
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
Directions:
- Spray a large crock pot with non-stick cooking spray or use a crock pot liner.
- Place the diced onion at the bottom of the crock pot, followed by the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix over the chicken.
- Add pepperoncini peppers on top and arrange the butter slices evenly.
- Pour the pepperoncini juice over the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-7 hours.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or rice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4-5 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes | Kcal: 439 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The History Behind Mississippi Chicken
Mississippi Chicken is a spin-off of the Mississippi Pot Roast, a now-famous slow-cooked beef dish that originated in the South. The original Mississippi Pot Roast recipe was created by Robin Chapman, a home cook from Mississippi, who wanted to make a milder, less spicy version of her family’s traditional pot roast. Her recipe, consisting of beef roast, ranch seasoning, au jus mix, butter, and pepperoncini, quickly gained popularity. It was later shared online and became a viral sensation, with home cooks across the country adopting it as a staple comfort food dish.
As the recipe evolved, creative home chefs experimented with different proteins, leading to variations like Mississippi Pork Roast and, of course, Mississippi Chicken. This chicken version retains all the same iconic flavors but with a lighter, leaner protein that absorbs the seasonings beautifully.
Why You’ll Love Mississippi Chicken
One of the reasons Mississippi Chicken is so well-loved is its simplicity. This dish requires very little hands-on time, making it a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal. Here are a few reasons why you should add it to your regular meal rotation:
1. Easy to Make
With just a few pantry staples and a slow cooker, you can have a delicious meal with almost no effort. Just dump the ingredients into the crockpot, set the timer, and let it cook to perfection.
2. Bursting with Flavor
The combination of savory ranch seasoning, rich au jus mix, creamy butter, and tangy pepperoncini peppers creates an irresistible balance of flavors salty, buttery, slightly tangy, and incredibly satisfying.
3. Tender and Juicy Chicken
Slow-cooking allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, making it easy to shred or serve whole. It soaks up all the rich flavors, ensuring every bite is packed with taste.
4. Versatile Serving Options
This dish can be served in a variety of ways. Some popular serving suggestions include:
- With Mashed Potatoes – The creamy potatoes balance out the tangy, savory chicken.
- Over Rice – White or brown rice soaks up the flavorful juices.
- As a Sandwich – Shred the chicken and pile it onto a hoagie roll or hamburger bun with melted cheese.
- In Tacos or Wraps – A great way to add variety to your weekly meals.
- With Vegetables – Serve it alongside roasted or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
5. Budget-Friendly Meal
Mississippi Chicken uses affordable ingredients that are commonly found in most kitchens. It’s a great way to feed a family without breaking the bank.
Tips for Making the Best Mississippi Chicken
Although this recipe is incredibly simple, a few tips can help you make it even better:
1. Use Chicken Breasts or Thighs
While the recipe traditionally calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can also use chicken thighs for an even juicier result. Thighs have more fat, which helps keep them moist and flavorful.
2. Don’t Skip the Butter
Butter adds richness to the dish and helps balance out the tangy flavors of the pepperoncini. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can reduce the butter slightly, but it’s best not to skip it entirely.
3. Adjust the Spice Level
Pepperoncini peppers are mildly tangy, but if you prefer a little heat, you can:
- Add sliced jalapeños for extra spice.
- Use hot pepperoncini instead of the regular variety.
- Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
4. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
While slow cookers are forgiving, chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. If you’re cooking on high, 4-5 hours should be enough. On low, aim for 6-7 hours.
5. Shred or Keep Whole
- Shredded Chicken: This method is great for sandwiches, tacos, or over rice. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, letting it absorb all the flavorful juices.
- Whole Chicken Breasts: If you prefer a classic plated meal, serve the chicken breasts whole with your favorite sides.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Mississippi Chicken is incredibly versatile, making it easy to pair with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options to serve alongside your meal:
Classic Sides:
- Mashed Potatoes – The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
- Rice – White, brown, or even cauliflower rice soaks up the flavorful juices.
- Pasta – Serve over egg noodles or buttered pasta for a comforting meal.
Vegetable Options:
- Green Beans – A simple, nutritious side that complements the rich flavors.
- Roasted Carrots – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the dish.
- Brussels Sprouts – Oven-roasted for a crispy, caramelized side.
Bread and Rolls:
- Hawaiian Rolls – Perfect for making shredded chicken sliders.
- Garlic Bread – A great option to soak up the flavorful juices.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make Mississippi Chicken in an Instant Pot?
Yes! To make this recipe in an Instant Pot, use the pressure cook function and cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, then do a natural release for 5 minutes before quick-releasing the rest.
2. Can I Freeze Mississippi Chicken?
Absolutely! Mississippi Chicken is freezer-friendly and makes a great meal prep option. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
3. Can I Use a Different Protein?
Yes! This recipe works well with pork roast, beef chuck roast, or even turkey breast. The cooking times will vary depending on the protein used.
4. Is Mississippi Chicken Spicy?
Not really. Pepperoncini peppers are more tangy than spicy. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can reduce the number of peppers or leave them out entirely.
5. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Conclusion:
Mississippi Chicken is the ultimate easy, comforting, and flavor-packed meal. With minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients, you can create a tender, juicy, and versatile dish that the whole family will love. Whether you enjoy it over mashed potatoes, in a sandwich, or even in a wrap, this slow-cooked chicken will quickly become a household favorite
