Mississippi Chicken Recipe: Easy Southern Comfort Food
Growing up in the South, I fell in love with its soulful flavors. Fried chicken, tangy barbecue, and spices were part of our family’s traditions. Today, I’m excited to share the Mississippi Chicken recipe, a true Southern comfort food.
Key Takeaways
- The Mississippi Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make Southern dish that combines tender chicken with flavorful seasonings and tangy peppers.
- This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, as it can be made in a slow cooker with minimal prep time.
- The recipe is versatile, allowing you to choose between chicken breasts or thighs and offering options for the gravy mix to suit your taste preferences.
- While the pepperoncini peppers add a subtle tang, the dish can be adjusted to control the level of heat, making it suitable for a wide range of palates.
- With its mouthwatering flavors and comforting nature, the Mississippi Chicken is a true embodiment of Southern cuisine that is sure to become a new family favorite.
What is Mississippi Chicken?
Mississippi chicken is a tender and flavorful dish loved in the South. It’s slow-cooked and comes from Mississippi, but its exact start is a mystery. It’s made with chicken breasts, au jus gravy mix, ranch seasoning, butter, and pepperoncini peppers.
Origins and Key Ingredients
The start of Mississippi chicken is a bit of a mystery, but it’s rooted in Southern cooking. It combines juicy chicken, savory gravy, and tangy peppers. This mix makes it a favorite at family dinners.
The recipe’s heart is a few key ingredients. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts get tender from slow-cooking. Au jus gravy mix and ranch seasoning add a rich flavor. Butter and pepperoncini peppers add a tangy, spicy touch.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 3-4 breasts |
| Au Jus Gravy Mix | 1 packet |
| Ranch Seasoning Mix | 1 packet |
| Butter | 1/2 cup, sliced |
| Pepperoncini Peppers | 8-10, with 3/4 cup juice |
These ingredients come together to make a true Southern comfort food. The chicken is tender, and the gravy and peppers add a nice contrast. It’s easy to see why Mississippi chicken is so loved in the South.
Choosing the Right Chicken
When making the classic Mississippi Chicken, you can use fresh or frozen chicken. Frozen chicken is good for longer cooking times. It keeps the meat moist and tender.
Chicken thighs are also a great choice. They are cheaper than breasts and have more fat. This fat adds to the flavor and texture of the dish. If you use thighs, you might want to use less butter to avoid it being too rich.
Both chicken breasts and chicken thighs are good for Mississippi Chicken. Your choice depends on what you like, your budget, and what you want the dish to be like. For a cheaper option, affordable chicken options like thighs are a good pick.
It doesn’t matter which chicken you pick. The important thing is to make sure it’s cooked well. This way, your Mississippi Chicken will be delicious and comforting.
Is Mississippi Chicken Keto or Low-Carb Friendly?
If you’re on a keto or low-carb diet, Mississippi Chicken is a great choice. It’s made with chicken, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. These ingredients are low in carbs, making it keto-friendly and low-carb.
A serving of Mississippi Chicken has only 4 grams of carbs. This makes it perfect for keto or low-carb diets. It also has 400 calories, 22 grams of protein, and 13 grams of fat. This supports its keto-friendly profile.
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
To make it even better for keto diets, serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. This reduces carbs and fits a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle better.
“Mississippi Chicken is a fantastic keto-friendly and low-carb option that allows you to enjoy the flavors of the South without compromising your dietary goals.”
Mississippi Chicken is great for keto diets or anyone wanting a low-carb chicken recipe. It’s versatile, delicious, and fits well into your meal plan. Its rich flavors and high protein, low carb make it a favorite in keto-friendly recipes.
The Spice Level of Mississippi Chicken
When it comes to how spicy is mississippi chicken, the good news is that it’s not very spicy. The flavor comes from pepperoncini peppers, which are tangy but not hot.
The recipe uses 8 pepperoncini peppers for a mild flavor. If you like more spice, add some pepperoncini juice to the slow cooker. This will make the mild chicken dishes a bit spicier.
If you prefer it milder, skip the pepperoncini peppers. This way, the dish will have less tanginess and let other flavors stand out.
“The pepperoncini peppers used in the recipe do not add a significant amount of heat, but rather contribute a tangy, slightly acidic flavor to the dish.”
The spice level of mississippi chicken is very flexible. You can make it as spicy or as mild as you like. This recipe lets you adjust the heat to your taste.
Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Try the delicious Mississippi chicken recipe, a tasty slow-cooked dish for any event. It mixes tender chicken with savory spices and tangy pepperoncini peppers. This mix creates a comforting Southern meal.
To make the Mississippi chicken, you’ll need:
- 2 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (1-ounce) envelope of ranch dressing mix
- 2 teaspoons of jarred chicken stock base
- 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
- 8 pickled pepperoncini peppers, plus 1/2 cup of the pickling liquid
- 2 tablespoons of ghee or vegan butter
Start by placing the chicken in a slow cooker. Sprinkle ranch dressing mix on top. Then, add chicken stock base, mayonnaise, and pepperoncini peppers with their liquid. Finish by dotting the chicken with ghee or vegan butter.
Cover the slow cooker. Cook the Mississippi chicken on high for 1 1/2 hours or low for 2 1/2 hours. It’s done when the chicken is tender and shreds easily. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or a low-carb side.
This Mississippi chicken recipe has only 4 net carbs per serving. It’s a keto-friendly, healthy choice for low-carb diets. Enjoy the comforting Southern flavors, knowing it’s good for you.
The secret to this Mississippi chicken is letting the slow cooker work its magic. This way, the chicken becomes tender and flavorful. Serve it hot and savor every bite of this crowd-pleasing dish!
Serving Suggestions
The delicious Mississippi chicken goes well with many sides. A favorite way is to serve it over creamy mashed potatoes. The chicken’s savory sauce and the potatoes make a great pair.
For a healthier choice, try it with Mississippi chicken over riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles. These options let the chicken’s rich flavors stand out. Adding fresh parsley brightens up the dish.
Another good choice is to serve it over steamed white rice. The rice absorbs the sauce, making the meal comforting. You can also put the chicken in tacos, on sliders, or as a pizza topping.
Delicious Accompaniments
- Mashed potatoes
- Riced cauliflower
- Zucchini noodles
- Steamed white rice
- Tacos
- Sliders
- Pizza
However you serve it, Mississippi chicken is a crowd-pleaser. Its rich flavors and tender texture make it a comforting meal.
Can Mississippi Chicken be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the tasty Mississippi Chicken for later. After cooking and shredding the chicken, put it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To enjoy your frozen Mississippi Chicken, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. The chicken stays flavorful and tender, perfect for quick meals.
Freezing cooked chicken or leftover Mississippi Chicken is a smart way to keep it fresh. With a bit of prep and freezer space, you can have Mississippi Chicken ready whenever you want.
The frozen Mississippi Chicken will retain its flavor and tender texture, making it a convenient option for future meals.
Instant Pot Mississippi Chicken
If you’re craving Mississippi chicken but are short on time, the Instant Pot is your answer. This pressure cooker version of the classic Southern dish is quick and delicious. It captures the rich, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors in a short time.
To begin, sear the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot to keep their juices in. Next, add pepperoncini peppers, their juice, ranch seasoning, and au jus mix. Let the pressure cooker do its magic for 20 minutes. The chicken will be tender and full of flavor.
After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Then, shred the chicken in the pot and mix it with the sauce. Serve the mississippi chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side. It’s a quick and satisfying meal for any weeknight.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Natural Release Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | 8 mins | 5 mins | 23 mins |
Rating: 4.92 out of 5 from 12 votes
Servings: 5-7
Calories: 325 kcal
Ingredients:
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: 2-3 lbs
- Water: 1/2 cup
- Pepperoncinis: 1/2 (16 oz) jar
- Au Jus or Brown Gravy Mix: 1 (1 oz) packet
- Ranch Dressing/Seasoning Mix: 1 (1 oz) packet
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 stick (4 Tbsp) or more to taste
Instant Pot mississippi chicken is a quick version of the classic Mississippi Pot Roast. It uses chicken breasts or thighs, seared and cooked with pepperoncini peppers, au jus mix, and ranch seasoning. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side for a comforting meal.
Storage and Reheating
Mississippi chicken’s flavors can last beyond the meal. With the right storage and reheating, enjoy tender, saucy chicken bites all week.
Store leftover Mississippi chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, use medium heat on the stovetop or the microwave for 1-2 minutes. This keeps the chicken moist and the sauce delicious.
Freeze-cooked Mississippi chicken for up to 3 months. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat as usual.
Learning to store and reheat Mississippi chicken means no wasted bites. Enjoy it in sandwiches, salads, or as a standalone dish all week.
“Properly stored, cooked chicken can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.”
Conclusion
The Mississippi Chicken is a tasty and simple Southern dish perfect for your family’s meals. It has tender chicken, a rich sauce, and many ways to serve it. This recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
You can make it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. It’s a hit with everyone, great over mashed potatoes, rice, or even roasted cauliflower. Plus, you can freeze it for later, making it perfect for busy nights or casual get-togethers.
Try this easy comfort food recipe and bring a taste of the South to your table. Your family will love this family-friendly chicken dish and how easy it is to make. Enjoy!
FAQ
What is Mississippi Chicken?
Mississippi chicken is a tasty dish that combines Southern comfort food flavors. It has tender chicken cooked in a rich sauce. The sauce is made with au jus gravy mix, ranch seasoning, and tangy pepperoncini peppers.
What are the key ingredients in Mississippi chicken?
The main ingredients are boneless, skinless chicken breasts, au jus gravy mix, ranch seasoning, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. These mix together to make a flavorful, tender chicken dish loved in the South.
Can I use frozen chicken for Mississippi Chicken?
Yes, you can use fresh or frozen chicken breasts. Frozen chicken is good for longer cooking times, keeping it moist. Chicken thighs are also great, as they’re cheaper and fattier, adding to the dish’s flavor and texture.
Is Mississippi Chicken keto or low-carb friendly?
Yes, it’s keto or low-carb friendly if not served on a bun or with high-carb sides. The chicken, butter, and pepperoncini peppers are low in carbs. Serving it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles makes it even better for a keto diet.
How spicy is Mississippi Chicken?
Mississippi chicken isn’t spicy, thanks to the pepperoncini peppers. They add a tangy flavor, not much heat. For more spice, add pepperoncini juice to the slow cooker.
How do I make Mississippi Chicken?
To make it, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, au jus gravy mix, ranch seasoning, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. Place the chicken in a slow cooker; add the seasonings, butter, and peppers. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be tender and easy to shred.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Mississippi Chicken?
It’s great with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed white rice. The sauce and chicken mix well with these. For a low-carb option, serve it over riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
Can I freeze leftover Mississippi chicken?
Yes, you can freeze it. After cooking and shredding, put it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat until hot.
Can I make Mississippi Chicken in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make it in an Instant Pot or other pressure cooker. Sear the chicken breasts first, then add the ingredients. Cook for about 20 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally. Shred the chicken and mix it back into the sauce.
How long will leftover Mississippi chicken last in the refrigerator?
Leftover chicken can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm.
