Introduction:
Mississippi Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish inspired by the famous Mississippi Pot Roast. It features tender chicken cooked with butter, ranch dressing mix, and a few other key ingredients to create a rich, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile. The beauty of Mississippi Chicken lies in its simplicity and how effortlessly it comes together, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, with just the right amount of kick from the pepperoncini peppers, making it a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 packet ranch dressing mix (dry)
1 packet au jus gravy mix (dry)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
6-8 pepperoncini peppers (whole or sliced)
1/4 cup pepperoncini juice (optional, for extra tang)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of a slow cooker or crockpot.
Add the Seasonings:
Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix over the chicken.
Place the butter on top of the chicken, cutting it into smaller pieces to distribute it evenly.
Add the pepperoncini peppers on top, along with a bit of the pepperoncini juice if you want a tangier flavor.
Cook the Chicken:
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Shred and Serve:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the flavorful sauce that has developed.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.
Serve:
Serve the Mississippi Chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or in sandwiches for a comforting meal.
Description:
Mississippi Chicken is a melt-in-your-mouth dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful sauce. The ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix create a savory base, while the butter and pepperoncini peppers add a touch of richness and zing. The slow-cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all the wonderful flavors, making it incredibly juicy and delicious. It’s a dish that’s both easy to make and irresistibly tasty, perfect for serving your family or guests.
Tips:
Customize the heat: If you like a bit more heat, add extra pepperoncini peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Use chicken thighs: While chicken breasts are commonly used, chicken thighs can be a great alternative as they stay moist and tender during cooking.
Serve with sides: This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Make ahead: Mississippi Chicken can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and save some for later.
Variations:
Mississippi Chicken Pasta: Shred the chicken and mix it with cooked pasta for a creamy, flavorful pasta dish.
Mississippi Chicken Sandwiches: Serve the shredded chicken on soft buns with a slice of cheese for a delicious sandwich.
Add Vegetables: Toss in some vegetables like carrots or potatoes into the slow cooker to make the meal even heartier.
Spicy Version: For more heat, add a few sliced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the slow cooker.
Correction:
If the sauce is too thick after cooking, add a bit of chicken broth or water to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
If the chicken is not shredding easily, it may need a bit more time to cook. Let it cook for another 30-60 minutes to ensure it’s tender.
Enjoy:
Once the chicken is shredded and mixed with its savory sauce, it’s ready to be enjoyed! Serve it up over your favorite side, whether it’s rice, potatoes, or even in a sandwich. This dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation—easy, flavorful, and satisfying!