Mississippi Chicken is a comforting dish that perfectly blends rich flavors and simplicity. This Southern classic features tender chicken simmered in a savory sauce that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe for Mississippi Chicken promises satisfaction and deliciousness. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a meal that showcases the best of home-cooked comfort food. Prepare your taste buds for a delightful experience as you discover how easy it is to whip up this scrumptious dish in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the reasons why Mississippi Chicken should be on your menu tonight!
Why You’ll Love This Mississippi Chicken
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Mississippi Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
- Ranch Dressing Mix: A packet of ranch dressing mix adds a creamy and tangy flavor that’s essential to this dish
- Butter: For richness and flavor, use unsalted butter; it helps create a luscious sauce
- Peppers (Jalapeño or Banana): Choose fresh peppers to add spice; adjust the quantity based on your heat preference
For the Sauce:
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while providing moisture during cooking
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Mississippi Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Add Ranch Dressing Mix
Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken breasts. This will infuse them with flavor as they cook.
Step 4: Melt Butter with Peppers
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add chopped jalapeño or banana peppers for an extra kick.
Step 5: Combine with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth while stirring until well combined. Allow it to simmer for about two minutes before removing it from heat.
Step 6: Bake Until Cooked Through
Pour the buttery pepper mixture over the seasoned chicken breasts. Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
- Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the chicken overnight in ranch dressing
How to Serve Mississippi Chicken
This Mississippi Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Cook the chicken for about 4-6 hours on low in a slow cooker. Once cooked, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This can be done up to two days ahead of serving.
- Storing: To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them; they can last up to three months when stored properly in freezer-safe containers.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs for Mississippi Chicken:
What is Mississippi Chicken?
Mississippi Chicken is a flavorful dish that features chicken cooked in a creamy sauce with a hint of spice. Originating from the southern United States, this recipe typically includes ingredients such as cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning, and pepperoncini peppers. The combination creates a unique blend of tangy and savory flavors that makes this dish stand out. It is often served over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This comfort food is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, as it’s easy to prepare and appeals to a variety of palates.
How do you make Mississippi Chicken?
Making Mississippi Chicken is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients. Start by placing chicken breasts in a slow cooker. Next, add the cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning mix, and sliced pepperoncini peppers on top. You can also include some of the pepper juice for extra flavor. Cook on low for about six hours or on high for three hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with forks. Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Can I use different types of chicken for Mississippi Chicken?
Yes, you can use various types of chicken for Mississippi Chicken. While boneless skinless chicken breasts are commonly used due to their tenderness and ease of shredding, you can also opt for thighs or even whole chickens cut into pieces. Thighs might yield a richer flavor due to their higher fat content, making them an excellent option if you prefer juicier meat. Just adjust cooking times accordingly if you’re using bone-in pieces to ensure they cook through properly.
Is Mississippi Chicken spicy?
The spiciness level of Mississippi Chicken can vary based on your preference. The dish incorporates pepperoncini peppers, which add a mild heat but primarily contribute tanginess. If you enjoy spicy food, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or using hotter peppers in place of the pepperoncini. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of peppers or omit them entirely while still enjoying the creamy sauce’s richness.
What can I serve with Mississippi Chicken?
Mississippi Chicken pairs beautifully with various sides that complement its creamy texture and savory profile. Common accompaniments include fluffy white rice or mashed potatoes that absorb the sauce well. Additionally, steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli add color and nutrition to your meal. For a heartier option, serve it with warm crusty bread or dinner rolls to mop up every bit of delicious sauce.
Can I make Mississippi Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making Mississippi Chicken ahead of time is convenient and enhances its flavors as it sits. You can prepare the dish in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days before serving. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave until warmed through before serving over rice or any side you prefer.
Conclusion for Mississippi Chicken:
In summary, Mississippi Chicken is an easy-to-make dish bursting with flavor from its creamy sauce and zesty pepperoncini peppers. Its versatility allows for various chicken types while accommodating different spice levels based on personal preference. This comforting meal pairs wonderfully with sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or fresh vegetables, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings. By preparing this dish ahead of time, you not only save effort but also enhance its taste as it marinates together overnight. Try this delightful recipe today to experience the rich flavors that Mississippi Chicken offers!
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Delicious Mississippi Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Mississippi Chicken is a delightful Southern dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, flavorful sauce, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. This easy-to-follow recipe requires minimal ingredients and time, allowing you to whip up a satisfying meal that will leave your family and friends craving more. Imagine succulent chicken breasts infused with ranch seasoning, melded in a rich buttery broth and complemented by the mild heat of peppers. Serve it over fluffy rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up every last drop of this mouthwatering sauce.
Ingredients
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Ranch dressing mix
– Unsalted butter
– Jalapeño or banana peppers
– Low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Place chicken breasts in the dish; season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Sprinkle ranch dressing mix over the chicken.
4. Melt butter in a saucepan, add chopped peppers, then stir in chicken broth and simmer.
5. Pour the mixture over chicken; cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
Notes
For an even richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight in ranch dressing before cooking. Feel free to adjust the type of peppers based on your spice tolerance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 29g