Family dinners have always been a cherished tradition in our household, especially when it involves trying out new and exciting recipes. One particular favorite that has made its way to our table is the Mississippi Chicken. This delightful dish, with its tender, flavorful chicken, has become a staple, bringing smiles and satisfaction every time it’s served. I first encountered this recipe during a summer road trip through the Southern United States. We stopped by a quaint little diner in Mississippi where the owner, a charming lady with a passion for cooking, shared this recipe with us. She told us how it was a beloved dish in her family, often enjoyed during Sunday dinners and special gatherings. Intrigued by its simplicity and the promise of bold flavors, I couldn’t wait to try it out at home.
What I love about this Mississippi Chicken recipe is its straightforwardness. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of the dry ranch dressing mix, the tangy pepperoncini peppers, and the rich butter creates a mouthwatering medley that’s hard to resist. Over the years, I’ve made a few tweaks to the original recipe to suit our taste preferences. For instance, I sometimes add a splash of white wine to the mix for an extra depth of flavor. Additionally, I’ve found that using a mix of chicken breasts and thighs can make the dish even more succulent and flavorful.
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for a weekend gathering with friends. The chicken can be served in various ways – over a bed of rice, with mashed potatoes, or even in sandwiches for a more casual meal. And if you’re a fan of spicy food, you can easily kick up the heat by adding a few extra pepperoncini peppers or a dash of red pepper flakes.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, Mississippi Chicken is a dish that’s sure to please. Its ease of preparation and robust flavors make it a winning choice for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of the South right in your own kitchen.
Making The Mississippi Chicken
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Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced and drained pepperoncini peppers
- 4 tablespoons unsalted sliced butter
- 1-ounce packet of dry ranch seasoning mix (such as Hidden Valley Ranch®)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup juice from pepperoncini jar
- 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Gather all ingredients.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the chicken breasts and place them in the bottom of a medium-sized Dutch oven.
- Add the sliced pepperoncinis and pour in 1/4 cup of the reserved pepper juice. Place the butter slices on top and pour in 1/4 cup water.
- Cover the Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid and bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork, about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Ensure an instant-read thermometer reads 165 degrees F when inserted into the center of the chicken.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before shredding it with two forks.
Storing Suggestions:
Store any leftover Mississippi Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a microwave or in a saucepan over low heat until heated through. You can also freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts. They might add a bit more flavor and moisture to the dish.
What can I serve with Mississippi Chicken?
Mississippi Chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. You can also serve it with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad.
Can I make Mississippi Chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare Mississippi Chicken in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
What can I do if I don’t have pepperoncini peppers?
If you don’t have pepperoncini peppers, you can use banana peppers as a substitute. They have a similar taste and texture.
Is it necessary to use the ranch dressing mix?
The ranch dressing mix adds a significant amount of flavor to the dish. If you prefer, you can make your own mix using dried herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and parsley.
How can I make the dish spicier?
To make Mississippi Chicken spicier, add some red pepper flakes or use hot pepperoncini peppers. You can also add a splash of hot sauce to the mix before cooking.
Mississippi Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1-ounce packet dry ranch dressing mix (such as Hidden Valley Ranch®)
- 1 cup drained and sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 1/4 cup juice from pepper jar
- 4 tablespoons sliced unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Season the chicken with the ranch mix and place it at the bottom of a medium-sized Dutch oven.
- Add the pepperoncini slices and pour in 1/4 cup of the reserved pepper juice. Place the butter slices on top and pour in 1/4 cup water.
- Cover the Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid, and bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork, about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. An instant-read thermometer should show 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) when inserted into the center of the chicken.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before shredding it with two forks.
