What is Mississippi Chicken? A Zesty Southern Favorite Worth Trying

Mississippi Chicken is a delicious, easy to make comfort food that originated in the Southern United States. This savory dish has become popular across the country though it remains a staple in Mississippi kitchens. If you enjoy flavorful hearty meals, you’ll want to learn more about this zesty chicken recipe.

A Brief History of Mississippi Chicken

Mississippi Chicken was created accidentally in the small town of Ripley, Mississippi Local resident Robin Chapman was making a recipe passed down from her aunt for Mississippi Pot Roast. She decided to substitute chicken for the pot roast, inadvertently inventing a new dish

This improvised chicken recipe spread rapidly throughout Mississippi’s homes and restaurants. It was such a hit that it became even more well-known than the original pot roast. Now, Mississippi Chicken is firmly established as a classic Southern recipe.

What Makes This Dish Distinctly Southern?

Mississippi Chicken contains ingredients commonly used in Southern cooking, like ranch dressing mix and butter. Its simple preparation method is also typical of Southern fare.

Most importantly, it gets its signature zesty flavor from pepperoncini peppers. These tangy, moderately spicy peppers are a staple in the South. When simmered with chicken in a slow cooker, they infuse it with flavor.

The traditional way of serving Mississippi Chicken is also characteristically Southern. It’s dished up over creamy mashed potatoes or rice, along with the tasty cooking broth.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Mississippi Chicken

Part of this dish’s appeal lies in how incredibly easy it is to make. You just assemble a few ingredients in a slow cooker and let it do the work.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

• Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

• Sprinkle one packet of au jus gravy mix and one packet of ranch dressing mix over the chicken.

• Add 1 stick of butter.

• Top with a generous amount of whole pepperoncini peppers.

• Cook on low heat for 5-6 hours.

• Shred the cooked chicken before serving.

And that’s it! The natural juices from the chicken and butter create a flavorful broth as it cooks.

What Are Some Variations on This Classic Recipe?

While most Southern cooks stick with the traditional version, some minor tweaks can put a new spin on Mississippi Chicken:

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a deeper, richer flavor.

• Add cooked egg noodles at the end for an even heartier one-dish meal.

• Use spicy versions of the gravy and ranch mixes to turn up the heat.

• Cook it in the oven instead of a slow cooker to get crispy edges.

• Put the peppers under the chicken rather than on top to infuse more flavor.

What Are Some Serving Suggestions?

Here are some classic Southern-style sides that pair deliciously with Mississippi Chicken:

• Creamy mashed potatoes – The ideal accompaniment to soak up the zesty juices.

• Cooked white rice – Its mild flavor soaks up the broth perfectly.

• Buttery biscuits or cornbread – Sop up every last drop of that incredible sauce.

• Southern-style green beans – Balance out the richness with fresh green veggies.

• Cole slaw – A tangy, creamy cabbage slaw cuts through the spice.

What Makes This Such a Beloved Southern Comfort Food?

There are several reasons Mississippi Chicken has reached classic status:

• It’s simple to make, with just 5 ingredients dumped in a slow cooker. Even novice cooks can master it.

• The ingredients are inexpensive and easy to find.

• It’s incredibly versatile – shred it for sandwiches, serve it over rice, add noodles, etc.

• The pepperoncini peppers give it a uniquely Southern zesty flavor.

• It’s warm, comforting food that feels like a big hug.

• The hands-off cooking method fits Southern laidback lifestyle and warmer climate.

• It’s the perfect dish for potlucks and family gatherings.

If you want to experience authentic down-home Southern cooking, Mississippi Chicken is a must-try. This zesty slow cooker recipe will fill your kitchen with enticing aroma as it simmers, and deliver incredible flavor in every tasty bite. Give it a whirl and taste the South!

For Mississippi chicken, brown gravy mix or onion soup mix are good substitutes for au jus mix.