Mississippi chicken is a delightful and comforting dish that brings the rich flavors of Southern cooking right to your table. This recipe combines juicy chicken with a creamy sauce that perfectly balances savory and spicy notes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, Mississippi chicken fits the bill beautifully. With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can master this delicious recipe. This dish is not only satisfying but also highly customizable based on your taste preferences. You can adjust the spice levels by varying the amount of pepper or even add your favorite vegetables for an extra punch of flavor. Serve it over rice or alongside mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce!

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Mississippi Chicken
- Ingredients for Mississippi Chicken
- How to Make Mississippi Chicken
- Tips and Tricks
- How to Serve Mississippi Chicken
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Suggestions for Mississippi Chicken
- Avoid Overcooking the Chicken
- Skimping on Seasoning
- Ignoring Cooking Liquid
- Not Allowing Rest Time
- FAQs
- What ingredients are essential for Mississippi Chicken?
- How can I customize my Mississippi Chicken recipe?
- Can I make Mississippi Chicken in a slow cooker?
- What side dishes pair well with Mississippi Chicken?
- Conclusion for Mississippi Chicken
- 📖 Recipe Card
Don’t miss this flavorful favorite!
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
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for better control over saltiness
- Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream adds creaminess and richness to the dish
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness
- Hot Sauce: Choose your favorite hot sauce to give the dish an extra kick; adjust according to your heat preference
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that balances the spiciness
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
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How to Make Mississippi Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, hot sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Stir well until all ingredients are fully mixed.
Step 3: Arrange in Baking Dish
Place seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the top of each piece of chicken.
Step 4: Bake Until Cooked Through
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
Step 5: Add Sour Cream
Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before adding sour cream on top of each piece of chicken. Gently mix into the sauce.
Step 6: Serve Warm
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 ingredients overnight
With these practical tips in hand, you’ll be able to create a mouthwatering Mississippi chicken that everyone will love!
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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 Mississippi Chicken in advance by marinating the chicken overnight in the seasoning mix. This allows the flavors to deepen. Cooked chicken can also be refrigerated for up to three days before serving.
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power for about three to five minutes.
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Suggestions for Mississippi Chicken
Avoid Overcooking the Chicken
Overcooking is one of the most common mistakes when preparing Mississippi Chicken. The chicken should remain juicy and tender, so aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer can help you achieve this. Cook the chicken on medium heat and monitor it closely. If you notice that the outside is browning too quickly, lower the heat to allow the inside to cook through without drying out. Keeping the chicken moist is essential for achieving that classic Mississippi Chicken flavor, which relies on both seasoning and texture.
Skimping on Seasoning
Mississippi Chicken thrives on bold flavors. Skimping on seasoning can leave your dish bland and unremarkable. Use a generous amount of ranch seasoning mix along with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to elevate the taste. Marinating your chicken in these spices for a few hours or overnight will deepen the flavor. Don’t forget to season during cooking as well; a sprinkle of salt or pepper can enhance the overall taste profile. Remember, seasoning is key in making every bite of your Mississippi Chicken memorable.
Ignoring Cooking Liquid
Many recipes for Mississippi Chicken suggest adding cooking liquid like broth or cream. Ignoring this step can lead to dry chicken and a lackluster sauce. The liquid not only helps to keep the chicken moist but also infuses it with flavor throughout the cooking process. Use low-sodium chicken broth or heavy cream to create a rich and savory sauce that complements your dish perfectly. Make sure to stir regularly to prevent any sticking or burning at the bottom of your pan, allowing all flavors to meld beautifully.
Not Allowing Rest Time
After cooking your Mississippi Chicken, allow it to rest before serving. This crucial step helps seal in juices, ensuring each bite is succulent and flavorful. If you skip this step, you risk losing precious moisture when cutting into the chicken immediately after cooking. A resting time of about 5-10 minutes will suffice; cover it loosely with foil to retain warmth while it rests. This simple practice will elevate your dish significantly, making each bite more enjoyable.
FAQs
What ingredients are essential for Mississippi Chicken?
To create an authentic Mississippi Chicken dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients: boneless chicken breasts or thighs, ranch dressing mix, butter, pepperoncini peppers, and some form of cooking liquid like chicken broth or heavy cream. The ranch seasoning mix provides that signature flavor profile associated with this dish, while butter adds richness and creaminess when melted into the sauce. Pepperoncini peppers contribute tanginess and subtle heat that perfectly complements the other flavors. Together, these ingredients work harmoniously to produce a comforting meal that everyone will love.
How can I customize my Mississippi Chicken recipe?
Customize your Mississippi Chicken by adding vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra texture and flavor. You could also substitute different types of protein such as pork or turkey if desired. For added spice, consider incorporating jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into your dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream in your sauce; this will lower calories while still providing creaminess. Experiment with various herbs and spices to make this dish uniquely yours while keeping its essence intact.
Can I make Mississippi Chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes! Making Mississippi Chicken in a slow cooker is an excellent way to ensure tender meat packed with flavor. Simply combine all your ingredients—chicken, ranch dressing mix, butter, and pepperoncini—in the slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process allows flavors to develop beautifully while keeping the chicken moist and tender throughout cooking. Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for a heartwarming meal that’s perfect for busy weekdays.
What side dishes pair well with Mississippi Chicken?
Mississippi Chicken pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice are great options as they soak up the delicious sauce beautifully. For something lighter, consider serving steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans alongside your main dish; their freshness balances out the richness of the chicken nicely. A crisp salad topped with vinaigrette can also provide texture contrast while keeping things refreshing on your plate.
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Conclusion for Mississippi Chicken
In summary, mastering Mississippi Chicken involves paying attention to key details such as avoiding overcooking and properly seasoning your dish. Don’t overlook essential components like cooking liquids that keep everything moist and flavorful; resting time after cooking is equally important for preserving juiciness. Customize your recipe as needed by incorporating different proteins or vegetables while remaining true to its core elements for maximum enjoyment at mealtime. With these guidelines in mind, you’ll create a deliciously comforting meal that captures all that makes this dish so beloved!
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📖 Recipe Card
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Mississippi Chicken
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Mississippi Chicken is a delightful Southern dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, spicy sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, allowing you to adjust the spice levels to your liking and add your favorite vegetables. Serve it over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to savor every drop of the rich sauce. With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create this comforting meal that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing mix
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 5–6 pepperoncini peppers
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing mix, chicken broth, melted butter, and chopped pepperoncini peppers; mix well.
- Place seasoned chicken in the baking dish and pour the sauce evenly over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
- Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning overnight.
Customize by adding vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
For a healthier option, replace butter with Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (150g)
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg