Mississippi Chicken: The Easiest Pressure Cooker Recipe!

What is Mississippi Chicken?

Mississippi Chicken – a culinary revelation born from a beloved Memphis barbecue joint – isn’t about intimidating techniques or complex flavor profiles. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients, expertly combined to create a deeply savory and undeniably addictive experience. At its core, Mississippi Chicken is a shredded chicken dish bathed in a rich, creamy, and intensely flavorful sauce. This sauce is what truly defines the dish and elevates it beyond a basic chicken preparation.

Initially, the recipe gained traction through the popular television show, Bar Rescue, where Chef Shirley introduced it to the show’s contestants. However, its roots go back further, initially developed at the famed Memphis Bar-B-Que Shop. The sauce, a closely guarded secret for many years, was eventually released into the public domain, solidifying Mississippi Chicken’s place in American barbecue history. It’s important to understand that Mississippi Chicken isn’t just flavored chicken; it’s a transformed chicken. The process of slow-cooking the chicken in the sauce creates a remarkably tender meat, practically falling apart with a fork, which further absorbs the extraordinary flavor.

The key to the signature flavor comes from a harmonious blend of ingredients – ranch dressing, pepperoncini peppers (often referred to as banana peppers), and a touch of chicken broth. The ranch dressing provides a creamy base, while the pepperoncini peppers contribute a vibrant tang and a subtle heat. The chicken broth balances the flavors and ensures the sauce coats every piece of chicken uniformly. It’s this specific combination, meticulously executed, that distinguishes Mississippi Chicken from other shredded chicken recipes. It truly embodies the spirit of southern comfort food, offering a deeply satisfying and craveable dish. The sauce is not overly spicy, but you can easily increase the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. In essence, Mississippi Chicken represents a brilliant example of how a few key elements can converge to create something truly special – a dish that’s simple to make but extraordinary in taste and impact. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you wonder why you haven’t heard about it sooner!

Mississippi Chicken: A Simple Recipe

Mississippi Chicken has quickly become a beloved comfort food, and for good reason! This recipe delivers an incredibly flavorful and tender chicken dish with a secret ingredient – ranch seasoning – that elevates it to a whole new level. What truly sets Mississippi Chicken apart is its simplicity. It’s a testament to the fact that amazing flavor doesn’t always require a complicated recipe or a long list of ingredients. At its core, it’s a pressure-cooked chicken dish, making it exceptionally fast and easy to prepare. The combination of the tender chicken, the tangy pepperoncini peppers, and the creamy ranch seasoning creates a symphony of taste that’s both satisfying and surprisingly addictive. Flavorful chicken is truly something special, and it’s so simple to make that anyone can master it. This dish is the perfect solution when you’re short on time but still craving a delicious and hearty meal. It’s often described as a southern classic, and for good reason. The dish’s fame originates from a Mississippi restaurant, which helped popularize this fantastic chicken recipe. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s easy to see why it has gained so much popularity. Pressure cooking ensures the chicken is cooked through and incredibly juicy, while the pepperoncini peppers add a pleasant tang that balances the richness of the chicken. Pressure cooking tips are key to success in this recipe. You’ll appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together, especially when you’re looking for a weeknight meal solution. This recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious food can be created in under 10 minutes, and this recipe is truly a winner for busy families. It’s a fantastic dish to serve with sides such as rice, mashed potatoes, or even a simple salad. Easy chicken recipes are highly rated for a reason – you’ll be surprised how quickly you fall in love with this delicious chicken.

Mississippi Chicken Ingredients

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful and simple dish – Mississippi Chicken. The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimal ingredient list, allowing the rich, tangy, and subtly spicy flavors to truly shine. You’ll be amazed at how much impact these few components have on the final result.

Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient and why it’s crucial:

• Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs (1.5 lbs): While you can use boneless, skinless thighs, bone-in, skin-on thighs provide a significantly richer flavor and stay incredibly moist during pressure cooking. The skin renders down during cooking, adding incredible fat and intensifying the overall taste. The bone also contributes to that deep, savory flavor that’s characteristic of classic Mississippi Chicken. They’re generally more affordable, too! Bone-in Chicken Thighs

• Pepperoncini Peppers (12 oz): These aren’t your typical bell peppers; Pepperoncini peppers are small, tangy, and slightly spicy. They’re the heart and soul of the signature Mississippi Chicken sauce. They’re packed with vinegar, which adds a crucial level of acidity that balances the richness of the chicken. You’ll find them in most grocery stores, often in the jarred pickle section. Pepperoncini Peppers

• Chicken Broth (1 ½ cups): Using chicken broth adds an extra layer of savory depth. Opt for a low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the final dish. Homemade broth is ideal, but a good quality store-bought broth will work perfectly fine. Chicken Broth Recipes

• Ranch Seasoning Packet (1 packet): This is the secret ingredient that brings everything together. Ranch seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices, typically including dill, parsley, garlic, onion, and often buttermilk powder. The exact formulation varies by brand, but it’s the defining element of the Mississippi Chicken flavor. Ranch Seasoning Brands

• Optional Ingredients (For advanced flavor): Some recipes call for a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little to tailor the recipe to your personal taste – it’s your Mississippi Chicken!

Remember, the quality of your ingredients will impact the final outcome. Don’t skimp on the Pepperoncini Peppers; they are what makes this recipe so special!

How to Make Mississippi Chicken in an Instant Pot

Let’s get cooking! This recipe truly shines when prepared in an Instant Pot, drastically reducing the cook time and delivering unbelievably tender and flavorful chicken. It’s a fantastic weeknight meal solution – ready in under 10 minutes with minimal effort. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking capabilities lock in all the delicious flavors, creating a creamy, intensely savory chicken that will quickly become a family favorite.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Before you even power up your Instant Pot, make sure you’ve got everything measured out and ready to go. This will streamline the process and prevent any frantic scrambling once the pressure starts building. Having all the ingredients – 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs chicken thighs, 12 oz of Pepperoncini peppers pepperoncini peppers, 1 ½ cups of chicken broth chicken broth, and 1 packet of Ranch seasoning ranch seasoning – within easy reach is key.

2. Sauté (Optional but Recommended): While the Instant Pot can cook the chicken directly, lightly sautéing the pepperoncini peppers in a little bit of butter before adding the chicken elevates the flavor profile significantly. This step doesn’t add much cooking time and is highly recommended. Add 1 tablespoon of butter butter to the Instant Pot and set it to sauté mode. Add the pepperoncini peppers pepperoncini peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly and release their aromatic oils.

3. Combine Everything: Once you’ve sautéed the peppers (or skipped that step), add everything to the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth chicken broth and sprinkle in the Ranch seasoning ranch seasoning. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

4. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid of your Instant Pot, ensuring the pressure release valve is set to ‘Sealing.’ Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ setting and set the cooking time for 8 minutes. This pressure cooking time is crucial for ensuring the chicken is cooked through and incredibly tender. The Instant Pot will automatically build up pressure, which is what creates the perfect, moist chicken.

5. Natural Pressure Release (NPR): Once the 8 minutes are up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. This slow, gentle release of pressure helps to prevent the chicken from becoming dry. After 5 minutes, quick release any remaining pressure manually by carefully turning the pressure release valve to the ‘Venting’ position (be cautious of the steam!).

6. Shred and Serve: Carefully open the Instant Pot and shred the chicken with two forks. The meat should be incredibly tender and easily pull apart. Serve immediately over rice rice, cauliflower rice cauliflower rice, or your favorite side dish. For a richer experience, consider adding a dollop of Ranch dressing ranch dressing on top.

Important Tip: Always ensure your Instant Pot is properly sealed before starting the pressure cooking process. A faulty seal can lead to uneven cooking and potential safety issues. Check your Instant Pot’s manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines.

Mississippi Chicken Cooking Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Making Mississippi Chicken in an Instant Pot is remarkably straightforward, and it delivers an incredibly flavorful result in under 10 minutes. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:

1. Prepare the Instant Pot: Ensure your Instant Pot is properly sealed and set to the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ setting. This is crucial for maintaining the correct pressure levels and ensuring the chicken is cooked through without overcooking.

2. Layer the Ingredients: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the Instant Pot. These thighs are chosen for their ability to absorb the rich, flavorful sauce and remain incredibly tender. Next, add the 12 oz Pepperoncini peppers (also known as banana peppers), which contribute a tangy and slightly spicy element to the dish. Don’t be shy with the peppers – they’re a key component of the signature Mississippi Chicken flavor. Then, pour in 1 ½ cup chicken broth. This liquid is essential for creating the delicious sauce and ensuring the chicken is cooked evenly. Finally, sprinkle in 1 packet of Ranch seasoning. The Ranch seasoning isn’t just for flavor; it also helps bind the ingredients together and adds a familiar, comforting taste.

3. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the pressure release valve is set to ‘Sealing’. Close the lid, and set the timer for 8 minutes on ‘High Pressure’. This pressure cooking time is key to achieving the perfect tenderness in the chicken while preserving the vibrant colors of the peppers. The Instant Pot automatically regulates the pressure, so you don’t need to worry about manually adjusting it.

4. Natural Pressure Release: Once the 8 minutes are complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for 5 minutes. This ‘natural pressure release’ is a critical step. It allows the steam to gradually escape, preventing the chicken from becoming dry and ensuring a more consistent texture. Don’t manually release the pressure – it’s not necessary and can lead to a tougher result.

5. Quick Pressure Release: After the 5 minutes of natural pressure release, carefully perform a ‘quick pressure release’ by turning the pressure release valve to the ‘Venting’ position. Be cautious, as there may be some hot steam released.

6. Shredding the Chicken: Once the pressure is fully released, open the Instant Pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken thighs. The texture will be incredibly tender, falling apart easily. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use a potato masher to further break down the chicken.

7. Final Adjustments (Optional): Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch more Ranch seasoning or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize it to your exact preferences.

Mississippi Chicken Recipe Notes

Mississippi Chicken is a surprisingly versatile dish, and its simplicity makes it a fantastic foundation for experimentation. While the core recipe is remarkably straightforward, understanding the nuances can elevate your experience considerably. Let’s dive into some key considerations.

White Meat Versus Dark Meat: As previously mentioned, using chicken breasts versus thighs drastically changes the final outcome. Dark meat, particularly chicken thighs, offers a richer flavor and remains significantly more moist during pressure cooking. This is due to a higher fat content, which keeps the meat tender and juicy. If you’re prioritizing a leaner dish, chicken breasts are a perfectly acceptable choice, but be mindful of overcooking; the key is to keep a close eye on them, and consider reducing the pressure cooking time slightly.

Frozen Chicken – A Convenient Shortcut: Don’t be intimidated by using frozen chicken. While fresh chicken provides a more pronounced flavor, frozen chicken is a convenient option, especially when you’re short on time. Just adjust the cooking time—generally, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through. Thawing the chicken slightly before pressure cooking can also help speed up the process.

Crockpot or Slow Cooker – A Low and Slow Approach: The recipe shines in an Instant Pot, delivering incredibly tender chicken in a flash. However, you can absolutely achieve equally excellent results in a slow cooker or crockpot. For a slow cooker, a 6-8 hour cook time on low or 3-4 hours on high is typically sufficient. The lower and slower heat profile allows the chicken to break down completely, resulting in a fall-off-the-bone texture. However, be aware that the chicken will become even more tender, so monitoring the internal temperature is crucial to prevent it from becoming overly mushy.

Butter and Au Jus Mix – A Touch of Decadence: The addition of butter and au jus mix is entirely optional, but it’s a popular variation that significantly enhances the flavor. The au jus mix—a concentrated blend of chicken broth, seasonings, and often a touch of wine—adds a depth of umami that is incredibly satisfying. If you’re using chicken breasts, the butter will contribute both flavor and moisture, helping to keep them tender. Using a butter and au jus mix is a really easy shortcut to making an out-of-this-world Mississippi Chicken dish.

Seasoning – Don’t Be Afraid to Adjust: The basic ranch seasoning is a good starting point, but feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can all add a delicious twist. Consider also a little bit of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness – a very popular addition to Mississippi Chicken.

Internal Temperature – Ensuring Food Safety: Regardless of the cooking method, always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. This is a critical step, particularly with chicken, as undercooked chicken can harbor harmful bacteria.

Ranch Dressing – It’s More Than Just Seasoning: Mississippi Chicken is often served with a generous dollop of ranch dressing, and for good reason. The creamy, tangy flavor of ranch perfectly complements the savory chicken. Consider making your own ranch dressing for a fresher, more flavorful experience, or experiment with different brands to find your favorite.

Variations on Mississippi Chicken

Mississippi Chicken is incredibly versatile, and while the core recipe is fantastic, you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment – these variations are all about building on the rich, savory foundation of this beloved dish. Let’s explore some exciting ways to customize your Mississippi Chicken.

Playing with the Meat:

• Dark Meat Delight: While white meat is perfectly acceptable, dark meat – especially thighs – delivers a more intensely flavorful experience. The fat renders beautifully during pressure cooking, resulting in incredibly moist and juicy chicken. Using bone-in, skin-on thighs, and shredding them, adds a significant layer of richness. Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for maximizing flavor. You can even add a smoked paprika to the seasoning for an extra layer of complexity.

• Breast vs. Thigh – A Texture Comparison: If you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts can be used, but it’s crucial to monitor the cooking time carefully to prevent overcooking. A slightly longer pre-cook time in a skillet before pressure cooking can help ensure even cooking and maintain moisture. Understanding chicken cooking times can be a key element to this variation.

Spice It Up!

The beauty of Mississippi Chicken is its ability to be tweaked. Here are some ways to adjust the spice level:

• Adding Heat: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño pepper directly into the seasoning blend. Starting with 1/4 teaspoon and adjusting to your desired heat level is recommended. Spice levels in chicken recipes can dramatically change the dish’s character.

• Smoked Paprika: As mentioned earlier, a generous amount of smoked paprika adds a smoky depth that complements the pepperoncini peppers beautifully. Smoked paprika flavor profiles are worth exploring.

• Garlic & Herbs: Don’t be shy with fresh garlic! Adding minced garlic to the seasoning blend or sautéing it briefly before adding the other ingredients can amplify the flavor. Rosemary, thyme, and oregano are also fantastic additions. Herb combinations for chicken are numerous.

Dairy & Creamy Additions

• Cream Cheese Variation: For a truly decadent twist, stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese into the shredded chicken. This creates a super creamy, almost barbecue-like sauce, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or biscuits. Cream cheese additions to chicken recipes

• Ranch Dressing Incorporation: Adding 1/2 cup of ranch dressing directly to the Instant Pot during the last minute of cooking adds an extra layer of Ranch flavor. Be careful not to overcook the chicken with this addition. Ranch dressing ratios

Serving Suggestions & Sauces

• Mississippi Chicken Sliders: Shredded Mississippi Chicken makes incredible sliders! Serve on Hawaiian rolls with coleslaw for a truly Southern treat. Slider recipe ideas

• Mississippi Chicken Pasta: Toss shredded Mississippi Chicken with cooked pasta, your favorite Italian herbs, and a little Parmesan cheese for a comforting weeknight meal. Chicken pasta variations are numerous.

Don’t limit yourself! Mississippi Chicken is a fantastic base for experimentation. With a few simple additions and adjustments, you can create a truly unique and unforgettable dish. The key is to build upon the core flavors and don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen. Happy cooking!

Serving Suggestions for Mississippi Chicken

Mississippi Chicken is incredibly versatile, meaning you can enjoy it in countless ways! Beyond the classic rice or mashed potato pairings, let’s explore some exciting serving options that will elevate your meal. From comforting classics to surprisingly delicious twists, there’s a perfect presentation for every occasion.

Classic Comfort Foods:

• Rice Bowls: Building a vibrant rice bowl is a fantastic way to showcase Mississippi Chicken. Combine cooked jasmine rice with shredded chicken, a generous dollop of ranch dressing, and your favorite toppings – think diced tomatoes, red onions, avocado, or even crumbled tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.

• Mashed Potatoes: A timeless pairing, mashed potatoes provide a creamy, comforting base for the flavorful chicken. Try incorporating garlic for an extra layer of deliciousness. A drizzle of more ranch dressing is practically mandatory!

• Loaded Baked Potatoes: Top a baked potato with shredded Mississippi Chicken, a generous helping of ranch dressing, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of bacon bits for a truly indulgent meal. You could also add a side of steamed broccoli for a healthier touch.

Creative & Unexpected Pairings:

• Tacos & Burritos: Dice the shredded Mississippi Chicken and incorporate it into your favorite taco or burrito recipe. The rich, tangy flavor of the chicken pairs beautifully with warm tortillas, black beans, corn, salsa, and your preferred toppings. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients!

• Hoagies & Sandwiches: Layer shredded Mississippi Chicken on a toasted hoagie roll with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a smear of ranch dressing. It’s a quick and easy lunch or dinner option.

• Pasta Bake: Combine shredded Mississippi Chicken with cooked penne pasta (al dente, of course!), your favorite pasta sauce, and plenty of mozzarella cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden brown – perfect for a family meal.

• Shepherd’s Pie: Add shredded Mississippi Chicken to a classic shepherd’s pie, topping it with a fluffy mashed potato crust. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that’s sure to please.

• Chicken and Waffles: While unconventional, the rich flavor of Mississippi Chicken can actually work surprisingly well with fried chicken and waffles. Serve alongside a dollop of maple syrup for a sweet and savory treat.

Dietary Considerations:

• Keto Options: As previously noted, Mississippi Chicken is naturally keto-friendly. Serve it with cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower for a low-carb meal. You can also use it in a chicken and waffle keto recipe.

No matter how you choose to serve it, Mississippi Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative. Enjoy!

Mississippi Chicken: Keto-Friendly Options

Looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that fits your ketogenic lifestyle? You’re in luck! Mississippi Chicken is not only incredibly flavorful but also surprisingly well-suited for a keto diet. The key lies in how you serve it – opting for low-carb sides and avoiding traditional accompaniments. Let’s dive into how to make this recipe perfectly keto-friendly.

Choosing Your Keto Sides: The foundation of a keto Mississippi Chicken meal is your sides. Avoid rice, mashed potatoes, or even regular bread. Instead, focus on naturally low-carb options that complement the rich, tangy flavor of the chicken. Some excellent choices include:

• Cauliflower Rice: This is a classic keto swap for rice. You can easily make your own cauliflower rice by pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice. It absorbs the delicious sauce beautifully! Cauliflower Rice
• Mashed Cauliflower: Similar to cauliflower rice, mashed cauliflower provides a creamy texture without the carbs. Season it with butter, cream, and herbs for a truly indulgent side. Keto Mashed Cauliflower
• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Spiralize zucchini into noodles for a light and refreshing alternative to traditional pasta. Keto Zoodles
• Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans offer a crisp texture and minimal carbs. Adding a little bacon or butter elevates their flavor. Green Beans
• Broccoli: Roasted or steamed broccoli is another great option, offering a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with the chicken.

Managing the Sauce: The Mississippi Chicken sauce is where many keto concerns might arise. Fortunately, you can adjust the recipe to keep it low in carbs. Consider these tweaks:

• Reduce Sugar: Traditional recipes often contain sugar. Cut back on the sugar significantly or replace it with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia. Keto Sweeteners
• Butter is Your Friend: Butter is a keto staple and adds a rich, creamy flavor to the sauce. Use it generously!

Portion Control: Even with keto-friendly sides, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes to maintain your macronutrient goals. Enjoy your delicious Mississippi Chicken in moderation.

Overall, with careful side choices and minor adjustments, Mississippi Chicken can easily fit into a healthy and satisfying ketogenic diet. It’s a fantastic example of how delicious and versatile a keto lifestyle can be!

More Ranch-Related Recipes

Ranch dressing is a cornerstone of many classic American dishes, and its versatility extends beautifully to recipes like Mississippi Chicken. Beyond the core recipe, exploring variations and related dishes unlocks even more delicious possibilities. Let’s dive into some fantastic ranch-inspired recipes that complement or expand upon the fantastic flavor of Mississippi Chicken.

Outback Ranch Dressing – A Taste of Australia

Many people associate ranch dressing with Outback Steakhouse, and for good reason! The iconic Outback Ranch Dressing is a creamy, tangy delight that elevates any meal. This recipe aims to replicate that unmistakable flavor, creating a perfect pairing for shredded Mississippi Chicken. You can serve it as a dipping sauce, drizzle it over the chicken, or even use it to dress a salad.

Copycat Outback Ranch Dressing [outback ranch dressing]

Wingstop Ranch Dressing – Crispy Chicken Perfection

Wingstop’s ranch dressing is renowned for its intensely rich and creamy flavor, a key component of their signature wings. Utilizing this recipe, you can achieve similar results, particularly when applying it to crispy fried or grilled chicken. It’s exceptionally flavorful and adds a fantastic dimension to Mississippi Chicken, especially if you’re enjoying it with wings or tenders.

Wingstop Ranch Recipe [wingstop ranch recipe]

Ranch Potatoes – A Classic Combination

Serving Mississippi Chicken with a creamy Ranch-seasoned baked or mashed potato dish is a timeless combination. The buttery richness of the potatoes pairs exquisitely with the savory, spicy, and tangy flavors of the chicken. Consider adding roasted garlic or herbs to the potatoes for an extra layer of complexity. Ranch Potatoes [ranch potatoes]

Outback Ranch Dressing (variation)

For a slightly lighter version of the Outback Ranch, try this recipe which incorporates Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and reduced fat.

Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing [greek yogurt ranch dressing]

Ranch Potatoes (recipe variation)

Experiment with different methods of cooking potatoes to pair with your Mississippi Chicken. Try baking them with parmesan cheese for a crispy, cheesy crust. recipe variation

Ranch Dressing (Homemade)

Creating your own ranch dressing is incredibly simple and allows you to control the seasonings. A basic recipe combines buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, herbs, and spices. Homemade Ranch

These variations showcase how adaptable ranch dressing is. Whether you’re looking for a classic pairing or a creative twist, there’s a ranch-inspired dish to elevate your Mississippi Chicken experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your favorite combination!

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