Irresistible Keto Mississippi Chicken Recipe: Easy, Flavor-Packed & Low-Carb Delight!

This article explores the keto-friendly and incredibly delicious Mississippi Chicken recipe. This dish, inspired by the popular Mississippi Pot Roast, offers a tangy and flavorful experience using the tender, white meat of chicken. It’s a budget-friendly and simple meal, perfect for busy individuals seeking a hearty and satisfying comfort food.

What is Mississippi Chicken?

The original Mississippi Pot Roast recipe was created by a woman in Mississippi. The dish usually consists of chicken breasts, a packet of ranch seasoning, a packet of au jus gravy, butter, and pepperoncini peppers.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Minimal Prep: This recipe requires only a few minutes of preparation.
Hands-Free Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
Flavorful and Tender: The combination of ingredients creates a spicy, tangy, and mouthwatering flavor profile with fall-off-the-bone tender chicken.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a main course, in sandwiches, or with various side dishes.
Keto-Friendly: As long as you aren’t serving it on a bun, this recipe is keto-friendly.

Ingredients

The recipe typically calls for just a handful of ingredients:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are often preferred for a leaner option, but chicken thighs can also be used.
Au Jus Gravy Mix: This provides a rich, savory flavor base. Some variations suggest using onion soup mix or brown gravy mix as alternatives.
Ranch Dressing Mix: Use dry ranch seasoning mix, not ranch dip mix, to avoid excessive saltiness.
Butter: Real butter, salted or unsalted, adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist. Ghee can be used as a substitute for a paleo and Whole30 compatible version.
Pepperoncini Peppers: These mild chili peppers add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor without significant heat.

Cooking Methods

Mississippi Chicken can be prepared using several cooking methods:

Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot) Method

This is perhaps the most popular and convenient method.

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Place the chicken in the crockpot in a single layer.
Sprinkle over the gravy powder and ranch seasonings and top with small pats of butter and the pepperoncini (plus their juices, if using).
Add the lid and cook the chicken on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. Cooking time varies based on the chicken size, type (breasts or thighs), and your crockpot.
Check the chicken is ready, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165ºF/74ºC to be safe to consume. Alternatively, insert a fork. The meat should be tender and all running juices should be clear (no pinkness).
Leave the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes for the juices to settle and redistribute for perfectly juicy meat.

Oven-Baked Method

This method offers a slightly different texture and flavor profile.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
Add the au jus and ranch seasoning to a small bowl and stir to combine.
Season the chicken on both sides with ½ of the seasoning mixture. Reserve the remaining seasoning mixture for another day.
Bake for about an hour, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Instant Pot Method

For a quicker cooking time, the Instant Pot is an excellent option.

Press the "Sauté" button on the Instant Pot.
Once hot, add the bone-in chicken in a single layer.
Pour the broth into Instant Pot on top of the chicken.
In a small bowl, mix together the homemade dry ranch & dry onion soup mix. Pour the mixture into Instant Pot on top of the chicken.
Close and seal vent. Select high pressure for 12 minutes.
Open pot and check that chicken is cooked through.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Slow Cooker Version

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps with browning and seasoning adherence.
Layer Ingredients: Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the slow cooker.
Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken. For a healthier version, use a homemade seasoning blend.
Add Butter and Peppers: Distribute small pats of butter over the chicken and add the pepperoncini peppers. For an extra tangy flavor, include a bit of the pepperoncini juice.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent temperature.
Shred and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and easily shreddable with two forks, shred it directly in the slow cooker. Stir to coat the chicken with the sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Mississippi Chicken

Chicken Selection: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used, chicken thighs offer a more affordable and juicy alternative. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Seasoning: Be mindful of the salt content in store-bought seasoning packets. Consider using low-sodium options or a homemade seasoning blend.
Pepperoncini: These peppers add a unique tangy flavor, but they are not typically spicy. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more peppers or a splash of the pepperoncini juice.
Cooking Time: Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the chicken, the type of slow cooker, and the cooking method used. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Searing: For added flavor, sear the chicken in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker or baking dish.
Resting: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before shredding to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.
Homemade Seasoning: For a healthier alternative to store-bought packets, create your own seasoning blend using herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Mississippi Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways:

Sandwiches: Serve the shredded chicken on keto-friendly buns or chaffles with melted provolone cheese and sautéed onions.
Main Course: Serve the chicken over mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or alongside steamed green beans or roasted vegetables.
Salads: Add the shredded chicken to salads for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerate: Allow the chicken to cool, but ensure it’s transferred to the fridge within two hours of cooking.
Freeze: Transfer the cooled chicken (and juices) to an airtight container or Ziplock bag in the freezer for up to 4 months.
Reheat: Add it to a saucepan and heat over low until warmed through. Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated. Or, reheat gently in a covered skillet on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent dryness.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein: While chicken is the star of this recipe, you can also use beef, pork, or turkey.
Seasoning: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile.
Vegetables: Add vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the slow cooker for a more complete meal. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for added freshness.

Is Mississippi Chicken Spicy?

Not really, only if you add the juice from the peperoncini peppers jar. The peppers itself are not being cut up and mixed in, they are just laying in the pot as it cooks and are adding flavor not heat. Don’t use any more than what is called for in the recipe. If you are worried at all that there might even be a hint of spiciness, just leave them out. But I think you’d really be missing out on some amazing flavor.

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