Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot: Easy Recipe & Tips

Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s taking the culinary world by storm! Imagine tender, juicy chicken, infused with a tangy, buttery, and slightly spicy sauce, all cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience.

While the exact origins of Mississippi Chicken are debated, its popularity exploded thanks to social media and the ease with which it can be prepared. Some say it originated in Mississippi, hence the name, but regardless of its true birthplace, its deliciousness is undeniable. This recipe is a modern twist on comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

What makes Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors – the richness of butter, the tang of pepperoncini peppers, and the savory depth of ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix. The Instant Pot makes it incredibly convenient, cutting down cooking time significantly while ensuring the chicken remains incredibly moist and tender. People love this dish because it’s a crowd-pleaser, requires minimal effort, and delivers maximum flavor. It’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends, and I can’t wait to share my version with you!

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet (1 oz) Ranch dressing mix
• 1 packet (1 oz) Au Jus gravy mix
• 1/2 cup (4 oz) unsalted butter, cut into pats
• 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers, with 2 tablespoons of the juice
• Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
• Salt and pepper to taste (if needed)
• Serving suggestions: Buns, mashed potatoes, rice, cauliflower rice

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. You can use fresh or frozen chicken breasts for this recipe. If using frozen, I recommend thawing them slightly so they separate easily. If you’re short on time, you can cook them from frozen, but the cooking time will need to be increased (I’ll cover that later).
2. Now, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better if you choose to sear them.
3. Optional: Searing the Chicken. This step is optional, but I find it adds a nice depth of flavor. If you want to sear the chicken, turn on the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add about a tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the pot, being careful not to overcrowd it. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and set aside.
4. If you skipped the searing step, simply place the chicken breasts directly into the Instant Pot.

Adding the Flavor:

1. Now comes the fun part – adding all those delicious flavors! Sprinkle the Ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken breasts. Make sure each piece gets a good coating.
2. Next, sprinkle the Au Jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken. Again, ensure each chicken breast is well-covered.
3. Arrange the pats of butter on top of the chicken. I like to distribute them evenly so they melt nicely and add richness to the sauce.
4. Add the pepperoncini peppers and the 2 tablespoons of juice from the jar to the Instant Pot. The pepperoncini add a tangy, slightly spicy kick that really makes this dish special. If you prefer less spice, you can use fewer peppers.
5. Important: Do not add any water or broth to the Instant Pot. The chicken will release its own juices during cooking, which will create the sauce.

Pressure Cooking:

1. Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
2. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button on your Instant Pot. Set the cooking time to 25 minutes for fresh chicken breasts. If using frozen chicken breasts, increase the cooking time to 35-40 minutes, depending on the thickness of the breasts.
3. Once the cooking time is up, the Instant Pot will begin its natural pressure release (NPR). Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. This helps the chicken retain its moisture and prevents it from becoming dry.
4. After 10 minutes of natural pressure release, carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the pressure release valve to the “Venting” position. Be careful of the steam!
5. Once all the pressure has been released and the float valve has dropped, carefully open the Instant Pot lid.

Shredding and Serving:

1. Now for the best part – shredding the chicken! Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the Instant Pot. The chicken should be very tender and easy to shred.
2. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce to coat it evenly. The sauce will be rich, flavorful, and slightly tangy.
3. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a pinch of salt and pepper, but be careful, as the Ranch and Au Jus mixes already contain salt.
4. Serving Suggestions: There are so many ways to enjoy this Mississippi Chicken! My favorite way is to serve it on toasted buns as a sandwich. You can also serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. It’s also delicious served as a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: If you want to increase the spice level, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Instant Pot along with the other ingredients. You can also use hot pepperoncini peppers instead of mild ones.
• Creamy Version: For a creamier version, stir in 1/4 cup of cream cheese or sour cream after shredding the chicken. This will add richness and tanginess to the sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: To make this recipe low-carb, serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. You can also use low-carb buns for sandwiches.
• Slow Cooker Version: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can also make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and serve as directed.
• Adding Vegetables: You can add vegetables to the Instant Pot along with the chicken. Some good options include sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Add them to the pot before adding the Ranch and Au Jus mixes.
• Using Chicken Thighs: While chicken breasts are most commonly used, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and moist than chicken breasts. The cooking time will be the same.
• Storage: Leftover Mississippi Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through.

Troubleshooting:

• Chicken is Dry: If your chicken is dry, it could be due to overcooking. Make sure you are using the correct cooking time for your Instant Pot and the type of chicken you are using. Allowing for a natural pressure release also helps retain moisture.
• Sauce is Too Thin: If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it on the “Sauté” function of the Instant Pot after shredding the chicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the sauce and simmer until thickened.
• Sauce is Too Salty: If your sauce is too salty, you can add a tablespoon of sugar or honey to balance the flavors. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to cut through the saltiness.
• Instant Pot Not Coming to Pressure: If your Instant Pot is not coming to pressure, make sure the lid is properly sealed and the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Also, check the sealing ring to make sure it is clean and properly seated.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Mississippi Chicken!

Conclusion:

This Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Why? Because it delivers an explosion of flavor with minimal effort. We’re talking tender, juicy chicken infused with tangy pepperoncini, savory ranch dressing mix, and a rich, buttery sauce – all achieved in a fraction of the time compared to traditional slow-cooker methods. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen all day, when in reality, you’ve only spent a few minutes prepping and letting your Instant Pot work its magic.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Serve it shredded over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting classic. Or, pile it high on toasted buns with a dollop of coleslaw for a satisfying sandwich. For a lighter option, try serving it over a bed of quinoa or brown rice with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans. The possibilities are truly endless!

And speaking of variations, don’t be afraid to experiment! If you like a little extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. For a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese after pressure cooking. You can also adjust the number of pepperoncini peppers to suit your spice preference. Some people love to add a packet of au jus gravy mix for an even richer, more savory flavor. Feel free to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for a more budget-friendly and flavorful option – just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can even use chicken breasts if you prefer, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry.

This recipe is also fantastic for meal prepping. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy delicious, ready-to-go lunches and dinners throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, and the flavors only seem to intensify over time. It’s also a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you need to feed a lot of people without spending hours in the kitchen.

I’m confident that once you try this Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot recipe, you’ll be hooked. It’s simple, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. It’s the perfect weeknight meal solution for busy families, and it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite.

So, what are you waiting for? Dust off your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible dish. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? Did you serve it with a particular side dish? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. I’m always looking for new ways to improve my recipes, so your feedback is invaluable. Enjoy!

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