Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a deeply comforting, flavor-packed meal that practically guarantees clean plates, let me introduce you to Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes. This is the kind of dish that delivers savory, cheesy, creamy deliciousness without any fuss, and doesn’t skimp on flavor for speed. Tangy pepperoncinis, juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and melty mozzarella come together for a cozy weeknight dinner that will truly win over the whole table. Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes is destined to become one of your beloved go-to meals, and once you try it, you’ll know exactly why I can’t stop talking about it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes is how it brings together just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, yet each one adds something essential, from tender texture to punchy flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to get that irresistible combination on your plate:

• Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy slicing and juicy bites.
• Potatoes: Four medium or large potatoes form the crispy, golden base that soaks up all the seasoning.
• Olive oil: Tosses the potatoes and chicken with moisture and helps the seasoning stick.
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika: These pantry staples turn plain potatoes into crispy, flavorful bites every time.
• Au Jus Gravy Mix: Only 1 tablespoon needed! It infuses the chicken with rich, savory depth.
• Ranch seasoning: Half a packet brings a herby, tangy twist that perks up every bite.
• Butter: Adds a silky texture as the chicken cooks in the skillet, plus a touch of indulgence.
• Pepperoncinis or banana peppers: These bring a pop of tangy, zingy heat that truly sets this dish apart. Don’t skip them!
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: A cup of this dreamy cheese turns the skillet into a bubbly, melty masterpiece.

How to Make Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes

Step 1: Prep and Season the Potatoes

Start by giving your potatoes a good wash and peeling them if you prefer—although you can leave the skins on for extra texture and color. Cube the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, then toss them in a big bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. There’s no need to overthink measurements here; just enough to coat the potatoes nicely is perfect. This is where much of the flavor-building magic happens!

Step 2: Crisp Up the Potatoes

Transfer your seasoned potatoes into your air fryer basket, spreading them out in an even layer for maximum crispiness. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees, and let them cook for about 20 minutes, taking care to shake the basket a couple of times throughout. The high heat ensures you’ll end up with golden, crispy outsides and fluffy insides—exactly what you want for this Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes recipe.

Step 3: Cube and Season the Chicken

While your kitchen starts smelling like potato heaven, cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Place them in a bowl, then drizzle with a little olive oil, and toss with half a packet of Au Jus Gravy Mix and Ranch seasoning. This step infuses each morsel with irresistible flavor, turning simple chicken into something special for your Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes skillet.

Step 4: Sauté the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a knob of butter. Once melted and bubbly, add your seasoned chicken cubes to the pan in a single layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through—this usually takes about 6-8 minutes depending on the size of your cubes. The butter helps create a rich, savory crust while keeping the chicken moist and tender.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

When the potatoes are perfectly crisped and the chicken is nicely seared, unite them all in your skillet. Give the mixture a thorough stir to combine those herby, savory flavors. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and dot with as many pepperoncinis or banana peppers as your heart desires. For that gooey, browned cheese finish, pop the whole skillet under the broiler for a few minutes (just until the cheese melts and bubbles). No broiler? Just cover the pan with a lid and let the cheese melt gently over low heat. That’s Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes magic!

How to Serve Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes

Garnishes

When it comes to Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes, the little finishing touches can take your skillet from delicious to unforgettable. A sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, while extra pepperoncinis on top bring zingy pops of tang. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of smoked paprika or even a swirl of ranch makes it undeniably inviting.

Side Dishes

This hearty skillet dish is fantastic all on its own, but if you’re feeding a crowd or want something fresh alongside, try a crisp green salad tossed with a lemony vinaigrette. Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or even a simple cucumber salad offer the perfect contrast to the rich, cheesy Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes center stage.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun spin, serve individual portions in small cast iron pans or mini casserole dishes—everyone gets their own bubbling cheese-topped meal. Or, pile the Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes onto a bed of baby spinach for a quick, warm salad. It’s also perfect for loading into wraps or serving over a scoop of creamy mashed cauliflower for a gluten-free twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (be prepared, it’s that good!), let the Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes cool before transferring into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully, so you won’t lose any of that glorious flavor or melty cheese.

Freezing

Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes can absolutely be frozen for future cravings! Allow the dish to cool completely, then divide into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To bring your Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes back to life, simply reheat portions in a covered oven-safe dish at 350 degrees until warmed through, or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. A few minutes under the broiler will revive the cheesy topping to bubbly, gooey perfection. If needed, a splash of broth or a drizzle of olive oil can help refresh the potatoes and chicken.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese for Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes?

Absolutely! While mozzarella gives you a lovely stretch and mild creaminess, feel free to use sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack if you want a little more punch. Each cheese will bring its own character to the skillet.

Is it possible to make this with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this dish, staying extra juicy and flavorful. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes and cook through until no pink remains. The richness of thighs might even amplify the Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes experience for dark meat fans.

How spicy does this dish get with pepperoncinis or banana peppers?

Not overly spicy at all—the peppers add more tang and brightness than true heat. You can control the kick by using fewer or extra (or even omitting them if you’re heat-sensitive), but I highly recommend keeping at least a few, as they really round out the flavors.

Can I prepare the potatoes another way if I don’t have an air fryer?

Of course! Roast them on a baking sheet at 425 degrees for about 30 minutes, tossing halfway through for even crisping. Or, sauté them in a skillet until golden and tender. The air fryer is just a shortcut for that irresistible crisp!

What if I need to make this recipe dairy-free?

No problem. Substitute the butter for olive oil and use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. The bold seasonings and pepperoncinis will keep your Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes vibrant and delicious, even without the dairy.

Final Thoughts

Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes is one of those rare recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for busy nights, potlucks, or anytime you crave cozy comfort and big flavor. Trust me, give it a try soon—your taste buds (and probably your family and friends) will be asking for it again and again!

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