Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes Recipe

If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and a little different from your usual dinner rotation, Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes just might become your new go-to recipe. This dish brings together tender, juicy chunks of chicken, golden and crisp potatoes, and a blend of savory ranch and au jus flavors, all topped off with melty mozzarella and zingy pepperonchinis. It’s a recipe that’s cozy enough for a weeknight but packed with enough flavor to impress anyone you’re sharing it with!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes lies in how a handful of humble ingredients transform into a crave-worthy meal. Every item is chosen for a reason, contributing just the right touch of flavor, tenderness, or punchy color to make the dish a total standout.

• Chicken breasts: The star protein, providing hearty flavor and a juicy bite once cooked.
• Potatoes: These become wonderfully crispy in the air fryer and soak up all those savory seasonings.
• Olive oil: Helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully while carrying all those spices to every corner of each bite.
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika: Your basic spice lineup that creates layers of flavor on the potatoes.
• Aus Ju Gravy Mix: Adds deep, beefy savoriness to the chicken, making the whole dish taste slow-cooked and rich.
• Ranch seasoning: Injects that signature tang and herby kick that sets Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes apart.
• Butter: A little butter gives the chicken some extra richness and helps brown it to perfection.
• Pepperonchinis or banana peppers: These bring a touch of acidity and a zingy bite that brightens every forkful.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, creamy crowning glory that pulls everything together with ultra-satisfying gooeyness.

How to Make Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Potatoes

Start by washing, peeling, and cutting your potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Toss them well with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, making sure each piece is well-coated and ready for crisping. Arrange the cubes in your air fryer basket and roast at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes, giving them a shake or two along the way so they brown evenly on every side.

Step 2: Cube and Season the Chicken

While the potatoes are working their magic, cut your chicken breasts into cubes. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with half a packet each of Aus Ju Gravy mix and ranch seasoning. This is where all that classic Mississippi flavor starts to sneak into the dish, setting the stage for something pretty special.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high and let the butter melt until it starts to bubble. Add your seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are fully cooked, golden on all sides, and brimming with flavor. The butter helps the spices cling and seals in all that juicy tenderness.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Potatoes

Once both your chicken and potatoes are done, it’s time for the grand union! Add the crispy potatoes straight into the skillet with the chicken. Give it all a good stir so the potatoes soak up those savory juices, creating a symphony of flavors in one pan.

Step 5: Top and Melt

Scatter a generous cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the skillet, then layer on pepperonchinis or banana peppers. Pop the skillet under the broiler for just a few minutes—long enough to melt the cheese and get everything gooey and irresistible. If you prefer, you can simply cover the skillet and let the cheese melt stove-top for a minute or two. Now, Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes

Garnishes

Don’t skip the finishing touches! A little sprinkle of fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or even an extra handful of pepperonchinis can really make each plate of Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes pop with color and vibrant flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but it’s also wonderful alongside a light mixed greens salad or some simply steamed green beans. If you’re feeling extra, whip up a quick homemade biscuit to soak up any delicious saucy bits left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes in individual bowls for casual gatherings or pile it all onto a big platter for a family-style meal. You can even set up a toppings bar with extra cheese, hot sauce, or crunchy fried onions to let everyone customize their perfect bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes keeps beautifully. Transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!

Freezing

Want to save some for more distant cravings? Just portion Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes into freezer-friendly containers, making sure everything is sealed tightly. Freeze for up to two months—when hunger strikes, you’ll be all set!

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat in a covered oven-safe dish at 350 degrees until warmed through, or simply microwave in short bursts, stirring between each. A sprinkle of fresh cheese and a few pepperonchinis on top will make it taste freshly made every time.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer even more juiciness and flavor, and they adapt perfectly to the seasonings in Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes. Simply cube and cook as you would the breasts for a slightly richer dish.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries—just roast the potatoes on a baking sheet in a 425-degree oven until golden and tender, flipping halfway through. You’ll achieve that irresistible crispness that makes the dish so special.

Is it very spicy with the pepperonchinis?

Pepperonchinis provide a mild tang and just a hint of heat, so the dish isn’t particularly spicy. If you like things hot, try banana peppers or add extra pepperonchinis for a bolder kick.

Can I make Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare everything except for melting the cheese and adding the peppers; then reheat in the oven and top with cheese and pepperonchinis just before serving for maximum flavor and freshness.

What’s the best way to get crispy potatoes?

Make sure your potato cubes are evenly sized and not overcrowded in the air fryer or on the baking sheet. Tossing them thoroughly in oil and shaking the basket or flipping during cooking helps, too. That’s how you get those gorgeous crispy edges in every batch of Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes!

Final Thoughts

This recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly memorable when you put them together just right. Grab your skillet and air fryer—it’s time to bring the comfort and flavor of Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes to your kitchen! Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a household favorite in no time.

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