Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, you’re in the right place! Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes is a dish that brings together tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and gooey cheese, all topped with zesty pepperonchinis. It’s a family favorite around here, and I promise it will become one of yours too! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your immediate family, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

What I love most about this dish is how simple it is to prepare without sacrificing flavor. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dinner that feels special enough for gatherings but easy enough for any night of the week. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 40 minutes from start to finish, you can have dinner on the table without fussing over complicated steps.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cheesy goodness! This dish has flavors that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
• Make Ahead: You can prep the ingredients earlier in the day to save time in the evening.
• Flexible Ingredients: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have at home or your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to create your own Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 4 medium/large potatoes
• olive oil + salt (along with pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for the potatoes)
• 1 TBSP each of Aus Ju Gravy Mix and Ranch seasoning (half a packet)
• 2 TBSP butter
• Pepperonchinis or banana peppers
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

Variations

One of the best things about Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes is its flexibility! Feel free to customize this dish based on your preferences or what you have available. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: If chicken isn’t your thing, try using turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Change up the veggies: Add some bell peppers, carrots, or green beans for extra color and nutrition.
• Experiment with spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some Cajun seasoning or chili flakes for an added kick.
• Use different cheeses: Swap out mozzarella for cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a twist!

How to Make Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing your potatoes thoroughly. Peel them if you prefer and cut them into cubes. This step is crucial because evenly-sized pieces cook more uniformly. Toss those cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until they are well-coated. The spices will give them an irresistible flavor as they cook!

Step 2: Air Fry the Potatoes

Cook those seasoned potato cubes in an air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes. Remember to shake them around at least a couple of times while they cook—this ensures they get crispy on all sides. The air fryer works wonders in making them golden brown without needing much oil!

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

While your potatoes are crisping up nicely, cut your chicken breasts into cubes. Season them with olive oil, half a packet of Aus Ju Gravy mix, and Ranch seasoning. This combination adds loads of flavor to your chicken as it cooks.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt a little butter and add the seasoned chicken cubes. Sauté until they are cooked through and golden brown—this usually takes about 7-10 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Once both the chicken and potatoes are done cooking, add the crispy potatoes directly into the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together gently so that the flavors meld nicely—trust me; this is where it gets delicious!

Step 6: Add Toppings

Top everything off with shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle on some pepperonchinis (or banana peppers if you prefer).

Step 7: Melt the Cheese

To get that deliciously gooey cheese texture we all crave, broil everything in the oven for just a few minutes until melted. Alternatively, covering with a lid on low heat will also do wonders while keeping things warm.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve hot straight from skillet to plate! Dig into this delightful comfort dish filled with flavors that remind you of home-cooked goodness. Enjoy every bite of your Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes!

Pro Tips for Making Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes

This recipe is simple and delicious, but a few extra tips can make it even better!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh potatoes and chicken will enhance the flavors and textures of the dish, making it more enjoyable for everyone at the table.

• Customize seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick if you enjoy heat!

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cooking in batches ensures that your potatoes get crispy instead of steaming. This is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.

• Let cheese sit before serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after broiling helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to serve without everything falling apart.

• Prep ahead: You can chop your potatoes and chicken in advance and store them in the fridge. This saves time on busy weeknights!

How to Serve Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes

Presenting this delightful dish is easy and fun! With its colorful ingredients and cheesy topping, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Sliced green onions: These provide a mild onion flavor that complements the cheese and peppers beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Steamed broccoli: This nutritious side adds a vibrant green color and pairs well with the richness of the chicken and cheese.

• Crispy salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing crunch that balances out this hearty meal.

• Garlic bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any cheesy goodness left on your plate.

With these tips and serving ideas, you’re all set to create an unforgettable meal your family will love! Enjoy every bite of your Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the dish is cooled to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
• Place the chicken and potatoes in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes.

Can I use other vegetables with Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition. Just ensure they cook evenly with the potatoes.

How spicy is Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes?

The spice level is quite mild, but you can adjust it by adding more pepperonchinis or even some red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat!

What can I substitute for ranch seasoning in Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes?

If you don’t have ranch seasoning on hand, you can make a homemade mix using garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and parsley. This will give a similar flavor profile!

Can I make Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes in advance?

Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep. Follow the storage instructions to enjoy it later without losing any flavor.

What goes well as a side dish with Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes?

A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables pairs wonderfully with this dish. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up those delicious juices!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this comforting and hearty Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes recipe! It’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavors that bring everyone together around the dinner table. Don’t hesitate to try it out—I’m sure it will quickly become a family favorite just like it has for mine. Happy cooking!