Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes

If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious meal that the whole family will love, then you’ve come to the right place! This Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes recipe is a cherished family favorite in my home. It combines tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and a delightful kick from pepperonchinis, all topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something satisfying yet easy to prepare.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and flavor. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create a meal that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love making Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of chicken, potatoes, and cheese is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your dinner table.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a hassle-free cooking experience later.
• Delicious Flavor: The mix of seasonings brings out wonderful flavors that make each bite incredibly satisfying.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to whip up this tasty dish!

For the Chicken and Potatoes

• 2 chicken breasts
• 4 medium/large potatoes
• Olive oil + salt (pepper, garlic powder, paprika for 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 how flexible it is! You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Change up the veggies: Add bell peppers or broccoli to brighten up the dish and increase its nutrition.
• Experiment with cheeses: Try using cheddar or pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add jalapeños alongside the pepperonchinis.

How to Make Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes

Start by washing your potatoes thoroughly. Then peel them and cut them into cubes. This step is crucial because smaller pieces cook faster and get nicely crispy in the air fryer!

Step 2: Season Those Cubes

In a large bowl, toss your potato cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Don’t stress about exact measurements here; just sprinkle generously! The seasoning enhances their natural flavor and creates a delicious crust while cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

Place those seasoned potatoes in an air fryer set at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook them for about 20 minutes, shaking them around at least a couple times during cooking. This ensures they cook evenly and become golden brown on all sides.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken

While your potatoes are cooking away, cut your chicken breasts into cubes. Season them with olive oil along with half a packet of Aus Ju Gravy mix and Ranch seasoning. This adds fantastic flavor to your chicken while keeping it juicy!

Step 5: Sauté the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little butter. Once melted, toss in your seasoned chicken cubes. Sauté until they are cooked through—this should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Once both your chicken and potatoes are finished cooking, add those crispy potato cubes to the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together well so that all those lovely flavors mingle.

Step 7: Top It Off

Now comes one of my favorite parts—topping it off! Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over everything along with some pepperonchinis or banana peppers for an extra kick.

Step 8: Melt That Cheese

Broil in the oven for just a few minutes until that cheese is melted and bubbly! Alternatively, if you prefer not to use an oven, cover with a lid on the stove until it melts beautifully.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

And there you have it! Dish out generous portions of this comforting Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes onto plates and enjoy every bite!

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes

Cooking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you master this comforting dish!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and chicken can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. They provide a more vibrant taste compared to their frozen counterparts.

• Don’t Skip the Shaking: When cooking potatoes in the air fryer, shaking them occasionally ensures they cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispy texture. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

• Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Adding your favorite herbs or spices can personalize the dish and make it even more enjoyable.

• Keep an Eye on the Cheese: When broiling, watch closely to prevent burning. You want that gooey melted cheese without any charred bits taking away from the delicious flavors.

• Meal Prep for Busy Nights: If you’re short on time, prep your chicken and potatoes ahead of time. Marinating overnight allows the flavors to deepen, making your dinner even tastier when you’re ready to cook!

How to Serve Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes

This dish is not only hearty but also visually appealing! Presenting it well can elevate your dining experience. Here are some ideas:

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich flavors.
• Sliced Green Onions: These add a mild crunch and vibrant color, enhancing both presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Broccoli: The bright green color of steamed broccoli provides a lovely contrast on your plate while adding nutrients to your meal.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any delicious sauce left on your plate.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing balance to the richness of Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes.
• Roasted Asparagus: Roasted asparagus brings a lovely crunch and earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese in this dish.

Enjoy serving up this comforting meal; it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. You can easily store leftovers or even prepare components in advance to save time.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking.
• Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish until heated throughout.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious dish!

Can I make Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and potatoes in advance and store them separately. Just combine and heat when you’re ready to enjoy your meal!

What goes well with Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables, balancing out the hearty flavors of the chicken and potatoes perfectly.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes?

Yes! Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or use sweet potatoes instead of regular ones for a different twist on this classic favorite.

How do I store Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes recipe! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with comfort and warmth, perfect for gathering around the dinner table. I’m excited for you to try it out—I’m sure it will become a beloved favorite in your home as it has in mine. Happy cooking!