Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes Recipe

If comfort food had a personality, it would show up at your door with a heaping dish of Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes! This utterly craveable recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken with golden, crispy potatoes, all crowned with gooey, melted mozzarella and a tangy pop of peppers. It’s swoon-worthy in its simplicity, packed with flavor, incredibly family-friendly, and makes for the perfect weeknight winner or impressive casual get-together centerpiece. Best of all, Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes is as easy to make as it is to love, blending everything you want in a hearty meal into one irresistible pan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a short list of simple but absolutely essential ingredients, each one playing a starring role in the final dish’s flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Don’t be tempted to swap or skip—these are the building blocks of Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes magic!

• Chicken Breasts: Cut into cubes for juicy, quick-cooking bites that soak up seasoning beautifully.
• Potatoes: Four medium or large, peeled and cubed; they get beautifully crispy in the air fryer.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps those potatoes roast to perfection.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: This simple seasoning mix brings irresistible flavor and a hint of color to the potatoes.
• Aus Ju Gravy Mix: Just one tablespoon (or half a packet) deepens the savory profile of the dish.
• Ranch Seasoning: A classic for good reason—it brightens and bonds the flavors with herby tang.
• Butter: Just two tablespoons is all you need to finish the chicken with a silky, rich touch.
• Pepperonchinis or Banana Peppers: Their briny, zesty bite takes the whole dish up a notch.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts dreamily on top, bringing everything together in cheesy, irresistible fashion.

How to Make Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes

Step 1: Prep and Season the Potatoes

Start by giving your potatoes a good wash, then peel and cube them to create bite-sized pieces. Toss them generously with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of paprika. This quick mix transforms the potatoes so they roast up with crispy exteriors and fluffy insides, all zinging with spice and flavor.

Step 2: Air Fry the Potatoes

Arrange the seasoned potatoes in your air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400 degrees. Let them cook for about 20 minutes, giving the basket a shake or a toss a couple of times while they cook. This step ensures the potatoes are perfectly golden all over—no stovetop fuss, just crispy perfection!

Step 3: Cube and Season the Chicken

While the potatoes are working their magic, cut your chicken breasts into uniform cubes. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with half a packet of Aus Ju Gravy mix and Ranch seasoning. Toss until each piece is perfectly coated. This step infuses the chicken with savory, herby notes that really make Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes stand out.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Next, heat a skillet on medium-high and melt in a bit of butter. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and sauté until they are browned and cooked through. The butter adds depth and glossy richness, while the chicken picks up just a touch of crisp caramelization on the outside.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Once your chicken is perfectly cooked and your potatoes are golden and tender, toss the potatoes into the skillet with the chicken. Stir to combine, so those flavors mingle and every bite is a little bit magic. Don’t be afraid to let the potatoes pick up some of those pan juices!

Step 6: Top and Melt

Sprinkle a generous cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of your skillet, then scatter on as many pepperonchinis or banana peppers as your heart desires. For melty, bubbling perfection, pop the skillet under a broiler for a couple minutes—or if you prefer, cover the pan and let the cheese melt gently on the stove.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes is ready to take center stage! The aroma alone will bring everyone flocking to the table. Serve it hot, make sure to scoop up plenty of cheesy goodness and peppers in each portion, and bask in the glory of comfort food at its finest.

How to Serve Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes

Garnishes

For that extra-special finishing touch, try garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Their freshness adds a bright contrast to the richness of the dish, while a few extra pepperonchinis on top bring more color and zing.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, consider serving your Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes with a crisp green salad, sauteed green beans, or even steamed broccoli. The fresh sides provide balance, making each bite even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, try serving the Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes family-style right from the skillet for rustic charm, or carefully plate individual portions in shallow bowls, topped with a dramatic tangle of peppers and cheese. For a fun twist, pile spoonfuls onto toasted bread or baked potatoes for an over-the-top comfort food experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, stash any leftover Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three days—the flavors deepen and meld, making leftovers as craveable as day one!

Freezing

To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It’ll stay delicious for about two months. For best results, freeze before adding the mozzarella and peppers, then top and broil fresh after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop portions in the microwave for a couple of minutes, or warm gently in a covered skillet on the stove. If things seem a little dry, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up before topping with cheese and peppers, then melt again for that just-made finish.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will make your Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes even juicier and more flavorful, with a touch of extra richness that’s always welcome in comfort food dishes.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! Simply roast the seasoned potatoes in your oven at 400 degrees on a baking sheet for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

Is there a good substitute for Aus Ju Gravy Mix?

If you don’t have Aus Ju Gravy Mix, you can substitute with your favorite brown gravy mix, or even use a tablespoon of concentrated beef bouillon powder for that same savory depth.

Can I make a vegetarian version?

Definitely! Sub in cubed tofu or chickpeas, skip the gravy mix for a vegetarian-friendly version, and use veggie ranch seasoning—your Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes will still be craveable and hearty.

How spicy are the pepperonchinis?

Pepperonchinis are more tangy than hot. If you love a little extra kick, use banana peppers or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when tossing the potatoes or chicken.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy to pull together but feels totally special, Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes is your new go-to. Try it once, and you’ll see exactly why this cozy, flavorful favorite keeps making repeat appearances around the table—you might just find yourself craving it all week long!

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