How to Make Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot in 30 Minutes

There’s something magical about the aroma of Mississippi chicken instant pot cooking that transforms any kitchen into a haven of comfort. The first time I made this beloved recipe, my family gathered around the pressure cooker, drawn by the tantalizing blend of ranch, au jus, and pepperoncini that creates this iconic dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation – Just 5 minutes of prep time with minimal ingredients for maximum flavor
• Incredibly tender results – Pressure cooking creates fall-apart chicken that melts in your mouth
• Family-friendly flavor – Mild, savory taste that appeals to both adults and picky eaters

To Make Mississippi Chicken You’ll Need

• 4-6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra richness)
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix – The flavor foundation that makes this dish distinctive
• 1 packet au jus gravy mix – Adds depth and savory complexity
• ½ cup pepperoncini peppers – Provides gentle tang and signature Mississippi flavor
• ½ cup butter – Creates rich velvety sauce when melted
• ½ cup chicken broth – Ensures proper pressure cooking liquid

Tips for the Best Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot

• Don’t skip the natural release – This prevents tough, overcooked chicken texture
• Layer ingredients strategically – Seasonings on bottom, peppers and butter on top for optimal flavor distribution
• Check internal temperature – Chicken should reach 165°F for food safety
• Adjust liquid if needed – Add extra broth if mixture seems too thick after cooking
• Taste and season – Add salt, pepper, or extra ranch mix to suit your family’s preferences

How to Serve Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot

Classic Presentations:

• Over fluffy white rice – The traditional pairing that soaks up every drop of savory sauce
• Stuffed in warm flour tortillas – Create Mississippi chicken tacos with fresh lettuce and tomatoes
• Piled high on sandwich rolls – Perfect for casual family dinners or game day gatherings
• Mixed with pasta – Toss with egg noodles or penne for comfort food perfection

Creative Serving Ideas:

• Top loaded baked potatoes for hearty meal
• Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and green beans
• Use as pizza topping with ranch drizzle
• Stuff into quesadillas with melted cheese

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too little liquid – Always include at least 1/2 cup broth to prevent burn notices
• Overcooking the chicken – Stick to 15 minutes for breasts; thighs can handle 18 minutes
• Skipping natural release – Quick release can result in tough, stringy texture
• Not shredding immediately – Chicken shreds best while hot and tender from cooking
• Forgetting to taste-test – Always adjust seasoning after cooking to achieve perfect flavor balance

How to Store and Reheat

Storage Guidelines:

• Refrigerator storage – Keep leftover mississippi chicken instant pot in airtight containers for 3-4 days maximum
• Freezer storage – Portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months without quality loss
• Cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and bacterial growth

Reheating Methods:

• Microwave method – Heat in 30-second intervals with chicken broth splash for moisture retention
• Stovetop method – Warm gently in skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through
• Oven method – Reheat covered at 350°F for 15-20 minutes

More Great Mississippi Recipes

• How to Make Amazing Mississippi Meatballs
• How to Make Mississippi Chicken Recipe
• Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
• Instant Pot Mississippi Chicken
  

Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot Recipe

By Nancy

Craving bold flavor in minutes? Make Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot for a quick, savory meal. Try this easy dinner idea today.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Natural Release 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4-6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix
• 1 packet au jus gravy mix
• ½ cup pepperoncini peppers
• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup chicken broth

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare Your Instant Pot Base

• Place chicken breasts in your Instant Pot and sprinkle both ranch and au jus packets evenly over the meat. Add chicken broth to ensure proper pressure cooking liquid levels. This foundation creates the signature Mississippi flavor profile that makes this dish so beloved.
  

Step 2: Add Flavor Elements

• Distribute pepperoncini peppers around the chicken and place butter pieces on top. The peppers will infuse gentle tanginess throughout cooking while the butter melts into a rich sauce base. Avoid stirring at this stage to maintain even seasoning distribution.
  

Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection

• Secure the Instant Pot lid and set valve to sealing position. Select "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting for 15 minutes on high pressure. The pressurized environment will break down chicken fibers while concentrating all the flavors into an incredibly tender result.

Step 4: Natural Release and Shred

• Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release remaining pressure. Remove chicken and shred using two forks, then return to the pot to absorb the flavorful cooking liquid. The chicken should fall apart effortlessly when properly cooked.
  

Notes

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 285
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 14g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g

Keyword easy dinners, comfort food, Instant Pot recipes, keto friendly, low carb, shredded chicken

FAQ About Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot