Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot Recipe – Easy, Juicy & Ready in 30 Minutes!

🍗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hey friends, Chef Andrew here! If you’re a fan of comfort food with a gourmet twist, this Mississippi Chicken recipe is about to become your new obsession. Inspired by Dave Chang’s fearless flavor combos, we’re blending tangy pepperoncini, savory ranch, and umami-rich gravy mix into a dish that’s so easy, you’ll swear it’s magic.

Why it works:
✅ Dave Chang-approved boldness (think tangy + savory + spicy!).
✅ Instant Pot or Slow Cooker—set it and forget it!
✅ Budget-friendly: Use chicken necks (Chang’s secret!) or breasts.
✅ Meal prep hero: Tastes even better the next day!

👨🍳 Chef’s Note: Who’s Dave Chang?

Dave Chang, the culinary genius behind Momofuku, is famous for transforming humble ingredients into iconic dishes. His mantra? “Balance bold flavors fearlessly.” That’s why we’re using chicken necks here—they’re cheap, flavorful, and pack a punch when braised (just like Chang’s pork belly!).

🥘 Ingredients (Serves 6)

For the Chicken:

2 lbs chicken necks or breasts/thighs (see Dave Chang twist below!)
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ (16 oz) jar pepperoncini + ¼ cup juice (tangy kick!)
1 (1 oz) packet au jus gravy mix
1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning
2 tbsp light butter

Optional Add-Ons:

1 tsp red pepper flakes (for heat)
Fresh parsley or chives

🍴 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

Chicken necks: Rinse and pat dry (pro tip: sear necks in the Instant Pot first for extra flavor!).
Breasts/thighs: Cut into halves for even cooking.

2. Layer the Flavors

Pour broth into the Instant Pot.
Add chicken.
Sprinkle au jus + ranch over the top.
Scatter pepperoncini + juice.
Dot with butter (no stirring—promise!).

3. Pressure Cook

Necks: 15 mins high pressure + 10-min natural release.
Breasts: 8 mins high pressure + 5-min natural release.

4. Shred & Serve

Remove chicken, shred with forks, and mix back into the sauce.

Tender and juicy Mississippi Chicken cooked in an Instant Pot, served with mashed potatoes and garnished with parsley.

🌟 Dave Chang’s Chicken Neck Twist

“Why necks?” Glad you asked! Chicken necks are underrated gems—cheap, collagen-rich, and perfect for braising. Here’s Chang’s trick:

Sear First: Use “Sauté” mode to brown necks in 1 tbsp oil.
Deglaze: Scrape up browned bits with broth (hello, flavor!).
Braise Low & Slow: 15 mins under pressure makes them fall-off-the-bone tender.

Serving Suggestion: Pile shredded neck meat onto crusty rolls with pickled veggies (Momofuku vibes!).

Flavorful and tender Mississippi Chicken prepared in an Instant Pot, paired with creamy mashed potatoes and topped with fresh parsley.

🍚 What to Serve With It

Mashed Cauliflower: Soak up that tangy sauce!
Jasmine Rice: Balances the pepperoncini zing.
Pickled Veggies: Quick fridge pickles cut the richness.

Pro Tip: Try Dave Chang’s ssäm sauce drizzled on top!

FAQ:

What Does Mississippi Chicken Taste Like to Eat?

Imagine tangy, savory, and slightly spicy all in one bite! The combo of pepperoncini, ranch seasoning, and au jus gravy gives Mississippi Chicken its signature bold flavor. It’s like a comfort food hug with a zesty kick—perfect for folks who love rich, hearty dishes.

Can Mississippi Chicken Be Frozen?

Absolutely! This Instant Pot Mississippi Chicken freezes like a dream:
Let it cool, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Pro Tip: Freeze shredded chicken with a bit of cooking liquid to keep it juicy!

What Is a Good Side for Mississippi Chicken?

Pair it with:
Low-Carb: Mashed cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
Comfort Food: Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice.
Fresh: A crisp garden salad or roasted veggies.
Try This: Serve it on toasted buns for a killer sandwich!

What Is Mississippi Chicken in a Slow Cooker?

Same amazing flavor, just slower! For a Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken:
Cook on Low for 6-7 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
Shred and mix with the sauce before serving.
Bonus: The low-and-slow method deepens the tangy flavor!

Why Is It Called Mississippi Chicken?

It’s inspired by the famous Mississippi Pot Roast! The original dish (made with beef) went viral in the 2010s, and this chicken version keeps the same iconic flavors—pepperoncini, ranch, and au jus—but cooks faster in the Instant Pot.

Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot Recipe – Easy, Juicy & Ready in 30 Minutes!

Chef Andrew

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 13

Total Time 18

Servings 6 People

Calories 320 kcal