Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot

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This easy Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot recipe is packed with bold, zesty flavor and cooks up juicy chicken and fluffy rice in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!

Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot has saved my dinner table more times than I can count. I still remember the first time I made it, it was a hectic Tuesday, the kids had soccer practice, and I was running on fumes. I tossed everything into the Instant Pot, said a little prayer, and hoped for the best. What came out was pure magic: juicy, flavorful chicken with a zesty, buttery sauce that had everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe isn’t just easy, it’s a lifesaver. It brings bold flavors together with practically no effort, and the best part? It all cooks in one pot, rice included. As a busy mom and home cook here in sunny Florida, I’m all about meals that deliver on taste without demanding all my time. If you’re craving something comforting, crave-worthy, and crazy simple, Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot is the dish to try. And if you’re a fan of bold flavors like this one, you’ll also love my Jamaican Jerk Chicken Rice for a spicy island twist.

As a mom of three and a Florida home cook who’s always juggling something, this dish has saved dinner time more than once. So pull out your pressure cooker and let’s dive into one of the easiest and most flavorful recipes out there: Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot.

Table of contents

Main Ingredients for Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot (What You’ll Need)
Additional Ingredients & Substitutes
Expert Tips for a Flavorful Result
Recommended Techniques for The Perfect Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot
Step-by-Step Instructions
Additional Guide: Variations & Serving Ideas
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot
Conclusion
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Main Ingredients for Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot (What You’ll Need)

To make this flavorful dish, here are the key players you’ll need:

2–3 lbs Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Boneless and skinless work best. Thighs are juicier, but breasts shred beautifully.
1/2 cup Water or Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: This helps the Instant Pot come to pressure while adding flavor.
1/2 jar Pepperoncinis (with juice): These add a tangy, slightly spicy kick. Slice them if you want more heat in each bite.
1 oz Packet of Au Jus or Brown Gravy Mix: This brings a savory depth to the dish.
1 oz Packet of Ranch Dressing Seasoning: Classic Mississippi Chicken flavor right here!
4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter: Adds richness. Feel free to go up to 6 Tbsp if you love buttery flavor.
1 1/2 cups White Long Grain Rice: Rinse well to avoid gumminess.
1 1/2 cups Water: For cooking the rice pot-in-pot style.

These ingredients combine to create a mouthwatering blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. And the best part? You probably have most of them in your pantry already! I’m a huge fan of one-pot chicken and rice meals that don’t sacrifice flavor for simplicity.

mississippi chicken instant pot ingredients

Additional Ingredients & Substitutes

While the core ingredients bring the signature flavor of Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot, you can personalize this dish with a few extras or swaps:

Cream Cheese (2–3 Tbsp): Stir it in after cooking for a creamier texture.
Garlic Powder or Onion Powder (1 tsp): For added depth.
Low-Carb Alternative: Serve with cauliflower rice or green beans.
No Rice? Mashed potatoes or crusty bread make excellent sides.
Vegetable Boost: Add frozen peas or corn after pressure cooking.
Spice It Up: Toss in some red chili flakes or slice a jalapeño with the pepperoncinis.

These additions let you adapt the dish to your family’s taste or dietary needs without losing that comforting Mississippi Chicken goodness.

Expert Tips for a Flavorful Result

Making Mississippi Chicken in the Instant Pot is simple, but a few pro tips can elevate your final dish:

Sear for Extra Flavor: Sauté the chicken in the Instant Pot before adding the seasonings. It adds depth.
Pot-in-Pot Rice is Key: Cooking the rice in a separate bowl above the chicken prevents it from getting soggy. Be sure to rinse your rice thoroughly before cooking.
Use Chicken Broth Instead of Water: It enhances the savory profile and complements the seasonings.
Shred While Warm: The chicken pulls apart easily right after pressure cooking. Use two forks or a hand mixer on low.
Adjust Butter to Taste: Some folks love it super buttery. Feel free to add more at the end if you’re feeling indulgent.
Natural Release is Crucial: Letting the Instant Pot sit for 10 minutes before doing a quick release helps the juices stay inside the meat.

These tips don’t just make your cooking easier, they help create that perfect balance of texture and flavor every time. You can also enhance your rice even more using the chicken broth rice cooker method for a savory side.

Recommended Techniques for The Perfect Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot

Here are a few best practices to keep things running smoothly:

Always deglaze the pot after sautéing to avoid the dreaded “burn” warning.
Layer ingredients properly: Chicken at the bottom, seasonings on top.
Use a tall trivet to elevate your rice bowl over the chicken.
Choose the right rice: Stick to long grain for fluffy texture.
Use fresh pepperoncinis if you want more texture and less heat.

These techniques help make this Instant Pot meal feel effortless and foolproof. Looking for another dreamy pressure-cooked dinner? Try this creamy Instant Pot chicken and rice next!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Place chicken breasts or thighs into the Instant Pot. Pour in 1/2 cup water or broth.
Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the ranch and au jus seasoning packets evenly over the top.
Add the Flavor: Pour in half a jar of pepperoncinis along with the juice. Top it all with slices of butter.
Set Up for Rice: Place a trivet over the chicken. In a heat-safe bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups rinsed rice with 1 1/2 cups water. Place the bowl on top of the trivet.
Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot. Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes (breasts) or 12 minutes (thighs).
Natural Release: Let the pot sit for 10 minutes before manually releasing the rest of the pressure.
Shred & Serve: Remove rice, fluff with a fork. Shred the chicken and stir it into the flavorful juices. Serve over rice. No Instant Pot? You can still enjoy a similar comfort meal with chicken and rice in a rice cooker.

Additional Guide: Variations & Serving Ideas

Want to mix it up a little? Here are a few tasty ideas:

For another easy weeknight favorite, check out this dump-and-bake chicken parmesan casserole, it’s just as comforting and requires zero stovetop babysitting.

Mississippi Chicken Sliders: Serve the shredded chicken on mini buns with melted provolone.
Make it Creamy: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese for a decadent twist.
Southwestern Style: Add black beans and corn after cooking. Top with cheddar cheese.
Family Meal Prep: Divide into containers with rice and a side of steamed broccoli for easy lunches.
Mississippi Chicken Bowls: Layer rice, chicken, fresh greens, and a dollop of sour cream for a power bowl dinner.

These creative twists keep dinner exciting while sticking to the same easy method. On warm days, swap this cozy dish for BBQ grilled chicken and rice and take dinner outside. You can also try a lighter version like this chicken avocado rice bowl for lunch or a post-workout meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot

What if I don’t like pepperoncinis?

You can reduce the amount or replace them with banana peppers for a milder flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure not to go over the max fill line of your Instant Pot. Prefer dark meat? Try making Instant Pot chicken legs with a similar seasoning combo.

What size Instant Pot should I use?

This recipe works great in a 6-quart or larger Instant Pot.

Conclusion

There you have it, my friend, a one-pot, flavor-packed meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. This Mississippi Chicken Instant Pot recipe brings everything to the table: juicy chicken, zesty sauce, and fluffy rice, all with hardly any cleanup. It’s become a go-to in my kitchen and I hope it becomes a favorite in yours too.

Whether you’re serving a big family dinner or stashing away meals for the week, this recipe has you covered. Give it a try and don’t forget to make it your own. Add some spice, toss in some veggies, or just keep it classic. Craving something more tropical? My chicken and pineapple fried rice adds a sweet and savory twist you’ll love.

Until next time, happy cooking!