Baked Mississippi Chicken
Baked Mississippi Chicken is a savory, comforting baked dish featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts coated with ranch and au jus gravy mix, topped with butter and pickled jalapeños. This easy, crowd-pleasing recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and buttery flavor perfect for family dinners or casual meals, with minimal prep and versatile serving options.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Total Time: 55-70 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4–6 chicken thighs or breasts (preferably thighs for juiciness)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced
- Optional: 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the seasoning adhere better. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper for extra flavor.
- Layer the Ingredients: Arrange the chicken pieces in a baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix over the chicken. Place slices of butter on top of each piece, then scatter the pickled jalapeños (and optional pepperoncini) over the entire dish.
- Bake Until Tender: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 60 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook slowly and absorb the rich flavors.
- Final Browning: Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to let the chicken brown and the butter caramelize slightly, adding color and depth of flavor.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute. Spoon the buttery sauce from the baking dish over the chicken before serving for a luscious finish.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier and more tender result than breasts.
- Butter is essential for the rich, creamy sauce that defines this recipe.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños or omit them to control the spice level.
- Keep the dish covered while baking to retain moisture and prevent dryness.
- Allow the chicken to rest post-baking to ensure juicy, flavorful meat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 chicken thigh with sauce)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Baked Mississippi Chicken, ranch seasoning, au jus gravy, chicken thighs, buttery chicken, jalapeños, comfort food, easy dinner