If you’re looking for a dish that packs big flavors with minimal fuss, Mississippi Chicken Casserole is about to become your new weeknight hero. This recipe takes juicy, tender chicken and wraps it in the irresistible tang of ranch, the savory kiss of au jus, and the subtle heat of pepperoncini peppers, all held together with creamy cheese and a buttery topping. It’s rich, hearty, and wonderfully comforting—a true Southern-inspired favorite that disappears fast at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is delightfully simple, but don’t let that fool you! Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the ultimate flavor and texture. Grab these flavorful essentials before you start:
- Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless for easy shredding and a lean protein center.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: Brings iconic tangy, herby goodness that makes this dish uniquely craveable.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix: Adds rich, savory depth you’d expect in a classic roast, but without the work.
- Unsalted Butter: Dotted on top for a golden, rich finish that ties it all together.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: Offer a gentle kick and burst of color—adjust to your spice preference!
- Pepperoncini Juice: Just a splash for brightness and a tang that cuts through the creaminess.
- Cream Cheese: Softened for ultra-creamy texture; it melds all the flavors beautifully.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A gooey top layer with sharp, melty flavor—don’t skimp!
- Sour Cream: Balances richness and adds a smooth, slightly tangy undertone.
- Cooked Egg Noodles or Rice: Optional, but perfect as a hearty base for serving.
- Chopped Parsley: For a pop of fresh color on top—totally optional, but highly recommended.
How to Make Mississippi Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat until they’re cooked through and tender. Once done, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-size pieces—this ensures every bite of Mississippi Chicken Casserole is packed with flavor and stays wonderfully moist.
Step 2: Mix Up the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your freshly shredded chicken with ranch seasoning mix, au jus gravy mix, softened cream cheese, sour cream, pepperoncini peppers, and their juice. Sprinkle in half the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it all together until evenly blended—the mixture will be creamy with flecks of peppers and that addictive ranch aroma.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spray or grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread the chicken mixture evenly inside. Scatter the remaining cheddar cheese over the top for that gorgeous bubbling crust. Slice your butter into little pats and dot them all over the casserole’s surface. This step is the secret to that glossy, rich baked finish that makes Mississippi Chicken Casserole so irresistible.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a hot, bubbly interior and melted golden cheese on top. The butter will work its magic, basting everything as it bakes. Once done, take it out and let it rest for about 5 minutes—this helps everything set and makes serving a breeze.
How to Serve Mississippi Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over your Mississippi Chicken Casserole just before serving. This bright green touch looks beautiful against the bubbling cheese and adds a little freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, a few extra slices of pepperoncini on top give a playful hint of what’s inside.
Side Dishes
This casserole is deliciously creamy and savory, pairing perfectly with buttery egg noodles or fluffy rice. You can spoon the casserole over your base of choice for a classic presentation. For something lighter, roasted green beans, simple sautéed spinach, or a crisp garden salad are wonderful accompaniments—each one balances out the dish’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Mississippi Chicken Casserole in individual ramekins for a dinner party—everyone gets their own bubbling portion! Or scoop it onto toasted brioche buns for an unforgettable sandwich. Mini portions in muffin tins are fun for potlucks or lunchboxes. The comforting, zesty flavors adapt fantastically to just about any serving style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Mississippi Chicken Casserole makes fantastic leftovers. Let any uneaten portions cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for seriously delicious next-day lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, simply assemble the casserole (but hold off on baking), wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed—add a few extra minutes since it’ll be starting cold.
Reheating
To reheat, cover leftovers with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly (about 20 minutes). For a quick option, individual servings can go in the microwave; just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring as needed until heated through. Either way, Mississippi Chicken Casserole reheats beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and adds delicious, roasted undertones. Just shred it and carry on with the recipe as written.
How spicy does Mississippi Chicken Casserole get?
It’s more tangy than spicy. The pepperoncini peppers give it a gentle kick that most people find pleasantly mild. If you love heat, feel free to add extra peppers or even a splash of hot sauce.
Is there a substitute for au jus gravy mix?
If you can’t find au jus, a packet of brown gravy mix will work in a pinch. It won’t have quite the same savory sharpness, but your Mississippi Chicken Casserole will still taste terrific.
What’s the best way to make this gluten-free?
Look for certified gluten-free ranch and au jus seasoning packets. The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so the swaps are simple!
Can I assemble Mississippi Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. Prep the casserole up to a day in advance—just leave off the final cheese and butter topping until right before baking. Keep it in the fridge, then bake as usual when you’re ready.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the creamy, crave-worthy combination of flavors in Mississippi Chicken Casserole—it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re serving your family on a busy night or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole always earns rave reviews. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch soon, and enjoy every spoonful of this irresistible comfort food classic!
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Mississippi Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mississippi Chicken Casserole is a creamy, flavorful dish that is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Tender shredded chicken combined with tangy ranch and au jus flavors, creamy cheeses, and a hint of pepperoncini heat, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 8 pepperoncini peppers
- 2 tablespoons pepperoncini juice
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles or rice (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then shred the chicken with two forks.
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with ranch seasoning, au jus mix, cream cheese, sour cream, pepperoncini peppers, pepperoncini juice, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Dot the butter pieces over the casserole.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve over egg noodles or rice if desired.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Adjust the number of pepperoncinis to suit your spice preference.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a great meal prep option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 435
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
