Mississippi Chicken is a savory and comforting Southern-inspired dish that features tender chicken breasts baked in a rich, creamy sauce made from cream of mushroom soup, ranch dressing mix, soy sauce, and a kick of cayenne pepper. The sauce infuses the chicken with incredible flavor, and it’s quick enough to be a perfect weeknight dinner. Pair it with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup cream of mushroom soup

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 packet dried ranch dressing mix

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

• Fresh garlic cloves (to taste)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the prepared baking dish.

3. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, soy sauce, ranch dressing mix, melted butter, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine.

4. Assemble: Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

5. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Value (per serving, approximately 150g of chicken with sauce):

• Calories: 370 kcal

• Fat: 28g

  • Saturated Fat: 17g

  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g

• Cholesterol: 90mg

• Sodium: 940mg

• Carbohydrates: 9g

  • Sugar: 3g

  • Fiber: 0g

• Protein: 22g

Mississippi Chicken is easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any meal occasion!

The Appeal of Mississippi Chicken

What makes Mississippi Chicken so appealing is its balance of flavors and the ease with which it can be prepared. The creamy sauce, with its savory depth from the cream of mushroom soup and ranch seasoning, is offset by the slight heat from the cayenne pepper. This makes the dish flavorful but not overwhelming, offering just the right amount of kick to elevate the chicken.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, Mississippi Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any night of the week. You simply mix the ingredients for the sauce, pour it over the chicken, and bake until golden and juicy. The result is a dish that’s both indulgent and quick.

Ingredients and Their Roles in Mississippi Chicken

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating the final dish.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are the base of the dish and provide lean protein that absorbs the flavors of the creamy sauce as it bakes. Chicken breasts cook quickly and retain moisture in this dish due to the sauce.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This forms the base of the creamy sauce, adding richness and a subtle earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.

• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds umami to the dish, providing a salty depth without being too overpowering. Using low-sodium soy sauce helps keep the sodium content in check.

• Dried Ranch Dressing Mix: This is a key ingredient in Mississippi Chicken, giving the dish its signature flavor. The ranch seasoning adds tanginess, a creamy richness, and a herby note that complements the other ingredients.

• Unsalted Butter: The melted butter adds richness and helps to form the creamy, velvety texture of the sauce.

• Cayenne Pepper: The cayenne adds a subtle heat to the dish, which balances the richness of the sauce and enhances the overall flavor. You can adjust the amount to suit your preference for spice.

• Fresh Garlic Cloves: Garlic is optional in this recipe but adds a delicious aromatic depth that enhances the savory quality of the dish.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Making Mississippi Chicken is quick and straightforward, with minimal hands-on time. Here’s how to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the chicken will bake evenly and the sauce will cook to perfection. Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. This step is important because it enhances the flavor of the chicken and balances the richness of the sauce. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, making sure they are spaced evenly for even cooking.

Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, low-sodium soy sauce, ranch dressing mix, melted butter, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. The sauce will be thick and creamy, with the butter melting into the soup and the soy sauce adding a savory depth.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure to cover them completely. The sauce will infuse the chicken with flavor as it bakes. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap in the moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, so it’s important to check the temperature to ensure they are fully cooked. Once baked, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Step 6: Serve
Once the chicken has rested, serve it with your favorite sides. The creamy sauce is perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of flavor if desired.

Pairing Suggestions

Mississippi Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is the perfect accompaniment to absorb the rich, creamy sauce.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are another great option, providing a hearty base that complements the flavorful chicken and sauce.

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and delicious addition to the meal.

• Fresh Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chicken and add a refreshing element to the meal.

Conclusion

Mississippi Chicken is an easy, comforting, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal occasion. The creamy, savory sauce infuses the chicken with incredible flavor, while the cayenne pepper adds a delightful kick. This dish is quick enough to be a weeknight favorite but also rich and indulgent enough to serve at a special gathering. Pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables, and enjoy a satisfying, hearty meal that will quickly become a household favorite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or guests, Mississippi Chicken is sure to impress!