If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed dinner that’s as easy to make as it is comforting, look no further than Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes. Packed with juicy, savory chicken, crispy air-fried potatoes, gooey melted mozzarella, and a tangy pop from pepperoncinis, this one-pan wonder hits every note you could want in a hearty meal. The simple combination of pantry staples and classic seasonings delivers a dish that feels both nostalgic and just a little bit indulgent, perfect for weeknights or feeding a hungry family. Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes has quickly become the kind of recipe everyone requests again and again—and trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing as it cooks!

Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes is how it uses everyday ingredients in a totally fresh way. Each element, from the starchy potatoes to the melty cheese, plays a key role in building the irresistible layers of flavor and texture.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is the perfect protein here, soaking up all those classic seasonings while staying tender and juicy.
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold work best; when air-fried, they turn golden and crispy outside, fluffy inside.
Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika: This dreamy combo gives the potatoes a savory, punchy crust—paprika adds that signature touch of warmth and color.
Au Jus Gravy Mix: Just a spoonful gives depth, umami, and rich roast-like flavor to both the chicken and potatoes.
Ranch seasoning: Adds tang, a gentle herby kick, and amps up the comfort factor. You’ll use half a packet total, divided.
Butter: Used for sautéing the chicken and infusing that buttery southern goodness throughout the skillet.
Pepperoncinis or banana peppers: These bring the distinctive briny pop and gentle heat that sets this Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes apart—don’t skip them!
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a stretchy, creamy layer that holds everything together—feel free to go a little overboard if you’re a cheese lover!

How to Make Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Potatoes

Start by giving your potatoes a good scrub and peel—they’re the base of this dish, so you want them perfect. Cut them into even cubes so they cook up uniformly crisp, and then toss them generously with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Into the air fryer they go for about 20 minutes at 400°F, giving them a shake halfway through so every piece gets beautifully browned. This method makes the potatoes ultra-crispy on the outside while staying perfectly tender inside, just begging to soak up all the chicken juices later.

Step 2: Cube and Season the Chicken

While the potatoes are crisping up, cut your chicken breasts into bite-size cubes. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly. Drizzle some olive oil over the pieces, then sprinkle with half the packet of Au Jus gravy mix and Ranch seasoning. The seasoning blend here is absolutely everything—it soaks into the chicken, giving each bite extra flavor that’s anything but ordinary.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat a nonstick skillet to medium-high and melt your butter. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and sauté them, stirring occasionally, until they’re fully cooked and lightly golden at the edges. Cooking the chicken in butter lets those seasonings bloom into a luscious, savory coating, while each piece turns out juicy and tender with a bit of caramelized crust.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Potatoes

Once both the chicken and potatoes are cooked, slide those crispy potato cubes straight into the skillet with the chicken. Give everything a good toss so the potatoes pick up some of that buttery, herby goodness and the dish starts to come together as Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes magic.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Pepperoncinis

Take things over the top by showering the whole skillet with shredded mozzarella and scattering pepperoncinis (or banana peppers) all over the top. To melt the cheese, you can either slide the pan under the broiler for a few minutes until it’s bubbly and golden or just pop a lid on and let the heat from the skillet work its magic if you prefer no oven time. The melted cheese acts like a gooey blanket, while the peppers cut through with a bright, tangy kick.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon generous helpings of your Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes onto plates while the cheese is still soft and stretchy. You’ll know you’ve nailed it the second you see those cheesy potato strands and get a whiff of ranch and pepperoncini. Dive in and savor every satisfying bite!

How to Serve Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes

Garnishes

A handful of fresh chopped parsley or green onions tossed over the hot skillet right before serving gives an irresistible pop of color and freshness. A quick grind of black pepper or an extra sprinkle of Ranch seasoning also amps up the aroma and flavor, making each plate of Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Because Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes is a meal all on its own, you can keep sides simple. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette really shines against the rich main dish. Or try a big bowl of steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans—they’ll add color and a little extra crunch to complement the hearty textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try scooping your hot Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes into individual mini cast iron pans or pretty oven-safe bowls and broiling just before serving. It’s also fantastic wrapped in tortillas for homemade cheesy chicken burritos or served over buttery rice for extra comfort. Don’t be afraid to get playful—the sky’s the limit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers absolutely delicious, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving them for lunch the next day!

Freezing

This is a freezer-friendly recipe, so double your batch if you like! Portion Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes into individual freezer containers, making sure the cheese layer is as flat as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if things look a little dry. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave in short bursts until everything is piping hot and the cheese gets melty again. You can even pop it under the broiler for a minute to restore that irresistible cheesy top.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! While mozzarella gives that classic stretch and mild flavor, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend all melt beautifully and taste fantastic with the Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes base. Use whatever you love or have on hand.

Is there a way to make it spicier?

If you like more heat, add extra pepperoncinis, a few shakes of crushed red pepper, or even chopped jalapeños along with the cheese layer. The tangy peppers really wake up the other flavors, taking this dish up a notch!

Can I make this with rotisserie chicken?

Definitely. Simply shred or cube the cooked chicken, season it with the ranch and au jus, and warm it in the skillet with a bit of butter. It’s a smart way to speed things up when you have leftover rotisserie chicken calling your name.

What’s the best potato for this recipe?

Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes both work wonders in Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes. They get perfectly crisp in the air fryer and hold their shape when tossed into the cheesy skillet. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they might turn gluey during reheating.

Can I make Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes dairy-free?

No problem! Use a dairy-free butter substitute and swap in your favorite plant-based shredded cheese. The recipe is flexible, and with all those savory seasonings, you’ll still get mouthwatering results.

Final Thoughts

Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes is honestly one of those recipes you’ll find yourself turning to again and again—warm, bold, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re serving a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just chasing some cozy vibes, this dish never disappoints. Give it a try and don’t be surprised when it quickly becomes your own go-to comfort meal!

Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 26 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes recipe is a simple and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and gooey cheese, all seasoned with a blend of savory spices. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Potatoes:

4 medium/large potatoes, peeled and cubed
olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (to taste)

For the Chicken:

2 chicken breasts, cubed
1 TBSP Aus Ju Gravy Mix
1 TBSP Ranch seasoning
2 TBSP butter

Pepperoncinis or banana peppers, to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes: Wash, peel, and cube the potatoes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Air fry at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes, shaking occasionally.
Cook the Chicken: Cube the chicken and season with olive oil, Aus Ju Gravy Mix, and Ranch seasoning. Cook in a skillet with butter over medium-high heat.
Combine: Once the potatoes and chicken are cooked, add the potatoes to the skillet with the chicken. Mix well.
Finish: Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoncinis. Broil in the oven until the cheese melts. Alternatively, cover and let sit on the stove until cheese is melted.
Serve: Enjoy your delicious Mississippi Chicken & Potatoes!