Mississippi Chicken Kebabs: A Zesty Twist on a Southern Favorite
If you’re a fan of the mouthwatering tang and spice of Mississippi Pot Roast, then these Mississippi Chicken Kebabs are a must-try. They offer the same bold flavors and delightful acidity but with a fun, grilled twist. With the combination of pepperoncini brine and au jus gravy mix, these kebabs bring a savory kick that will have you coming back for more. What makes them truly stand out, however, is the clever use of brine and buttermilk powder to tenderize the chicken quickly—no need for hours of marinating or slow cooking. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have juicy, flavorful chicken ready for the grill.
Let’s dive into the key components that make these kebabs so irresistible, and how you can easily whip them up for your next outdoor gathering or family dinner.
Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Chicken Kebab
At the heart of these kebabs lies a classic Mississippi flavor profile, known for its tangy, spicy, and savory elements. Here’s what you’ll need to make these kebabs sing:
- Pepperoncini Peppers: These peppers are the star of the dish, contributing their signature tang and mild heat. If pepperoncini peppers are a bit too spicy for your taste, you can easily swap them for banana peppers, which are milder but still pack a bit of punch.
- Ranch Dressing Mix: This provides a creamy, herby base that complements the acidity of the brine and balances the flavors.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix: The powdered mix brings a savory, umami-rich layer of flavor that works perfectly with the brine to tenderize the chicken and enhance its juiciness.
- Canola Oil: Used to coat the chicken and the skewers before grilling, the oil helps the chicken cook evenly while keeping it moist.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The chicken breasts are cut into bite-sized cubes and are tenderized by the seasoning mix and brine, ensuring a juicy, flavorful bite every time.
- Red Onions: The sweet and slightly sharp flavor of red onions adds a perfect contrast to the tangy peppers and savory chicken.
The Secret to Tender, Flavorful Chicken
The magic of these kebabs lies in the marinade. The pepperoncini brine and au jus gravy mix work wonders in tenderizing the chicken in just 30 minutes. The acid from the brine breaks down the chicken’s proteins, making it more tender, while the buttermilk powder in the gravy mix adds moisture and flavor, ensuring that each bite remains juicy and tender.
Pro Tip: While 30 minutes is the sweet spot, don’t leave the chicken in the marinade for longer than that. Any longer and the chicken may become mealy instead of juicy. The acidity of the brine can start to break down the meat too much if left too long, so it’s best to stick to the recommended time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mississippi Chicken Kebabs
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s walk through the simple steps to create these flavorful kebabs.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, pepperoncini brine, and canola oil. Stir everything together until it’s well-blended. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl, tossing them to ensure each piece is coated in the flavorful marinade. Cover the bowl and let the chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Grill and Skewers
While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F to 450°F. If you’re using a grill pan instead, that works just as well—just make sure it’s hot enough to give the chicken a good sear.
Next, prepare your skewers by alternating the chicken, pepperoncini peppers, and red onion pieces. Drizzle the skewers with the remaining canola oil to ensure they don’t stick to the grill.
Step 3: Grill the Kebabs
Place the prepared kebabs on the grill, ensuring that the grates are lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Grill the kebabs for about 10 minutes, turning them every 2 minutes to ensure an even cook. The goal is to get that perfect golden-brown char while making sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. A meat thermometer is a handy tool for this, ensuring you don’t overcook the chicken while still achieving that crispy, grilled exterior.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once your kebabs are fully cooked, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a fresh finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for a Perfect Mississippi Chicken Kebab
- Grill Alternatives: If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, don’t worry! You can use a broiler or grill pan to achieve similar results. A grill pan can even give you those coveted char marks.
- Peppers for Every Palate: If you prefer a milder version of this dish, consider swapping the pepperoncini for banana peppers. They bring less heat but maintain that signature tanginess.
- Don’t Overmarinate: As mentioned earlier, the marinade works quickly, so don’t let the chicken sit in it for too long. Thirty minutes is perfect to absorb the flavors without compromising the texture.
Why You’ll Love Mississippi Chicken Kebabs
What makes these kebabs so irresistible? It’s the way the flavors come together. The zesty tang of the pepperoncini brine and the savory richness of the au jus gravy mix create an ideal balance, while the grilled chicken becomes incredibly tender in just 30 minutes. The onions add a touch of sweetness, and the peppers bring just the right amount of heat. Plus, grilling them gives a smoky finish that can’t be beat.
Perfect for summer cookouts or a simple weeknight dinner, Mississippi Chicken Kebabs are an easy-to-make, yet impressively flavorful dish that will make you the hero of your next meal.
Whether you’re a fan of Mississippi Pot Roast or new to this unique flavor combination, these kebabs are sure to satisfy your craving for bold, zesty Southern-inspired cuisine.
