If you’re in search of a soul-satisfying dinner that’s downright easy and guaranteed to turn out perfectly every time, Mississippi Chicken is your new best friend. This dish features juicy, shredded chicken infused with ranch and au jus seasonings, a hit of buttery richness, and the tangy kick of pepperoncini peppers—all slow-cooked to absolute perfection. Whether you’re new to slow cooker recipes or have a few tried-and-true favorites already, Mississippi Chicken will earn a spot on your family’s regular rotation thanks to its simplicity, bold flavors, and endless serving possibilities.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Mississippi Chicken is just how a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to make something so memorable. Every item packs a punch, from adding depth and savoriness, to bringing that signature Southern twang. Here’s what you’ll need, and why:
- Chicken Breasts: Tender boneless, skinless breasts are ideal for absorbing all the big, bold flavors, and they shred beautifully after slow cooking.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: This dry packet blends herbs and spices for the classic tangy, creamy ranch flavor running throughout the chicken.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix: This beefy seasoning brings savory, meaty depth and helps create that delicious, craveable sauce.
- Unsalted Butter: A stick of butter melts into the mix, making the chicken ultra-moist and velvety.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: These little peppers add a zesty, vinegary kick, balancing out the richness and waking up all the flavors.
- Pepperoncini Juice: Just a splash infuses the entire dish with extra tang and brightness.
- Chicken Broth (optional): For a saucier result, add 1/4 cup broth—especially handy if you plan to serve the chicken over rice or noodles.
How to Make Mississippi Chicken
Step 1: Build the Base
Start by arranging all the chicken breasts in an even layer on the bottom of your slow cooker. Giving them a little space helps them cook evenly, and every piece will be ready to soak up those fantastic flavors.
Step 2: Season Generously
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken. Don’t worry about mixing—just let the spices fall where they may; they’ll melt right in while cooking and make every bite sing.
Step 3: Add the Butter and Peppers
Cut the stick of butter into slices and dot them all over the seasoned chicken. Scatter your pepperoncini peppers (six to eight is a nice starting point) on top, and don’t forget a splash of that feisty pepper juice for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Set It and Forget It
Pop the lid on your slow cooker and cook everything on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for about 4 hours. The kitchen will start smelling irresistible! The chicken is ready when it’s fall-apart tender and easy to shred with a fork.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker, stirring well so every strand gets coated in those luscious juices. If you want a saucier chicken, add the optional chicken broth now and give it another good stir. Mississippi Chicken is best served warm and inviting!
How to Serve Mississippi Chicken
Garnishes
Finish your Mississippi Chicken with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. If you love extra heat, a few more chopped pepperoncinis on top look beautiful and add extra zing.
Side Dishes
This shredded chicken begs for a cozy base—think creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, egg noodles, or buttery sandwich rolls. For a lighter spread, pair it with roasted vegetables, simple steamed green beans, or a refreshing salad to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t stop at the classics! Pile your Mississippi Chicken into hoagie rolls with melty provolone for the perfect party sandwich, spoon it into baked potatoes for a comforting twist, or try it atop nachos with shredded cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for a hearty appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mississippi Chicken keeps wonderfully for meal prep. Simply transfer the cooled chicken and juices to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors deepen and get even better overnight!
Freezing
To save Mississippi Chicken for later, portion it (with juices) into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat as desired for a fuss-free weeknight dinner.
Reheating
For the juiciest results, reheat Mississippi Chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring in a splash of chicken broth if you want it extra saucy. It’s just as delicious the next day—if not more so!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in Mississippi Chicken, turning out even juicier and more flavorful. Just trim any excess fat before adding to the slow cooker and follow the recipe as written.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
You bet! For extra heat, toss in more pepperoncinis, a spoonful of their juice, or a pinch of red pepper flakes before cooking. Taste and add more once it’s done if you like things really fiery.
What’s the best way to serve Mississippi Chicken at a party?
Keep the shredded chicken warm in your slow cooker set to low, and set out a tray of sandwich rolls, coleslaw, and sliced pickles so guests can build their own Mississippi Chicken sandwiches—always a crowd pleaser!
Can I make Mississippi Chicken ahead for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is a meal-prepper’s dream! You can cook it a day or two ahead, store it in the fridge, and portion it out for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Is Mississippi Chicken gluten-free?
Mississippi Chicken can easily be made gluten-free by using ranch and au jus packets that don’t contain wheat ingredients. Always double-check the labels on your seasoning packets to be sure.
Final Thoughts
Once you taste how effortless and delicious this slow-cooked Mississippi Chicken is, you’ll want it in your dinner rotation forever. It’s that winning combo of comfort, flavor, and flexibility that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Mississippi Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tender and flavorful Mississippi Chicken made in a slow cooker with ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. Perfect for a comforting and easy meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 6–8 pepperoncini peppers (plus a splash of juice)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chicken broth for extra moisture
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker: Lay chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix over the chicken.
- Add butter and peppers: Place butter slices on top, add pepperoncini peppers and juice.
- Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Shred the chicken: Shred chicken in the cooker, stir well, and serve warm.
Notes
- This recipe can be made with pork or beef for variation.
- For spicier flavor, increase pepperoncinis or add red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers are ideal for meal prep and reheat beautifully.
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