Name: Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 packet ranch seasoning mix; 1 packet au jus gravy mix; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick); 6–8 pepperoncini peppers; 2 tablespoons pepperoncini juice (optional)

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If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that’s minimal effort but maximum comfort, Mississippi Chicken is about to become your new obsession. This dish harnesses the magic of a slow cooker to turn humble chicken breasts or thighs into juicy, tangy, buttery perfection crowned with pepperoncini peppers—a soul-warming main course as perfect over mashed potatoes as it is piled into a sandwich roll. Quick to prep and full of flavor, Mississippi Chicken is the kind of recipe you’ll want to save, share, and return to whenever you need something hearty and oh-so-satisfying.

Mississippi Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Mississippi Chicken is how just a handful of straightforward ingredients join forces to create such bold flavor. Each one plays a special part, from rich butter to zesty ranch and tangy peppers. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you don’t want to skip a single thing!

Chicken (4 boneless, skinless breasts or thighs): The canvas of this dish, absorbing every drop of flavor; thighs give extra richness, but breasts also work beautifully.
Ranch seasoning mix (1 packet): Brings a cool, savory kick that melds beautifully with the other flavors—use your favorite brand, or go low-sodium if you prefer.
Au jus gravy mix (1 packet): Adds savory depth and helps create a luscious sauce—you can find this in the soup aisle.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, 1 stick): Melted butter makes everything silky and lavish, infusing the chicken with richness.
Pepperoncini peppers (6–8): Their mild heat and tangy bite are what give Mississippi Chicken its signature pop; feel free to add a few more for extra zing!
Pepperoncini juice (2 tablespoons, optional): This optional splash draws out even more flavor, brightening up every bite.

How to Make Mississippi Chicken

Step 1: Layer the Chicken

Start by nestling your chicken breasts or thighs right into the bottom of the slow cooker. No need to season or sear—the magic happens all together as it cooks. Laying them in an even layer ensures every piece gets coated in that dreamy sauce later on.

Step 2: Sprinkle the Seasonings

Next, grab your packets of ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix. Sprinkle them evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece gets a nice dusting. This is where all that savory, tangy flavor begins!

Step 3: Top with Butter and Peppers

Place the stick of butter right on top of the chicken. Scatter the pepperoncini peppers all around—don’t be shy! If you love a bright, assertive tang, drizzle on those two tablespoons of pepperoncini juice. The butter and peppers will slowly infuse the chicken as everything cooks.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. You’ll know your Mississippi Chicken is done when the chicken shreds easily with two forks, bathed in a silky, aromatic sauce.

Step 5: Shred and Serve

Once the chicken is gloriously fall-apart tender, lift the lid and shred it directly in the pot using two forks. Stir well so every bite is coated in the buttery, peppery sauce. Now, serve it piping hot over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or sandwich rolls—the possibilities are endless and every single one is delicious!

How to Serve Mississippi Chicken

Garnishes

To take your Mississippi Chicken up a notch, try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. For a little extra heat, a dash of crushed red pepper or a few more sliced pepperoncinis on top will do the trick. Even just a crack of black pepper or a tiny squeeze of lemon can brighten up the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This dish absolutely loves to be paired with ultra-creamy mashed potatoes, but fluffy white rice, buttery egg noodles, or even crusty rolls work wonders for soaking up every drop of the savory sauce. For color and crunch, serve with steamed green beans, a crisp salad, or roasted carrots on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Mississippi Chicken shines as a crowd-pleasing slider filling or a warm, messy-tasty sandwich—try piling it on a toasted bun with melted provolone. It also makes a terrific topping for loaded baked potatoes or even tucked into a tortilla for a fun, fusion taco night! Don’t be afraid to get creative—this chicken adapts beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Mississippi Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers just as crave-worthy as the first night. Store with plenty of sauce so the chicken doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

Want to save some for a future busy week? Mississippi Chicken is a freezer dream. Once completely cool, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep things juicy, reheat Mississippi Chicken gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring now and then and adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave works, too—just cover to keep the moisture in and heat until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more richness and stay extra juicy during the slow cooking process. Whether you prefer breasts or thighs, Mississippi Chicken turns out flavorful and tender with either cut.

Is Mississippi Chicken spicy?

This dish has a mild, tangy heat thanks to the pepperoncini peppers. It’s usually quite family friendly, but if you’re heat-sensitive, you can use fewer peppers for just a hint of zing. If you love spice, add a few extra!

Can I make Mississippi Chicken in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! Cook it on high pressure for about 15 minutes, with a natural release. The flavor’s just as bold and the chicken shreds beautifully—perfect if you’re short on time but still crave that slow-cooked taste.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

Shred the chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks, so it mixes directly with the savory sauce. If you’re preparing a large batch, you can even use a hand mixer on low for quick, effortless shredding.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Mississippi Chicken is an ideal dish for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Just make sure not to overfill your slow cooker, and extend the cooking time if necessary to ensure everything cooks evenly.

Final Thoughts

Mississippi Chicken delivers everything you love about cozy, comforting food with hardly any effort. I can’t recommend it enough for busy days, family dinners, or anytime you want a big flavor payoff with minimal work. Give it a try soon—you might just find yourself making it week after week!

Mississippi Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Tender and flavorful Mississippi Chicken made easy in the slow cooker with ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, and tangy pepperoncini peppers. Perfect for a comforting and delicious meal!