Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken because it’s effortless, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. With only a few ingredients and no complicated steps, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste with practically no effort. It’s tangy, buttery, and slightly spicy, and it can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or even in sandwiches for a delicious twist.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Dry ranch seasoning mix
- Dry au jus gravy mix (or brown gravy mix)
- Butter
- Pepperoncini peppers (whole or sliced)
- Pepperoncini juice (from the jar)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add the chicken: Place chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add seasonings: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken.
- Add butter and peppers: Place the butter on top of the chicken and scatter pepperoncini peppers over and around the meat. Add a splash (about 2 tablespoons) of pepperoncini juice for extra tang.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred and serve: Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and mix it with the juices. Serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or in sandwiches.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people and takes about 6½ hours total—10 minutes for prep and 6 hours of slow cooking.
Variations
- Spicy Mississippi Chicken: Add a few extra pepperoncini peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a bit of cream cheese at the end of cooking for a rich, creamy sauce.
- Mississippi Chicken Sandwiches: Pile the shredded chicken onto toasted buns with provolone cheese.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice or pasta.
- BBQ Twist: Stir in a few tablespoons of barbecue sauce for a tangy, smoky flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or butter to maintain moisture. To freeze, store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking and better texture.
Can I use ranch dressing instead of dry mix?
It’s not recommended. The dry mix gives a more concentrated flavor without extra liquid.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely—thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them perfect for slow cooking.
What can I substitute for au jus mix?
You can use brown gravy mix or a combination of beef broth and onion powder.
Do I need to add any liquid?
No extra liquid is needed—the butter and pepperoncini juice create plenty of flavorful sauce.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until the chicken is tender.
How do I make it less salty?
Use unsalted butter and low-sodium gravy mix or ranch seasoning.
What sides go best with Mississippi Chicken?
Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure not to overfill the slow cooker—use a larger one if needed and slightly extend cooking time.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken is a simple yet bold-flavored dish that turns everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. With its buttery, tangy, and savory sauce, it’s a versatile recipe that works for any occasion. Whether served over rice, mashed potatoes, or tucked into sandwiches, this easy comfort meal is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
PrintSlow Cooker Mississippi Chicken
Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken is a flavorful, tender, and buttery dish made with ranch seasoning, au jus mix, butter, and tangy pepperoncini peppers. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this slow-cooked meal delivers bold, comforting flavor perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet dry au jus gravy mix (or brown gravy mix)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 6–8 pepperoncini peppers (whole or sliced)
- 2 tbsp pepperoncini juice (from the jar)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker.
- Place chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken.
- Top with butter and scatter the pepperoncini peppers over and around the chicken. Add the pepperoncini juice for extra flavor.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and mix it with the juices.
- Serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or on sandwich buns.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter and low-sodium mixes to control saltiness.
- For extra creaminess, stir in cream cheese before serving.
- Try using chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
- Great for meal prep—store in portions for quick lunches or dinners.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 145mg