Short Description
Mississippi Chicken is a flavorful and easy slow-cooker dish that combines tender chicken with a savory, slightly tangy, and buttery sauce. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Requires minimal prep and only a handful of ingredients.
- Cooks effortlessly in the slow cooker.
- Packed with rich, tangy, and buttery flavors.
- Versatile – serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or in sandwiches.
- Perfect for meal prepping and leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Au jus gravy mix
- Butter
- Pepperoncini peppers (whole or sliced)
- Pepperoncini juice (optional, for extra tanginess)
Directions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Add seasonings: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken.
- Add butter and peppers: Place slices of butter on top of the chicken and add pepperoncini peppers.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred and serve: Shred the chicken with two forks, mix with the sauce, and serve as desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: Up to 8 hours
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or extra pepperoncini juice.
- Cheesy Mississippi Chicken: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
- Creamy Version: Mix in a block of cream cheese for a creamy texture.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium ranch and au jus mixes.
- Extra Herbs: Add fresh parsley or thyme for additional flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals or on the stovetop over low heat.
- Freezing: Freeze shredded chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours if using frozen chicken.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes.
What can I serve Mississippi Chicken with?
It pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or as a sandwich filling.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor.
What can I substitute for au jus mix?
Use a packet of brown gravy mix or a mix of beef bouillon and cornstarch.
Do I need to add water or broth?
No, the butter and juices from the chicken and peppers create enough liquid.
How spicy is this dish?
It has a mild kick from the pepperoncini, but you can adjust the spice level.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy-free butter or omit the butter entirely.
Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer everything in a covered pot on low heat for about 1.5 hours.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate extra portions.
Conclusion
Mississippi Chicken is a delicious, low-effort meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal ingredients. Whether served over rice, mashed potatoes, or in a sandwich, this dish is sure to become a household favorite!
PrintMississippi Chicken
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple, flavorful, and tender slow-cooked chicken dish made with ranch seasoning, au jus, butter, and pepperoncini. Perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or in sandwiches
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (1 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into pieces
- 6–8 pepperoncini peppers, plus 2 tbsp juice from the jar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the bottom of a slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken.
- Add butter pieces on top, then place the pepperoncini peppers around the chicken. Pour in 2 tbsp of pepperoncini juice for extra flavor.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir everything together.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or on sandwich buns.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add extra pepperoncini juice or red pepper flakes.
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- This recipe also works great in an Instant Pot (cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release).
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