Mississippi Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that requires minimal effort but delivers a mouthwatering result. This slow cooker recipe combines chicken breasts with ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers to create a dish that is tender, juicy, and packed with rich flavors.
Whether served over rice, mashed potatoes, or in a sandwich, Mississippi Chicken is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and easy meal.
Recipe Preparation Equipment
To prepare Mississippi Chicken, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Slow cooker (Crockpot)
- Tongs (for handling chicken)
- Measuring spoons
- Forks (for shredding)
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Serving dish
What Do You Need to Prepare Mississippi Chicken? (Ingredients)
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful Mississippi Chicken recipe:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) au jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), sliced
- 6-8 whole pepperoncini peppers
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini juice (optional, for extra tangy flavor)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
How to Make Easy Mississippi Chicken Step-by-Step ?
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken.
Step 3: Add Butter and Peppers
Slice the butter into small pieces and distribute them on top of the chicken. Add the whole pepperoncini peppers around and on top of the chicken.
Step 4: Cook on Low or High
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fork-tender.
- If using pepperoncini juice, pour it in before cooking for an extra tangy kick.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Once fully cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the flavorful juices. Serve warm and enjoy!
Variations
Mississippi Chicken is versatile, and you can tweak it to match your preferences:
- Spicy Mississippi Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoncini for a fiery kick.
- Mississippi Chicken with Beef: Swap chicken for beef chuck roast for a heartier version, known as Mississippi Pot Roast.
- Mississippi Chicken with Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or cream cheese after shredding for extra creaminess.
- Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium ranch mix, au jus mix, and unsalted butter to reduce sodium levels.
- Mississippi Chicken Tacos: Shred the chicken and serve in warm tortillas with fresh toppings like avocado and salsa.
Cooking Note
Mississippi Chicken is best cooked in a slow cooker to ensure it remains tender and juicy. Avoid overcooking, as it may dry out the chicken. If you prefer a richer sauce, you can add 1/2 cup of chicken broth or cream of chicken soup before cooking. To thicken the sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
For extra crispiness, transfer the shredded chicken to a baking dish and broil for 5 minutes after slow cooking.
If you’re in a hurry, this dish can also be made in an Instant Pot by cooking on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release.
Serving Suggestions
Mississippi Chicken pairs perfectly with various side dishes. Here are some serving ideas:
- Over Mashed Potatoes: The rich, savory sauce complements creamy mashed potatoes beautifully.
- With Rice: Serve it over steamed white or brown rice for a simple yet satisfying meal.
- On Sandwiches: Pile the shredded chicken onto toasted buns with melted cheese for an amazing sandwich.
- With Pasta: Mix the chicken with buttered noodles or penne pasta for a comforting meal.
- Taco or Burrito Filling: Use the shredded Mississippi Chicken in tacos, burritos, or quesadillas for a fun twist.
Helpful Tips
- Use Chicken Thighs: For an even juicier result, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
- Add Garlic: Minced garlic or garlic powder adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in cream cheese or heavy cream after shredding for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Store Leftovers: Mississippi Chicken stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months.
- Reheat Properly: Warm up leftovers in a pan over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Tips for the Best Mississippi Chicken
- Don’t Skimp on Butter: The butter creates a rich and flavorful sauce don’t skip it!
- Use Whole Pepperoncini Peppers: They add a subtle tang without making the dish overly spicy.
- Shred the Chicken in the Juices: This helps the chicken absorb more flavor.
- Cook on Low for Maximum Tenderness: Low and slow cooking results in the best texture.
Similar recipes you may also like:
- Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Easy Chicken Jambalaya Recipe
- Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
- Buffalo Chicken Soup Recipe
- Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Grilled BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
FAQs
Can I Make Mississippi Chicken in the Oven?
Yes! Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 1.5 hours in a covered dish.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low.
What Can I Use Instead of Au Jus Mix?
Substitute with beef bouillon granules or brown gravy mix for a similar taste.
Is Mississippi Chicken Spicy?
No, but it has a tangy kick. To make it spicy, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Conclusion
Mississippi Chicken is a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Whether served over rice, mashed potatoes, or in a sandwich, this slow cooker recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with a tangy, buttery sauce.
Try it today and enjoy a meal that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious!
PrintMississippi Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) au jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), sliced
- 6–8 whole pepperoncini peppers
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini juice (optional, for extra tangy flavor)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken.
Step 3: Add Butter and Peppers
Slice the butter into small pieces and distribute them on top of the chicken. Add the whole pepperoncini peppers around and on top of the chicken.
Step 4: Cook on Low or High
-
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fork-tender.
-
If using pepperoncini juice, pour it in before cooking for an extra tangy kick.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Once fully cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the flavorful juices. Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 900mg
- Protein: 35g
Keywords: Mississippi Chicken Recipe