There is something incredibly comforting and downright delicious about the Mississippi Chicken in the Slow Cooker Recipe. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, tangy sauce from ranch and au jus mixes, all enhanced by the subtle zing of pepperoncini peppers. It’s one of those effortless recipes that makes your kitchen smell like a dream and turns into a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Mississippi Chicken in the Slow Cooker Recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Each ingredient plays an important role, marrying flavors that deliver depth with every bite while keeping things straightforward enough for any level of home cook.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that cooks to tender perfection while soaking up all the flavors.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix: Adds creamy, herby goodness that forms the base of the sauce.
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix: Brings savory richness and a slight beefy depth without overpowering the chicken.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced: Melts into the sauce to provide a luscious, velvety texture.
- 6-8 pepperoncini peppers: These give the dish its signature tangy heat and a subtle bite that keeps each mouthful exciting.
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini juice: Intensifies the flavor and adds a perfect balance of acidity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning to round out and enhance all the other flavors.
How to Make Mississippi Chicken in the Slow Cooker Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a sturdy foundation for soaking up all the incredible flavors, ensuring that the meat stays moist while cooking.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and the au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken. These mixes are essential because they infuse the dish with that beloved, bold Southern taste we all crave.
Step 3: Layer the Butter
Arrange slices of butter on top of the chicken breasts. As the butter slowly melts, it brings richness and helps meld all the ingredients into one perfectly creamy sauce.
Step 4: Incorporate the Pepperoncini Flavor
Add the pepperoncini peppers around the slow cooker and pour the pepperoncini juice over the contents. Season lightly with salt and pepper. The peppers and their juice add that bright, vinegary kick that defines Mississippi Chicken.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or switch to high for 3 to 4 hours depending on your schedule. Cooking low and slow guarantees chicken so tender it falls apart with ease and melds exquisitely with the sauce.
Step 6: Shred and Mix
Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir well so every shred is coated in that flavorful, buttery sauce filled with herbaceous and tangy notes.
Step 7: Ready to Serve!
Your Mississippi Chicken in the Slow Cooker Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed—hot, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Get creative with how you present it at the table!
How to Serve Mississippi Chicken in the Slow Cooker Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions make fantastic garnishes. They add a pop of color and a bright herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, tangy chicken.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs incredibly well with simple sides like steamed rice to soak up every drop of sauce, roasted vegetables to add texture, or buttery mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the shredded chicken on slider buns for a crowd-pleasing sandwich or on top of a bed of creamy polenta for a Southern-inspired twist. You can also pile it atop a fresh green salad for a lighter fare that remains satisfying and full of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Mississippi Chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen after a day, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space for expansion and label it with the date.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if it looks dry, and stir occasionally to keep the chicken moist and the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and tend to stay juicier during long cooking times, making them a perfect alternative for this recipe.
Do I have to use butter in this recipe?
Butter is key for creating that creamy, velvety sauce that defines the dish, but you can experiment with margarine or a butter substitute if needed, although the flavor might be slightly different.
What if I don’t have au jus gravy mix?
If you don’t have au jus mix, beef broth powder or a beef-flavored seasoning blend can work as a substitute, providing a similar savory depth.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to layer your ingredients, then cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes, followed by a natural release. Just be sure to adjust the liquid slightly if needed.
Are pepperoncini peppers very spicy?
Pepperoncini peppers have a mild heat that adds a bright, tangy flavor rather than overwhelming spiciness, making them perfect for those who prefer a little zing without the burn.
Final Thoughts
If you want a no-fuss, deeply satisfying meal that impresses every time, the Mississippi Chicken in the Slow Cooker Recipe is your new best friend. It’s hands-off cooking at its finest, delivering juicy chicken, buttery sauce, and that perfect tangy twist that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Mississippi Chicken in the Slow Cooker Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes to 8 hours 5 minutes (low) or 3 hours 5 minutes to 4 hours 5 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mississippi Chicken is a flavorful slow cooker recipe featuring tender shredded chicken breasts cooked with ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, buttery slices, and tangy pepperoncini peppers. This easy-to-make dish delivers a rich, tangy, and buttery taste perfect for sandwiches, rice bowls, or your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (about 0.9 oz)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Butter and Peppers
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced
- 6–8 pepperoncini peppers
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini juice (from the jar)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring they are spaced evenly for even cooking.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken breasts to evenly coat them with flavor.
- Top with Butter: Arrange slices of unsalted butter on top of the seasoned chicken breasts to add richness and moisture during cooking.
- Add Peppers and Juice: Place 6-8 pepperoncini peppers on top and pour 1/4 cup of pepperoncini juice over all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks and mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly with the flavorful juices.
- Serve: Serve the Mississippi Chicken hot, ideal for sandwiches, over rice, or alongside your preferred side dishes to enjoy its savory, buttery flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the number of pepperoncini peppers to control the heat and tanginess of the dish.
- For a lower fat option, you can reduce the butter or use a butter substitute, though it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken once shredded and simmer the juices on the stovetop to reduce before mixing back in.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Serves well with sandwich buns, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a hearty meal.
