If you’ve ever wished for a dish that is utterly effortless to prepare yet bursting with bold and comforting flavors, then this Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with tangy pepperoncinis, creamy butter, and a savory blend of Au Jus and ranch seasoning, all simmered low and slow until perfectly melty. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to come home, relax, and dig into something delicious without any fuss or mess — a true crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for busy weeknights but special enough to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of irresistible flavor and luscious texture. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh pepperoncinis, you’ll create a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy.
- 2 to 3 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all the wonderful flavors while staying tender and juicy.
- 1 (1-oz) package Au Jus mix: Adds a rich, savory depth that makes this dish truly comforting and delicious.
- 1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix: Brings a creamy, herby punch that perfectly complements the tangy peppers and butter.
- 1 stick butter: Creates a luscious, silky sauce that keeps the chicken moist and adds richness.
- 6 pepperoncini peppers: These give just the right zing of acidity and a little heat to balance the creamy sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Combine All Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
This recipe couldn’t be easier. Simply place the chicken breasts right in the slow cooker, sprinkle on the Au Jus and ranch dressing mixes, add the whole stick of butter on top, and tuck in the pepperoncini peppers. No chopping required—just pure simplicity that leads to mouthwatering results.
Step 2: Cook on Low for 6 to 8 Hours
Set your slow cooker to LOW and let it work its magic. The long cooking time allows the chicken to absorb all those rich flavors, while the butter melts into a silky sauce that keeps everything extra tender. Plus, the aroma filling your kitchen during this time is out of this world.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Stir
Once your slow cooker timer is up, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Shredding is what transforms this dish into a luscious and saucy meal. After shredding, mix the chicken back into the slow cooker, letting it soak up any remaining sauce before serving.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this dish and add vibrant flavors and textures. Freshly chopped parsley or chives provide a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Sprinkle some cracked black pepper on top for a little extra warmth and depth.
Side Dishes
This Mississippi Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice are perfect for soaking up all that luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad bring balance and brightness to the plate, rounding out a cozy and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shredded chicken piled high on slider buns for an irresistible sandwich or spoon it over baked potatoes for a hearty dinner. Layer it inside warm tortillas with some crunchy slaw and avocado for quick and tasty tacos. The versatility of this Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken Recipe means you can enjoy it in many delicious forms!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mississippi chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce and chicken together to maintain that wonderful juiciness and flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully, making it great for meal prep. Portion the shredded chicken with its sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a saucepan over low heat or microwave it in short increments, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce stays creamy and doesn’t dry out. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help restore moisture if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken Recipe and tend to be even more tender and flavorful due to their higher fat content. Just adjust cooking time as needed if your slow cooker heats differently.
Do I need to add extra liquid to the slow cooker?
Nope! The butter and pepperoncini peppers release enough moisture during cooking to keep the chicken perfectly juicy without any extra liquid.
How spicy is the dish with the pepperoncini peppers?
Pepperoncini peppers have a mild heat with a tangy bite, so the dish usually isn’t very spicy. However, if you prefer it milder, you can reduce the number of peppers or remove the seeds before adding them.
Can I make this recipe on a high setting instead?
Yes, you can cook it on HIGH for about 3 to 4 hours, but slow cooking low and slow really yields the most tender and flavorful chicken.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ranch and Au Jus mixes contain gluten, so be sure to check your brands or use gluten-free versions if you need to keep this recipe gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken Recipe is hands down one of the easiest and most satisfying meals you can make, whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro. It’s a dish loaded with flavor, tender chicken, and a sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a fast favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken recipe is an effortless, flavorful dish perfect for busy days. Featuring tender, shredded chicken slow-cooked with a savory blend of Au Jus and ranch seasoning, butter, and tangy pepperoncini peppers, it delivers a rich and slightly spicy taste that pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or as a sandwich filling.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 to 3 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings and Sauce
- 1 (1-oz) package Au Jus mix
- 1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix
- 1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
- 6 pepperoncini peppers
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the Au Jus mix and ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken. Add the whole stick of butter on top, and then place the pepperoncini peppers around the chicken.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors while becoming tender and juicy.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks until fully pulled apart.
- Mix and Serve: Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir it into the juices and seasonings. Serve warm, enjoying it over your favorite sides or in sandwiches.
Notes
- You can adjust the number of pepperoncini peppers to control the level of tangy heat.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
- If you prefer spicier flavors, add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
