Mississippi Chicken is a flavourful and incredibly easy slow cooker dish that combines tender chicken breasts with tangy ranch seasoning, zesty pepperoncini peppers, rich butter, and savory au jus gravy mix. This Southern-inspired recipe creates a melt-in-your-mouth chicken that’s juicy, slightly spicy, and bursting with flavour perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Quick Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Dish Type | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Southern / American |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 6 hours (slow cooker) |
| Servings | 4 |
| Skill Level | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with just 5 main ingredients
- Hands-off cooking perfect for busy days
- Great for sandwiches, wraps, rice bowls, or over mashed potatoes
- Deliciously tender and loaded with savory buttery flavor
- Can be made in a slow cooker, oven, or Instant Pot
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 | You can also use thighs for juicier texture |
| Ranch seasoning mix | 1 packet (about 1 oz) | Adds tangy, herby flavor |
| Au jus gravy mix | 1 packet (about 1 oz) | Deep savory taste |
| Butter | ½ cup (1 stick) | Unsalted preferred |
| Pepperoncini peppers | 6–8 whole | Adds mild heat and tanginess |
| Pepperoncini juice | 2 tbsp | Optional, for extra kick |
How to Make Mississippi Chicken
In the Slow Cooker (Best Method)
- Layer the chicken:
Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. - Add seasonings:
Sprinkle the ranch mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken. - Top with butter and peppers:
Place the stick of butter on top and add pepperoncini peppers around. - Cook:
- Low for 6–7 hours or
- High for 3–4 hours
until chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
- Shred and serve:
Shred chicken with two forks in the slow cooker and mix with the sauce.
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken in a baking dish, sprinkle ranch and au jus mix, top with butter and peppers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred and spoon the flavorful sauce over the chicken.
Instant Pot Method
- Add ½ cup chicken broth to the pot.
- Add chicken, seasonings, butter, and peppers.
- Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes, then Natural Release for 10 minutes.
- Shred and mix with sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Over mashed potatoes or rice
- On toasted sandwich rolls with melted cheese
- In tacos or wraps
- With steamed vegetables or green beans
- Over buttered egg noodles
Recipe Tips
- Use unsalted butter to control sodium.
- Adjust spiciness by adding or removing pepperoncinis.
- For creaminess, stir in cream cheese or heavy cream before serving.
- Leftover sauce is perfect for drizzling over veggies or bread.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in portions.
- Reheat: In a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.
Variations
- Mississippi Chicken Thighs: Use boneless thighs for a richer taste.
- Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or hot pepperoncini.
- Creamy Style: Add 4 oz cream cheese at the end of cooking.
- BBQ Twist: Stir in a little barbecue sauce for a smoky kick.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Nutrition (per serving)
(Approximate for 4 servings)
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Protein: 33g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 790mg
History of Mississippi Chicken
Mississippi Chicken is inspired by the classic Mississippi Pot Roast, a beloved Southern comfort food originally created in Ripley, Mississippi, in the 1990s. Home cooks adapted the same flavor-packed ingredients to chicken, creating a lighter, quicker, and just as delicious version that became a viral favorite on social media and family tables alike.
Why It’s a Family Favourite
This dish is simple, budget-friendly, and foolproof it’s one of those “dump and go” meals that makes your kitchen smell amazing and dinner stress-free. The blend of tangy ranch, buttery richness, and mild heat from pepperoncinis makes it unforgettable.
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