Mississippi Chicken

Mississippi Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines juicy chicken with a zesty blend of seasonings, pepperoncini, and ranch. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this slow-cooked recipe is a family favorite that offers a delicious mix of savory and tangy flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: It uses basic ingredients that you likely have in your pantry or can easily find at the store.
• Slow Cooker Convenience: Let the slow cooker do the work for you, giving you tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort.
• Versatile: Mississippi Chicken can be served in various ways—over rice, mashed potatoes, or as a sandwich.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish stores well and is perfect for meal prep.
• Great for Crowds: It’s a wonderful option for feeding a large group with little fuss.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Au jus gravy mix
• Pepperoncini peppers
• Butter
• Pepperoncini juice

Directions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken.
3. Layer Ingredients: Place the butter on top of the chicken, followed by pepperoncini peppers and a splash of pepperoncini juice.
4. 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.
5. Shred: Once done, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the juices in the slow cooker.
6. Serve: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or in sandwiches, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 6-8 people.
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6-8 hours

Variations

• Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
• Spicy Mississippi Chicken: Add more pepperoncini or a few dashes of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
• Creamy Version: Add a block of cream cheese to make a creamy Mississippi Chicken variation.
• Instant Pot Option: Cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes, then do a quick release before shredding the chicken.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with jackfruit or firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of au jus.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Mississippi Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Add a bit of broth or water if needed to prevent drying out.

FAQs

How do I keep Mississippi Chicken from getting too salty?

Use low-sodium versions of the ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix to control the salt levels.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Simply increase the cooking time by about an hour.

Can I make Mississippi Chicken without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make it in the oven at 350°F for about 1.5-2 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

What should I serve with Mississippi Chicken?

It’s delicious over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even in sandwiches with a side of coleslaw.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and tend to be more moist than chicken breasts.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, like margarine or olive oil.

Is Mississippi Chicken gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free versions of the ranch mix and au jus gravy, then yes, it can be gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, you can add potatoes, carrots, or green beans to the slow cooker for a complete meal.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger slow cooker to feed a bigger group.

Does this recipe work with pork?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork shoulder or pork chops for a delicious variation.

Conclusion

Mississippi Chicken is an easy, comforting dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving dinner to a crowd, this slow-cooked chicken will quickly become a household favorite. Its tangy, savory flavors pair perfectly with a variety of sides, making it versatile and convenient for busy days.

Print