Name: Mississippi Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 5 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 12 pepperoncini peppers + 1/4 cup juice from the jar; 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix (like Hidden Valley); 1 (1 oz) packet au jus seasoning; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Mississippi Chicken is a mouthwatering, slow-cooked dish with its tangy, buttery flavor profile and tender, fall-apart chicken.

What is Mississippi Chicken?

Mississippi Chicken is a slow-cooked dish that combines chicken with ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. This flavor-packed recipe originated as a twist on Mississippi Pot Roast, a similar dish made with beef. The chicken version is equally savory and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Mississippi Chicken

To ensure your Mississippi Chicken turns out perfect every time, here are some tried-and-true tips:

Use the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Thighs are slightly juicier, but breasts shred beautifully.
Layering Matters: Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker for even cooking. Top with seasoning, butter, and pepperoncini peppers.
Don’t Skip the Peppers: Pepperoncini peppers add a unique tang and slight heat. If you prefer less spice, you can use banana peppers or omit the peppers altogether.
Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours yields the most tender and flavorful chicken.
Shred Gently: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. This helps absorb the flavorful juices.

Variations of Mississippi Chicken

Mississippi Chicken is a versatile recipe that you can tweak to suit your preferences:

Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or extra pepperoncini juice for more heat.
Creamy Twist: Stir in cream cheese or sour cream at the end for a creamy sauce.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the gravy mix and make your own keto-friendly seasoning blend.
Vegetable Additions: Add sliced mushrooms, carrots, or onions to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.

How to Serve Mississippi Chicken

Mississippi Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas:

Over Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, flavorful chicken is perfect over buttery mashed potatoes.
With Rice or Cauliflower Rice: Spoon the chicken and juices over fluffy white rice or low-carb cauliflower rice.
On Sandwiches: Pile the shredded chicken on a toasted bun for a hearty sandwich. Add cheese and toasted onions for extra flavor.
In Tacos: Use the chicken as a filling for tacos, topped with shredded cheese, lettuce, and sour cream.
With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced meal.

How to Store Mississippi Chicken

If you have leftovers (which isn’t always the case with this dish!), here’s how to store them:

Refrigerator: Place the chicken and juices in an airtight container. Store for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze shredded chicken and juices in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth if the mixture seems dry.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure it cooks thoroughly.

2. Can I make Mississippi Chicken in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release. Shred the chicken and enjoy.

3. Is there a dairy-free version?

To make this recipe dairy-free, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free ranch seasoning mix.

4. Can I substitute the au jus gravy mix?

If you can’t find au jus mix, use onion soup mix or beef bouillon powder as a substitute.

5. What are pepperoncini peppers?

Pepperoncini peppers are mild, tangy chili peppers often used in Italian cuisine. They’re usually sold in jars in the pickle aisle.

Yield: 6

Mississippi Chicken

Mississippi Chicken is a mouthwatering, slow-cooked dish with its tangy, buttery flavor profile and tender, fall-apart chicken.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 3 hours

Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients

4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
12 pepperoncini peppers + 1/4 cup juice from the jar
1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix (like Hidden Valley)
1 (1 oz) packet au jus seasoning
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker.
Add the Flavor: Pour the pepperoncini juice over the chicken and arrange the peppers around it. Sprinkle with ranch and au jus seasoning, then top with butter pieces.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours) until the chicken is tender.
Shred and Serve: Shred the chicken with two forks, toss it in the sauce, and serve!

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 332Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 110mgSodium 2292mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 2gSugar 7gProtein 28g

All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

Why You’ll Love Mississippi Chicken

Mississippi Chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting dish that brings people together. Its rich flavors, tender texture, and simple preparation make it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, with endless variations and serving options, it’s a recipe you can adapt to suit any occasion.

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