There is something incredibly satisfying about coming home to the aroma of a meal that has been slow-cooked to perfection. For me, the discovery of Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken was a game changer. On a busy weekday, I needed a hearty meal that wouldn’t require hours of active cooking, and this recipe delivered exactly that. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, Mississippi Chicken quickly became a staple in my kitchen.
If you are new to cooking or simply looking for an easy dish that requires little supervision, this recipe is perfect for you. It uses only a handful of simple ingredients, comes together in minutes, and is cooked in a slow cooker, making it almost foolproof. The result? Tender, juicy chicken infused with the rich flavors of butter, ranch seasoning, and pepperoncini peppers.
Whether you serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or on a sandwich bun, this dish will bring comfort to your table with minimal effort.

Why This Recipe is Special
- Beginner-Friendly: Requires little preparation and no complex cooking techniques.
- Time-Saving: The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common pantry ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Versatile: Can be served in multiple ways, from sandwiches to rice bowls.
- Rich in Flavor: A unique combination of ranch seasoning, au jus mix, and pepperoncini creates an irresistible taste.
Ingredients and Their Role
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – A lean and protein-packed base for this dish. Chicken thighs can also be used for extra juiciness.
- Onion – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix – Provides a savory, beefy depth to the dish.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix – Brings a creamy, herby tang that complements the richness of the butter.
- Butter – Enhances the richness of the dish and helps to keep the chicken moist.
- Pepperoncini Peppers – Give the dish a slight tang and subtle heat without being overly spicy.
- Pepperoncini Juice – Adds acidity and enhances the overall flavor balance.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs – Use in place of chicken breasts for a juicier texture.
- Jalapenos – Swap for pepperoncini if you prefer extra spice.
- Chicken Broth – If you want to reduce saltiness, replace part of the pepperoncini juice with broth.
- Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream – A great addition at the end if you want a creamier texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Place the diced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the chicken breasts on top of the onions.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and au jus mix evenly over the chicken. These seasonings will slowly infuse the meat as it cooks.
Step 4: Add Butter and Pepperoncini
Slice the butter into small pieces and distribute them over the chicken. Scatter the whole pepperoncini peppers over the top.
Step 5: Pour in the Pepperoncini Juice
Drizzle the pepperoncini juice over everything. This helps create a flavorful, tangy broth as the chicken cooks.
Step 6: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Step 7: Shred or Serve Whole
Once the chicken is fork-tender, you can either serve it whole or shred it using two forks for a pulled chicken texture.

Beginner Tips and Notes
- Use Hot Chicken for Shredding – Chicken shreds much more easily while it’s hot. If you plan to shred it, do it immediately after cooking.
- Prevent Over-Salting – If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of au jus mix or use low-sodium versions.
- Adjust the Spice Level – While pepperoncini peppers are mild, you can swap them with banana peppers for an even gentler heat or add jalapenos for a spicier kick.
- Make It Creamy – Stir in some cream cheese or sour cream at the end for a richer texture.
Serving Suggestions
Mississippi Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in different ways:
- Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes – The flavorful juices soak into the rice or potatoes, creating a comforting meal.
- On a Sandwich Bun – Add provolone or Swiss cheese for an irresistible sandwich.
- With Roasted Vegetables – Pair with green beans, carrots, or asparagus for a balanced meal.
- With Pasta – Toss the shredded chicken with cooked pasta and a little butter or cream for a quick pasta dish.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of broth if the chicken seems dry.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is the perfect recipe for those looking for a delicious, no-fuss meal that delivers big flavors. Whether you are a beginner cook or just want a hands-off meal, this recipe guarantees success. Try it out, and let us know how it turned out for you in the comments below. What’s your favorite way to serve it? We’d love to hear your ideas!
FAQ About Mississippi Chicken
Is Mississippi Chicken Spicy?
Not really. The pepperoncini peppers add a slight tang but are very mild in heat. If you prefer a spicier version, you can substitute them with jalapenos or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness to the dish. They also hold up better in slow cooking compared to chicken breasts.
What Can I Serve with Mississippi Chicken?
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or even sandwich buns. It also works well with pasta or a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
More Relevant Recipes
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Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes – 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy Mississippi Chicken is a slow cooker favorite that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. Juicy chicken is infused with ranch seasoning, au jus mix, butter, and tangy pepperoncini, creating a tender and savory dish perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or as a sandwich for a delicious and effortless meal.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 to 10 whole pepperoncini peppers
- ¾ cup pepperoncini juice
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the inside of a slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread the diced onions across the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts on top, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the entire packet of ranch seasoning and the au jus gravy mix over the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully coated in the dry seasonings.
- Add the Butter and Peppers: Slice the butter into small pieces and scatter them evenly over the chicken. Place the whole pepperoncini peppers on top for a tangy, slightly spicy kick.
- Pour in the Pepperoncini Juice: Drizzle the pepperoncini juice over everything in the slow cooker, which will help enhance the depth of flavor and keep the chicken moist.
- Slow Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the chicken is fork-tender and can be easily shredded.
- Shred or Serve Whole: Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the flavorful juices. Alternatively, serve the chicken whole with a side of mashed potatoes or rice.
Notes
- If you prefer a creamier version, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese at the end.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or swap pepperoncini for sliced jalapenos.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra tenderness and juiciness.
- If the chicken is too salty, use half the packet of au jus mix and replace some of the pepperoncini juice with chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-7 hours (depending on heat setting)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 439 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 912mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 169mg