If you love easy, hands-off cooking with huge flavor payoffs, then this Mississippi Chicken Recipe is about to be your new best friend. It’s one of those crockpot dinners that requires almost no effort—just toss everything into the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to the most tender, juicy shredded chicken you’ve ever had.
The magic happens in the sauce. The pepperoncini ranch butter sauce is tangy, buttery, and savory with just the right amount of spice. It soaks into the chicken, making every bite packed with flavor. Serve it over mashed potatoes, in sandwiches, or even in tacos. However you serve it, this dish is bound to be a family favorite.
Love quick and flavorful chicken dishes? Try this Easy Black Pepper Chicken next!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s Inspired by the Legendary Mississippi Pot Roast
If you’ve ever had Mississippi Pot Roast, you know the hype is real. This chicken version takes all the best parts—zesty ranch, rich butter, and those irresistible pepperoncini peppers—and swaps out the beef for juicy tender shredded chicken.
It’s Ridiculously Easy
Five ingredients. That’s it. You don’t need fancy spices or a long grocery list. Just chicken, butter, ranch seasoning, au jus mix, and pepperoncini peppers. Dump it all in the slow cooker and let it do its thing.
The Leftovers Are Just as Good
This Mississippi Chicken Recipe reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Make a batch today, and you’ll have delicious, Crock Pot dinner ideas for the next few days.
Need another creamy, comforting chicken dish? Check out this Creamy Coconut Chicken!
Ingredients List
You won’t believe how much flavor comes from just five ingredients:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – The base of this dish, turning ultra-tender when slow-cooked.
- Pepperoncini Peppers – These mildly spicy, tangy peppers bring a zesty kick.
- Au Jus Mix – A secret weapon for deep, savory flavor.
- Ranch Seasoning – Adds a creamy, herby taste that complements the tanginess.
- Butter – Because butter makes everything better, and it creates the most velvety sauce.
Helpful Tips for the Best Mississippi Chicken
- More heat? Add the whole jar of pepperoncini peppers and even a splash of hot sauce.
- Too tangy? Use half the jar of pepperoncini juice instead of all of it.
- Chicken not shredding easily? Let it cook for another 30 minutes—fall-apart tender shredded chicken is the goal!
Want more Southern-inspired meals? You’ll love this Southern Smothered Chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker. They should be in a single layer so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Bomb
Pour the pepperoncini juice over the chicken, then sprinkle in the au jus mix and ranch seasoning. Toss in the pepperoncini peppers and place slices of butter on top.
Step 3: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Set your slow cooker to high for 3.5 hours or low for 6-8 hours. During this time, the butter melts, the seasoning infuses, and the chicken becomes tender.
Step 4: Shred and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, take two forks and shred it right in the slow cooker. Stir it around so it soaks up all that buttery, tangy goodness.
Want more creamy garlic flavors? Try this Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach!
Equipment & Kitchen Tools
- Slow Cooker (Crockpot) – The real MVP of this recipe.
- Instant-Read Thermometer – Ensures the chicken hits 165°F for perfect doneness.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs – Thighs stay extra juicy, especially if cooking on low for 8 hours.
- Make it oven-baked – Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes in a covered dish.
- Lower the salt – Use a homemade ranch seasoning instead of store-bought packets.
Serving Suggestions
One of the best things about this Mississippi Chicken Recipe is its versatility:
- Over Mashed Potatoes – The sauce seeps into the potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Over Rice or Buttered Noodles – A simple way to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- As a Sandwich – Load it onto buns with coleslaw, pickles, and a little mayo.
- As Tacos – Stuff soft tortillas with the chicken, add avocado and cheese.
Looking for an easy wrap idea? These Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps are perfect!
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Warm it in a pan over low heat or microwave for a minute.
- Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months—just note that chicken breasts can dry out slightly after freezing.
More Slow Cooker Favorites
If you’re always looking for Crock Pot dinner ideas, here are a few more favorites:
- Crockpot Chicken and Gravy – Creamy, comforting, and so easy.
- Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs – Sweet, garlicky, and fall-apart tender.
- Grape Jelly Meatballs – The perfect party appetizer.
5-Ingredient Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
- 1 packet au jus mix
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- ½ cup pepperoncini juice from the jar
- 6-8 whole pepperoncini peppers
- ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick, cut into slices
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Pour the pepperoncini juice over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the au jus mix and ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken.
- Add the pepperoncini peppers around the chicken.
- Place the butter slices on top.
- Cover and cook on high for 3.5 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
- Once done, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
- Stir well to coat the shredded chicken in the buttery, tangy sauce.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, in sandwiches, or tacos.
Notes
- For more spice, use the entire jar of pepperoncini peppers.
- If the chicken doesn’t shred easily, let it cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Try This Mississippi Chicken Recipe Tonight!
There’s a reason this Mississippi Chicken Recipe has become a staple in so many kitchens. It’s easy, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, stuffing it into sandwiches, or enjoying it in tacos, one thing’s for sure—it’s going to disappear fast.
If you try this recipe, leave a comment and let me know how you served it! And if you’re always on the lookout for crockpot ideas, be sure to check out more delicious, easy recipes. Happy cooking!
