Introduction
If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful, and versatile crockpot recipe, Mississippi Chicken is a must-try! This dish is a twist on the famous Mississippi Pot Roast, but instead of beef, we use chicken for a lighter yet still incredibly delicious version.
With just five basic ingredients, this slow cooker recipe requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. The combination of ranch seasoning, au jus mix, butter, and tangy pepperoncini peppers creates an irresistibly juicy and tender shredded chicken.
Mississippi Chicken is perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, tacos, rice bowls, or even served over mashed potatoes. It’s a true dump-and-go recipe—just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do all the work!
What is Mississippi Chicken?
Mississippi Chicken is a slow-cooked, shredded chicken dish made with a handful of pantry staples. It originated as a variation of Mississippi Pot Roast, which was created by a home cook in Mississippi and became wildly popular.
This chicken version swaps out beef for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, making it slightly leaner but just as flavorful. The pepperoncini peppers add a tangy kick, while the butter and seasoning packets create a rich, savory sauce that makes this dish truly addictive.
Ingredients
This recipe only requires five main ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 2–3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (or brown gravy mix as a substitute)
- ½ cup butter (1 stick, sliced into pieces)
- 6–8 whole pepperoncini peppers (plus ¼ cup of the juice from the jar)
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth (if you prefer extra sauce)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crockpot
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or lightly coat it with olive oil.
2. Add the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Season the Chicken
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken.
- Follow with the au jus gravy mix for that deep, savory flavor.
- If using, add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
4. Add Butter and Peppers
- Slice butter into pieces and scatter them on top of the chicken.
- Place whole pepperoncini peppers over the chicken.
- Pour in ¼ cup of pepperoncini juice for an extra tangy kick.
5. Cook Low and Slow
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
6. Shred the Chicken
- Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot.
- Stir well to mix everything together, letting the chicken absorb the flavorful sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve hot in sandwiches, tacos, over rice, mashed potatoes, or even on a salad.
Ways to Serve Mississippi Chicken
This shredded chicken is super versatile! Here are a few delicious serving ideas:
1. Classic Sandwich
- Pile the shredded chicken onto toasted buns or hoagie rolls.
- Add melted provolone or Swiss cheese for extra flavor.
2. Mississippi Chicken Tacos
- Serve in soft or hard taco shells.
- Top with coleslaw, shredded cheese, and a drizzle of ranch.
3. Over Mashed Potatoes or Rice
- Spoon the chicken over buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice for a comforting meal.
4. Stuffed Baked Potatoes
- Load up a baked potato with Mississippi Chicken, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
5. Mississippi Chicken Sliders
- Serve on Hawaiian rolls for mini sliders, perfect for parties!
Variations & Substitutions
1. Use Different Protein
- Pork: Swap chicken for boneless pork loin or pork shoulder for a shredded pork version.
- Beef: Use chuck roast for a classic Mississippi Pot Roast.
2. Make it Spicy
- Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for more heat.
- Use hot pepperoncini instead of mild.
3. Dairy-Free or Lighter Version
- Replace butter with olive oil or ghee for a dairy-free version.
- Use half the butter for a lighter option.
4. Add Vegetables
- Throw in sliced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
Tips for the Best Mississippi Chicken
✔ Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness – They stay moist and tender longer than chicken breasts.
✔ Don’t Overcook – Shred the chicken when it’s fork-tender but still juicy.
✔ Save the Leftovers – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
✔ Make it Creamy – Stir in ½ cup of cream cheese or sour cream for a creamy version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I Make Mississippi Chicken in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on high pressure for 10–12 minutes, then do a quick release. Shred the chicken and stir it back into the sauce.
2. Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 1–2 hours on LOW or 30 minutes on HIGH.
3. How Do I Store Leftovers?
- Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
4. Can I Make It Without a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Bake in a covered dish at 325°F (163°C) for about 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender.
Conclusion
Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is one of the easiest, most flavorful shredded chicken recipes you can make. With just five simple ingredients, it creates a rich, tangy, buttery dish that works perfectly in sandwiches, tacos, or over mashed potatoes.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a meal prep favorite, this dump-and-go slow cooker recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Have you tried Mississippi Chicken? Let us know your favorite way to serve it! 🍗🔥
