How to Make Crockpot Mississippi Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Food

This dish was inspired by Cooking in the Midwest

If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s both incredibly easy and absolutely delicious, Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is your answer. This tender, flavorful dish has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason – it combines simple ingredients to create a meal that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day, even though it practically cooks itself.

What Makes Mississippi Chicken Special?

Mississippi Chicken gets its signature tangy, savory flavor from a unique combination of ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, and pepperoncini peppers. The result is incredibly tender chicken with a rich, slightly spicy sauce that pairs perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 lb chicken breast
• 1 au jus gravy packet
• 1 ranch seasoning packet
• Pepperoncini peppers (to taste)
• A little pepperoncini juice from the jar
• 3 Tbsp butter, thinly sliced
• Cooking spray

For Optional Gravy:

• 3 Tbsp butter
• 3 Tbsp flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Crockpot and Chicken

Spray your crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Add about 2 lbs of chicken breast to the crockpot.

2. Add the Signature Seasonings

Season the chicken with 1 au jus gravy packet and 1 ranch seasoning packet. These two ingredients are what give Mississippi Chicken its distinctive flavor profile.

3. Layer in the Aromatics

Add the pepperoncini peppers to the crockpot. Don’t forget to add just a little bit of the juice from the pepperoncini jar – this adds an extra burst of tangy flavor that makes all the difference.

4. Top with Butter

Place the thinly sliced butter pieces on top of the chicken. This will melt during cooking and help create a rich, flavorful sauce. Or if you’re feeling extra, just add a whole stick! Yes, you read that right. 🙂

5. Shred and Serve

Once the chicken is tender and fully cooked, shred it using your preferred method – you can use two forks, a hand mixer, or even a KitchenAid stand mixer for quick and easy shredding. Serve the shredded chicken over mashed potatoes or rice. Or you can slice the chicken if you prefer.

Our Fave Ways to Eat Mississippi Chicken

Mississippi Chicken is incredibly versatile, making it the perfect go-to meal for any night of the week. The tender chicken paired with the rich, tangy sauce complements so many different sides and serving styles. Here are some fantastic ways to serve it that will have your family asking for seconds:

Over Rice: Serve the shredded chicken and all that delicious sauce over fluffy white rice, jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice for a complete, satisfying meal. The rice soaks up every drop of the flavorful cooking juices, creating the perfect bite every time.

With Mashed Potatoes: The rich, savory sauce pairs beautifully with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, creating the ultimate comfort food combination. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle the optional gravy on top for an added flavor punch that will make this dish absolutely irresistible.

As Sandwiches: Pile the tender shredded chicken high on soft hamburger buns or brioche rolls for easy Mississippi chicken sandwiches that are perfect for lunch or a casual dinner. Add a slice of provolone cheese and some crispy pickles for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

With Pasta: Toss the shredded chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta – penne, egg noodles, or even creamy fettuccine work beautifully for a comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The sauce naturally coats the pasta, creating a cohesive, delicious meal.

Over Baked Potatoes: Top a fluffy loaded baked potato with this flavorful chicken, some shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a hearty, restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something both filling and delicious.

I love that you can have it so many ways. It’s great for an easy switch up, when it comes to leftovers, so it can feel like a completely different meal.

Pro Tips for Perfect Mississippi Chicken

• Don’t skip the pepperoncini juice: Adding a splash of the pepperoncini juice to the crockpot gives extra tang and brightens all the flavors.
• Flip halfway through: Stirring and flipping the chicken breasts about halfway through cooking ensures even flavor distribution and prevents any dry spots.
• Shredding options: For quick and easy shredding, try using a hand mixer or KitchenAid stand mixer instead of two forks – it saves time and creates perfectly shredded chicken.
• Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep – the flavors actually improve after a day in the refrigerator.
• Double the recipe: Mississippi Chicken freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch for future easy dinners.

Want to Make Gravy?

Take your Mississippi Chicken to the next level with this optional gravy that uses the flavorful cooking juices:

1. After removing the shredded chicken, strain the cooking liquid and reserve it
2. In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat
3. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux
4. Gradually add 2 cups of beef broth and some of the reserved cooking liquid
5. Whisk continuously until the gravy thickens
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste

This rich gravy is perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes or the chicken itself.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of Mississippi Chicken lies in its simplicity and the way the ingredients work together. The au jus and ranch packets provide a perfect base of umami and herbs, while the pepperoncini adds brightness and a subtle heat that cuts through the richness. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender while all the flavors meld together into something truly special.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Mississippi Chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth if needed.

Time to Eat

Crockpot Mississippi Chicken proves that sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite, it’s definitely one of ours. The combination of convenience and incredible flavor makes this recipe a true winner for busy weeknights or lazy weekend dinners.

Give this recipe a try, and prepare to be amazed by how something so simple can taste so extraordinary. Your crockpot is about to become your best friend in the kitchen!