Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is one of the easiest and most flavorful shredded chicken recipes you can make. Tender chicken slow-cooked in butter, ranch, au jus, and pepperoncini creates a rich, tangy, savory meal perfect for sandwiches, rice bowls, wraps, or mashed potatoes. This recipe is a true “dump-and-go” classic that your audience will love for busy weekdays, meal prep, or comfort-food cravings.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Effortless dump-and-go meal: Just add everything to the crockpot and let it cook, perfect for busy days or nights when you want an easy dinner without prep work.
• Super tender and juicy chicken: Slow cooking transforms simple chicken breasts into fall-apart, flavorful perfection.
• Loaded with bold flavor: Ranch seasoning, au jus mix, butter, and pepperoncini blend together into a rich sauce that tastes like restaurant-quality comfort food.
• Family-friendly and versatile: Serve it over mashed potatoes, on a bun, in tacos, or inside rice bowls, everyone can enjoy it their way.
• Perfect for meal prep: The leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Ingredients
• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 1 packet au jus gravy mix (or brown gravy mix)
• 6–8 whole pepperoncini peppers
• ¼ cup pepperoncini juice
• Salt & black pepper to taste
Recommended Tools
These tools make slow cooker recipes easier and help everything cook evenly.
6-Quart Crockpot – the perfect size for chicken, soups, roasts, and family meals.
Slow Cooker Liners – prevent sticking and make cleaning super easy.
Silicone Spoon Set – great for stirring without scratching the pot.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – helps you measure spices and liquids accurately.
Glass Storage Containers – perfect for storing leftovers safely.
Preparation Steps
STEP 1: LAYER THE CHICKEN
• Place the chicken breasts into the bottom of your crockpot.
• Season lightly with salt and pepper.
STEP 2: ADD THE SEASONINGS
• Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and au jus mix over the top of the chicken.
• Add the whole pepperoncini peppers and drizzle in the pepperoncini juice.
STEP 3: ADD BUTTER
• Cut the butter into pieces and place it over the top of the chicken and seasonings.
STEP 4: SLOW COOK
• Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
STEP 5: SHRED & SERVE
• Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.
• Stir to combine with the flavorful cooking juices.
• Serve warm.
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Cooking Notes
• Don’t drain any liquid, the juices help flavor and keep the chicken moist
• Pepperoncini add tang but not spiciness
• You can adjust the butter amount, but full butter gives classic Mississippi flavor
• This freezes very well for up to 3 months
Variations
• Use chicken thighs for richer flavor
• Add sliced onions or garlic for extra depth
• Swap au jus for brown gravy mix
• Add cream cheese at the end for a creamy version
• Mix in cooked egg noodles for a one-pot meal
Serving Suggestions
• Stuff into brioche buns for sandwiches
• Serve over mashed potatoes
• Add to tacos or quesadillas
• Spoon over rice with steamed veggies
• Serve with roasted potatoes or noodles
Tips
• Sear the chicken first for deeper flavor (optional)
• Add extra pepperoncini if you enjoy tangy flavor
• Shred chicken 30 minutes before serving and let it simmer for richer taste
• Use slow cooker liners for easy cleanup
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 hours (low)
• Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Nutritional Info (Approx.)
• 310 calories per serving
• 23g protein
• 22g fat
• 4g carbs
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts or thighs?
- Yes. Chicken thighs give a richer, juicier texture, while chicken breasts stay leaner. Both work well as long as you don’t overcook them.
Are pepperoncini required?
- They’re classic for Mississippi Chicken because they add tangy flavor without heat. But you can replace them with banana peppers or leave them out if you prefer a milder taste.
How can I make the chicken less salty?
- Use unsalted butter and a low-sodium ranch packet, or replace some of the au jus mix with onion powder. Adding a splash of water or broth also balances the saltiness.
Can I freeze Mississippi Chicken?
- Yes, it freezes very well. Store it with the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with a little broth if needed.
How do I thicken the sauce?
- Open the lid and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes to reduce the liquid, or stir in a small cornstarch slurry to make it thicker.
What can I serve with it?
- Mashed potatoes, rice, buns, pasta, or roasted veggies are all great. It works for sandwiches, bowls, or even tacos.months.
Conclusion
Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is one of those easy comfort meals that always turns out delicious. With just a few simple ingredients, the slow cooker creates tender, flavorful chicken that works with almost anything—sandwiches, rice bowls, mashed potatoes, or quick weeknight dinners. It’s a great recipe to make ahead, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy days when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you try it, you’ll see why this cozy dish becomes a regular favorite in so many homes.
