Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken (Easy Crockpot Recipe)

Name: Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken (Easy Crockpot Recipe)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 245 min
Ingredients: 3 lb Whole Chicken (can use chicken breasts or thighs); 1 package Au Jus seasoning packet (or to taste); 1 package Ranch seasoning packet (or to taste); ½ cup Butter (sliced); 6 Pepperoncini Peppers (plus about 1/3 cup of juice from jar)

Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken is an easy dish to prepare and can be in the crockpot within minutes. This is one of those recipes that you gather together, toss in the slow cooker, and forget about until it’s ready.

Mississippi chicken sandwiches on a black plate with Pepperoncini Peppers on the side.

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This crockpot Mississippi chicken recipe is easy to make and requires only a handful of ingredients. If you are looking for a family-friendly recipe that all of your kids will enjoy, then you are in the right place.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe…

Easy to Find Simple Ingredients – This recipe only requires a handful of ingredients, so you are likely to have them on hand at all times. As long as the ingredients are kept in your pantry, this dish can be made within minutes for busy weeknights.
Great for Kids – This dish is great for kids because it has a family favorite flavor combination made into an easy-to-make meal that mom and dad will approve of.
Delicious with Rice – The sauce in this dish is perfect for spooning over rice, egg noodles, or even mashed potatoes.
Great for Sandwiches – You can use them in a sandwich bun or turn them into wraps to take for lunch at school or work.

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken recipe.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

Whole Chicken, Au Jus seasoning, Ranch seasoning, Butter, Pepperoncini Peppers sitting on a white table.

Whole Chicken (or chicken breasts/thighs): Choose a plump whole chicken or specific cuts like boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs to ensure that each bite is as juicy and tender as possible.
Au Jus seasoning packet: This savory seasoning is the secret to a rich and flavorful gravy that infuses the chicken with delectable umami notes.
Ranch seasoning packet: Adding a ranch seasoning mix packet introduces a creamy and herb-loaded dimension that pairs perfectly with the chicken’s natural flavors.
Butter, sliced: Butter is not just about richness; it adds a silky texture to the dish, enhancing its depth of flavor.
Pepperoncini Peppers, plus about 1/3 cup of juice from jar: The tangy kick of pepperoncini peppers, along with their brine, brings a unique zestiness to the dish, balancing out the richness with a touch of heat and pickled flavor.

The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Substitutions and Variations

For a delicious meal that combines flavors, add potatoes and vegetables to your slow cooker while you cook them.
If you do not want this dish to be spicy, leave out the spicy peppers. If you want the incredible flavor without the heat, use banana peppers instead.
If you are a fan of spice, use a spicy ranch mix.
Use Italian dressing in place of the ranch mix for some more flavor in this Mississippi crock-pot chicken recipe.

How To Make Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

Collage of cooking the chicken in a slow cooker.

Put chicken in crockpot. Add peppers and their juice. (Photo 1)
Sprinkle the packet of Au Jus gravy mix and the Ranch seasoning on top of the chicken. Slice butter on top of the chicken. (Photo 2 + 3)
Cover and cook on high for 3.5-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
Check chicken with a thermometer for 165F. (Photo 4)

Collage of Mississippi chicken in a slow cooker and in a sandwich.

Shred the cooked chicken and discard the bones. (Photo 5)
Serve on a bed of rice, potatoes or in sandwiches. (Photo 6)

Expert Tips

You can use whatever protein you have on hand. Chicken breasts, pork, or even beef work well for this easy recipe.
If you are not a fan of spicy leave out the peppers.
This recipe is great for quick meal prep, allowing you to make a large batch and have multiple meals at once for lunches throughout the week.
If your crock pot tends to run hot, reduce the time by 1 hour for each additional batch.

Alternative Cooking Methods

If you want to use an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker, you’re in luck. The Instant Pot has a slow cook function, but it also allows for pressure cooking, which can speed up the cooking process significantly.

To make Mississippi Chicken in an Instant Pot, start by using the sauté function to brown your chicken if desired. Then, add the rest of the ingredients as you would in a slow cooker. Secure the lid, set the valve to “sealing,” and cook on manual high pressure for about 25 minutes for chicken breasts or thighs, followed by a natural release. If you’re using a whole chicken, you may need to cook it for around 30 minutes, depending on its size.

Remove the chicken, shred it, and serve as desired. Remember, when converting slow cooker recipes to pressure cooker recipes, liquid usually doesn’t reduce as much, so you may want to use less.

Storing Tips

You can store leftovers in a sealed container in your refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken freezes very well, making it an easy meal for planning and batch cooking. Once the chicken is cooked and shredded, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Pour over some of the remaining cooking juices to keep the chicken moist, then seal the container, squeezing out as much air as possible. Label it with the date; the chicken will keep for up to 3 months.

To use, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating is simple and can be done in a few ways to ensure the chicken remains juicy and flavorful:

Microwave: Place the desired amount of Mississippi Chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and warm it on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Stovetop: Heating in a saucepan over medium-low heat is recommended for more significant portions. Add the chicken with a bit of its juices or a splash of broth. Cover and stir occasionally until the chicken is evenly heated.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, add some of the cooking juices or a little water, and cover with foil. Heat for 20-30 minutes or until fully warmed. This method is great for keeping the chicken moist and tender.

Always ensure reheated chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

What To Serve With Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that can absorb its rich and flavorful sauce. A bed of steamed white, brown, or cauliflower rice makes for a classic accompaniment, allowing the juices to seep into each grain. Creamy mashed potatoes or a hearty baked potato can also serve as a delicious base.

For a Southern twist, try serving the chicken over a scoop of traditional grits. Additionally, serving with your favorite sides, such as roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, corn on the cob, or glazed carrots, can add a healthy balance to this indulgent dish.

A pile of Mississippi chicken on a plate with a crockpot in the background.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just add additional cooking time to your recipe. I would add at least two hours to the cooking time.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian take on Mississippi Chicken, you can use a meat substitute such as jackfruit or a plant-based chicken alternative. Adjust the cooking time according to the substitute’s requirements, as they may not need to cook as long as the original recipe dictates.

Can I cook this dish on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop. Use a large pot with a lid and cook over low heat for approximately 2-3 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Be sure to stir occasionally and adjust the heat as needed to prevent the bottom from scorching.

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Three chicken sandwiches stacked on a black plate.

5 from 7 votes