Get ready to fall head over heels for Crockpot Mississippi Chicken, the ultimate set-and-forget comfort food! This dish is a southern-inspired classic that transforms a handful of humble ingredients into meltingly tender, flavorful chicken with just the right balance of rich, zesty, and savory notes. Simple to prep yet delightfully versatile, it’s a real crowd-pleaser that effortlessly becomes the star of any busy weeknight dinner or casual get-together. If you love bold flavors but crave easy cleanup, Crockpot Mississippi Chicken will be your new obsession—trust me!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe is how just a few well-chosen ingredients work together so effortlessly. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that irresistibly juicy, tangy, and savory bite that makes Crockpot Mississippi Chicken unforgettable.
- Chicken (2 pounds boneless, skinless breasts or thighs): Choose breasts for leaner, lighter shreds or thighs for an extra juicy, flavorful finish—both work beautifully!
- Ranch seasoning mix (1 packet): This adds herby, creamy flavor and infuses the chicken with mouthwatering depth.
- Au jus gravy mix (1 packet): Delivers a savory punch and rich color, making the sauce absolutely drinkable.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, 1 stick): The key to luscious, saucy chicken—choose unsalted so you have control over the final seasoning.
- Pepperoncini peppers (6–8 plus 2 tablespoons juice): These bring subtle tang and just a whisper of heat; add more juice if you want extra zing.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Season lightly before cooking and adjust at the end—it goes a long way with these flavor-packed ingredients.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a burst of color and freshness to balance the rich chicken.
- Cooked mashed potatoes, rice, or sandwich rolls (for serving): This chicken loves a cozy carb—choose your favorite, or try them all!
How to Make Crockpot Mississippi Chicken
Step 1: Layer the Chicken
Start by nestling your chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your crockpot. If you’re using chicken straight from the fridge, there’s no need to pre-sear or thaw—this is a truly fuss-free recipe! Season lightly with salt and pepper, keeping in mind the mixes will add more flavor later. This base layer ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned and ready to soak in all that deliciousness to come.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
Grab your ranch and au jus seasoning packets and sprinkle them evenly over the chicken. These two mixes do some serious heavy lifting, infusing the Crockpot Mississippi Chicken with all its signature flavors—herby tang from the ranch and deep, savory richness from the au jus. Trust the process: these pantry staples are what make this dish *sing*.
Step 3: Top with Butter and Pepperoncinis
Slice the butter into chunks and scatter them right on top of the chicken and seasonings. Next, tuck in the pepperoncini peppers, and don’t forget to pour in a generous spoonful or two of their briny juice. This unique combo melts together into a velvety, flavor-packed sauce as it cooks. For a little extra punch, feel free to add even more pepperoncini juice—just taste as you go.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The slow cooker works its magic, turning simple chicken into something boldly flavorful and incredibly tender. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken practically falls apart at the touch of a fork and the aroma tempts everyone into the kitchen.
Step 5: Shred and Finish
Once your chicken is perfectly cooked, grab two forks and shred it directly in the crockpot, mixing well so it soaks up every drop of those blissful juices. The tender shreds will mingle with the buttery, savory, and tangy sauce, marrying all those fabulous flavors. Give it a quick taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle big scoops of Crockpot Mississippi Chicken over fluffy mashed potatoes, steaming rice, or pile it high on soft sandwich rolls. Shower everything with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness—it’s the finishing touch that makes each plate pop!
How to Serve Crockpot Mississippi Chicken

Garnishes
For a gorgeous presentation, sprinkle a flurry of chopped fresh parsley over your finished Crockpot Mississippi Chicken. You can also add a few extra sliced pepperoncinis for a zesty, colorful kick. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, try laying a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese over the hot chicken and letting it melt just before serving—it adds a gooey, cozy finish.
Side Dishes
This chicken practically begs for a soft bed of mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, fragrant steamed rice, or even buttery egg noodles. For something lighter, serve it with a vibrant green salad, garlicky roasted veggies, or tangy coleslaw. The flavors of Crockpot Mississippi Chicken pair beautifully with simple, comforting sides that let the sauce shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn leftovers into next-level sandwiches by stuffing the shredded chicken into toasted hoagie rolls, then topping with cheese and a few extra pepperoncinis. Or, toss the chicken into a baked potato for a fun twist! You can even transform it into a hearty wrap, stuff it in quesadillas, or use it as a protein boost in your favorite grain bowl. The signature flavors of Crockpot Mississippi Chicken are endlessly adaptable—let your imagination run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Crockpot Mississippi Chicken (and those magical juices) into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making those next-day lunches even more delicious!
Freezing
Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is a fantastic freezer meal. Once the chicken has cooled completely, pack it (with plenty of sauce) in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, so none of that flavor is lost.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to keep it moist and evenly heated. Add a splash of chicken broth or a tiny knob of butter if the sauce seems too thick. Just be sure to warm it until hot all the way through for the ultimate cozy comfort.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in Crockpot Mississippi Chicken?
While it’s safest to use thawed chicken for even cooking and food safety, you can use frozen chicken in a pinch—just add a little extra time and ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally before serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is more tangy than spicy—the pepperoncini peppers add zip but very little heat. For some fire, toss in a few extra peppers or a splash of hot sauce when shredding the chicken.
What other meats can I use for this recipe?
This method is delicious with boneless pork shoulder or beef chuck roast as well—just adjust your cooking time as needed since those cuts may need a little longer to get super tender.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply select gluten-free versions of the ranch and au jus mixes (check the labels at your grocery store), and you’re all set for an easy, crowd-pleasing gluten-free Crockpot Mississippi Chicken dinner.
Can I prep Crockpot Mississippi Chicken ahead?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything in the crockpot insert the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just pop the insert into your slow cooker and let the magic happen as you go about your day.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a recipe that’s as simple to make as it is delicious to eat, and Crockpot Mississippi Chicken genuinely checks all the boxes. If you haven’t tried it yet, gather your ingredients, let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting, and prepare to discover why this dish has such a devoted following. Happy cooking!
Print
Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tender and flavorful Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is a delicious dish made with juicy chicken, savory ranch seasoning, and tangy pepperoncini peppers. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Seasoning:
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
Additional:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 6–8 pepperoncini peppers (plus 2 tablespoons juice)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Cooked mashed potatoes, rice, or sandwich rolls (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken in the crockpot and season with salt and pepper.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle ranch and au jus mixes over the chicken.
- Top with Ingredients: Add butter, pepperoncini peppers, and juice to the pot.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until tender.
- Shred and Serve: Shred the chicken, mix with juices, and serve over potatoes, rice, or rolls. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For extra tang, increase pepperoncini juice.
- Great for meal prep and freezes well post-cooking.
- Add provolone cheese for sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg