This tender Mississippi chicken is rich, tangy, and slow-cooked to juicy perfection. It’s one of those dump-and-go crockpot meals that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aroma and your plate with Southern comfort. Just set it, forget it, and come back to shredded chicken that’s packed with bold flavor.

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Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I made this Southern-style Mississippi chicken, I wasn’t sure if it would live up to its beefy cousin. I’d made the original Mississippi pot roast more times than I could count—but chicken? I wasn’t convinced. That is, until I tasted the first bite.
It had that same tangy kick, thanks to ranch and pepperoncini, but with a lighter feel. And the chicken soaked it all in like a sponge. Even better—it shredded like a dream. I’d already had success with cozy one-pot meals like our easy crockpot chicken spaghetti and the creamy garlic parmesan chicken with potatoes, so I added this one to the list. And it hasn’t left since.
This recipe is the ultimate comfort food—like creamy ranch chicken but with more zip. We now make it year-round, from weeknight dinners to game-day sliders.
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Tender Mississippi Chicken – Southern-Style Crockpot Dinner
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Tender Mississippi chicken made in the slow cooker with ranch, au jus, pepperoncinis, and butter. A Southern-style comfort meal that’s flavorful and easy.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- ½ cup pepperoncini peppers (with some juice)
- ½ stick unsalted butter
Instructions
- Place chicken in crockpot. Sprinkle ranch and au jus over the top.
- Add pepperoncinis and butter on top (no need to stir).
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred chicken with forks. Stir to coat in sauce and serve hot.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness. Add cream cheese at the end for a creamy variation. Serve over rice, buns, or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: mississippi chicken, crockpot shredded chicken, southern chicken dinner
What Makes It “Mississippi” Style?
The Classic Combo: Tangy, Buttery, Bold
Mississippi chicken sticks to the same flavor blueprint that made the pot roast famous. You only need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Ranch seasoning
- Au jus or brown gravy mix
- Pepperoncini peppers
- Butter (yes, real butter)
That’s it. Just layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and let time do its thing. No stirring, no flipping, no fuss.
Over several hours, the butter melts into the chicken while the ranch and au jus create a creamy, punchy sauce. The pepperoncinis soften and infuse every bite with a light vinegar tang. If you’ve tried our easy crockpot beef and potatoes, think of this as its chicken-based cousin.
Chicken vs. Beef – Why It Works
While beef gives you a hearty roast texture, chicken makes the dish lighter and shreds more easily. It’s great for sandwiches, bowls, and sliders. Plus, chicken takes on flavor quicker, so you can make this on high in under 4 hours.
And if you love creamy Southern-style meals, this one hits every note—savory, buttery, zippy, and rich.
How to Serve, Customize & Store
Serving Ideas
Mississippi chicken is versatile. You can serve it:
- Over mashed potatoes or rice
- On toasted brioche buns or slider rolls
- In tacos or lettuce wraps
- With steamed veggies or roasted green beans
Sometimes I even spoon the chicken over buttered egg noodles—it reminds me of a cross between chicken and gravy and a pulled chicken sandwich.
Want to take it next-level? Add a slice of melty provolone and broil the sliders until bubbly. Pure Southern comfort.
Customizations & Storage Tips
Want to mix it up?
- Use turkey breast instead of chicken
- Add a few tablespoons of cream cheese at the end for a creamy finish
- Swap brown gravy mix for au jus if needed
- Use banana peppers for less heat
Storage Tips:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze shredded chicken and juices in zip-top bag for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Microwave with a spoonful of broth or warm in a skillet
Pro tip: It tastes even better the next day—once the flavors soak in.
FAQ Section
Can I make this with frozen chicken?
Yes! Just add 1 extra hour of cook time and make sure the chicken is separated, not clumped.
Is it spicy?
Not really. Pepperoncinis are more tangy than spicy. You can reduce the number or omit them if you prefer.
Can I use ranch dressing instead of mix?
Stick to dry ranch seasoning for best flavor and texture.
Do I need to add water or broth?
Nope. The chicken and butter release enough liquid to create a flavorful sauce on their own.
How do I make it creamy?
Add a few ounces of cream cheese or shredded mozzarella during the last 30 minutes.