Some nights call for bold flavors and easy wins. Mississippi chicken is perfect for those times. It comes together fast, fills the kitchen with a savory, tangy aroma, and gives you comfort food that feels special but requires almost no effort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Mississippi Chicken
Mississippi chicken uses simple ingredients you probably already have, which makes Mississippi chicken easy to pull together any night of the week. Mississippi chicken cooks quickly and is almost completely hands-off, so you can get dinner done without hovering over the stove. Mississippi chicken is very family-friendly and versatile, with plenty of serving options to keep everyone happy. It is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something reliable and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core Ingredients
You will need about 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Chicken thighs also work and bring a richer taste.
A packet of ranch seasoning and a packet of au jus mix give this dish its signature tangy, savory depth.
You will also need about two tablespoons of butter, sliced into pats, and six pepperoncini peppers for that mild, briny kick.
Optional Substitutions
If you do not have au jus mix, substitute with dry onion soup mix or beef bouillon plus a pinch of onion powder.
Banana peppers can replace pepperoncini. They give the same bright acidity and gentle heat.
How To Make Mississippi Chicken
Slow Cooker Method
Place the chicken in your slow cooker, then sprinkle ranch and au jus seasoning evenly over the top. Add the pats of butter and scatter the pepperoncini around the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for about 3 hours or on HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours until the chicken reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before gently shredding it with forks or your hands.
Instant Pot Method
Place the chicken for Mississippi chicken in your Instant Pot and add both seasoning packets, butter, pepperoncini, and ½ cup broth for a 6-quart pot or 1 cup broth for an 8-quart pot. Seal the pot and cook Mississippi chicken on HIGH pressure for 10 minutes. Allow 5 minutes for natural release, then quick release any remaining pressure. Shred the Mississippi chicken and serve while warm.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is wonderful over mashed potatoes or fluffy rice and it is also delicious served over buttered noodles. You can pile it on toasted buns with melted provolone for hearty sandwiches or, for a fun twist, tuck it into tortillas or naan for flavorful tacos. If you enjoy bold and easy chicken recipes, check out this sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken too.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. When ready to reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave and add a splash of broth if it looks dry.
Recipe FAQs
Is Mississippi chicken spicy?
Not really. It is tangy and savory. The pepperoncini add flavor but very little heat unless you use hotter peppers.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully. They add richness and stay juicy. If you use thighs, you can omit the butter.
What’s a good substitute for au jus mix?
You can use dry onion soup mix or beef bouillon plus a bit of onion powder.
Easy Mississippi Chicken Recipe Card
Print
Mississippi Chicken | Easy Tangy Comfort Meal
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Tangy, juicy Mississippi Chicken made easy in the slow cooker or Instant Pot. Perfect for sandwiches, mashed potatoes, rice, or tacos.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
1 packet (1 ounce) au jus mix (or substitute dry onion soup mix)
1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning
2 tablespoons butter, sliced into pats (omit if using thighs)
6 pepperoncini peppers (or sliced banana peppers)
Instructions
1. Add chicken to slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle au jus mix and ranch seasoning on top.
3. Top with butter and pepperoncini.
4. Cover and cook on LOW 3 hours or HIGH 1.5–2 hours until 165°F.
5. Let rest 5 minutes and shred warm with forks.
6. For Instant Pot: add ½–1 cup broth and cook HIGH pressure 10 min, 5 min natural release.
7. Shred and serve warm.
Notes
Use sliced peppers for easier eating.
Mississippi Chicken is tangy, not spicy unless using hotter peppers.
Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, buns, tortillas, or naan.
Store in airtight container: 3 days in fridge, 3 months in freezer.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Slow Cooker, Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 314
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
More Such Recipes
If you love easy chicken meals, try these:
- Skillet chicken thighs with broccoli cheddar orzo
- Creamy chicken pesto pasta
- Garlic parmesan chicken recipe
Final Thoughts
Mississippi chicken is one of my go-to dinners when I want something that feels cozy and satisfying. The prep is simple, the flavors are big, and the leftovers keep beautifully. I hope this becomes a regular in your kitchen too.
Come visit us on Pinterest or Facebook to share your version.