Mississippi Chicken
Mississippi Chicken is a mouthwatering dish with succulent chicken cooked to perfection, infused with tangy pepperoncini peppers, savory ranch seasoning, and a rich au jus gravy. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s both comforting and utterly delicious.
Whether you’re a fan of Southern cuisine or just looking to add some excitement to your dinner rotation, Mississippi Chicken is a must-try. Join me as we embark on a culinary journey through the heart of the South and discover the irresistible flavors of this iconic dish. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! If you’re a fan of chicken recipes, be sure to explore this tempting Honey Garlic Chicken dish.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
- Flavor Explosion: Mississippi Chicken is bursting with flavor from the tangy pepperoncini peppers, savory ranch seasoning, and rich au jus gravy. Each bite is a delightful explosion of taste that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Tender and Juicy: Thanks to the slow cooking process, the chicken turns out incredibly tender and juicy, practically melting in your mouth with every bite. It’s comfort food at its finest!
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, Mississippi Chicken is a breeze to make. Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
- Versatile: Mississippi Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, or use it as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or tacos. The possibilities are endless!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Whip up a batch of Mississippi Chicken on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a family gathering or hosting a casual dinner party, Mississippi Chicken is sure to be a hit. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that appeals to people of all ages.
- Budget-Friendly: With just a few simple ingredients, Mississippi Chicken is an affordable option for feeding a hungry crowd. It’s a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner at home or need to whip up a dish for a special occasion, Mississippi Chicken fits the bill. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for any time of year.
- Family Favorite: Mississippi Chicken is a dish that brings people together. It’s a beloved family favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
- Irresistibly Delicious: Simply put, Mississippi Chicken is downright delicious. From the first bite to the last, you’ll be hooked on its incredible flavor and irresistible charm.
Mississippi Chicken Ingredients
- 1 stick of butter
- 1 (16 oz) jar of pepperoncini peppers with juice
- 1 packet of ranch dressing seasoning mix
- 1 packet of au jus gravy mix
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup of water

Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Instant Pot:
- Place the chicken in the Instant Pot.
- Pour the pepperoncinis with the juice over the chicken.
- Sprinkle both packets of seasoning mix over the top.
- Add 1 stick of butter and 1/2 cup of water to the Instant Pot.
- Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Allow for a natural release of pressure once the cooking cycle is complete.
Slow Cooker:
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Pour the pepperoncini with the juice over the chicken.
- Sprinkle both packets of seasoning mix over the top.
- Add 1 stick of butter to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once done, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the sauce in the slow cooker.
- Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.
Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the chicken in a baking dish.
- Pour the pepperoncinis with the juice over the chicken.
- Sprinkle both packets of seasoning mix over the top.
- Add 1 stick of butter to the baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once done, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the sauce in the baking dish.
- Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.

Tips & Tricks
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of pepperoncinis or use mild versions of the seasoning packets. On the other hand, if you love heat, you can add extra pepperoncinis or use spicy versions of the seasoning packets.
- Use Chicken Thighs: While chicken breasts are commonly used in this recipe, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for added flavor and tenderness.
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers to the slow cooker or baking dish for a complete meal. They’ll soak up the delicious flavors of the sauce and make for a hearty dish.
- Use Leftovers Creatively: Mississippi Chicken leftovers are incredibly versatile. Use them to make sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, or salads for a quick and flavorful meal.
- Make Ahead for Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep. Cook a batch over the weekend and portion it out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd or want extra leftovers, double the recipe. Just make sure your slow cooker or baking dish can accommodate the increased volume.
- Serve with Cornbread: Mississippi Chicken pairs wonderfully with cornbread. Consider making a batch of cornbread to serve alongside the chicken for a delicious Southern-inspired meal.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top of the chicken for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Strain the Peppers: If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can strain the pepperoncinis from the juice before adding them to the chicken. Alternatively, leave them whole for extra flavor and texture.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts or thighs, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).


FAQs about Mississippi Chicken
More Recipes:

Mississippi Chicken
Mississippi Chicken is a mouthwatering dish with succulent chicken cooked to perfection, infused with tangy pepperoncini peppers, savory ranch seasoning, and a rich au jus gravy. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s both comforting and utterly delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter
- 16 oz jar pepperoncinis peppers with juice
- 1 packet ranch dressing seasoning packet
- 1 packet Au Jus gravy mix packet
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
Instant Pot:
- Place the chicken in the Instant Pot.
- Pour the pepperoncinis with the juice over the chicken.
- Sprinkle both packets of seasoning mix over the top.
- Add 1 stick of butter and 1/2 cup of water to the Instant Pot.
- Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Allow for a natural release of pressure once the cooking cycle is complete.
Slow Cooker:
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Pour the pepperoncini with the juice over the chicken.
- Sprinkle both packets of seasoning mix over the top.
- Add 1 stick of butter to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once done, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the sauce in the slow cooker.
- Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.
Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the chicken in a baking dish.
- Pour the pepperoncinis with the juice over the chicken.
- Sprinkle both packets of seasoning mix over the top.
- Add 1 stick of butter to the baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once done, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the sauce in the baking dish.
- Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.
Notes
Serve on rolls with provolone cheese.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 276Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 102mgSodium: 885mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 29g
Can pickles be substituted for the peppers??
I don’t understand why you would freeze this. Cooking from frozen takes much more time than cooking from fresh…
@DebbieP, this is one of my absolute favorite frozen meals to keep on hand for those busy days when I realize it’s 4 o’clock and I forgot to think about dinner!
@DebbieP,
I pretty often forget to set out my meal or meat the night or two previously to thaw. I’ve had to use my instant pot a few times and yes, it does take longer, but it saves me from having to order out. 🙂
I tried this recipe and it is SO good. I am definitely adding it to my regular menu. I thought it was going to be a might spicy with all the peppers but it had just enough to give it the flavor without too much spiciness. I really loved it!
Any chance you can suggest substitutions for the 2 packets. Sodium is too high. I have ranch seasoning in a shaker if that would work. Not sure about the au jus packet.
Yes that works
@Nancy S, you could try just using a low sodium or no sodium beef stock powder. The shaker ranch seasoning is the same as the packets. Just measure out 2 tablespoons