Mississippi chicken crock pot is that kind of dinner that saves the day when life gets busy. It’s rich, comforting, and so simple you can toss everything in before work and come home to the smell of something amazing. This recipe only needs a few pantry staples yet tastes like it’s been cooking in a southern kitchen all afternoon.
In my house, this dish started as a quick weeknight idea. The first time I made it, my kids asked for seconds before I even sat down. It’s tender, buttery chicken flavored with ranch, au jus, and mild pepperoncini peppers that melt together into a sauce worth every bite.

If you love simple “set it and forget it” dinners, you’ll also enjoy this slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken. But tonight, we’re keeping things pure comfort with a Mississippi classic that works for anyone craving big flavor with almost no effort. Let’s look at what makes this meal such a hit.
Table of Contents
What Is Mississippi Chicken Crock Pot and Why You’ll Love It
A Southern twist born from a pot roast favorite
Mississippi chicken comes from the famous Mississippi pot roast, only lighter and faster. Instead of beef, this version uses boneless chicken breasts that soak up every bit of savory sauce as they cook. The mix of ranch seasoning, au jus gravy, butter, and tangy pepperoncini peppers turns plain chicken into something rich, bold, and slightly addictive.
Why it works for busy nights
- Minimal prep: You need just five main ingredients and about five minutes to get it cooking.
- Full of flavor: The ranch and gravy packets create a sauce that’s tangy, buttery, and perfectly seasoned.
- Family-friendly: The mild heat of pepperoncini gives flavor without spice, making it perfect for kids.
- Budget-smart: Every ingredient is affordable and easy to find, even on a weeknight grocery run.
- Flexible: Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, noodles, or on sandwiches for leftovers that never feel like repeats.
A meal that brings people together
Mississippi chicken crock pot is the kind of dinner that invites everyone to the table. Whether you shred it for sandwiches or spoon it over mashed potatoes, it’s that comforting, no-stress recipe that turns a long day into a good one.

Mississippi Chicken Crock Pot
Equipment
- slow cooker
- forks for shredding
- measuring cup
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 0.5 cup salted butter (1 stick)
- 6 pepperoncini peppers
Instructions
- Place 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.

- Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken.
- Top with the stick of butter and pepperoncini peppers.

- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The chicken will create its own flavorful juices, so no additional liquid is needed.

- When done, shred the chicken with two forks and stir everything together. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes
- Alternative cuts: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if preferred. Reduce the butter by half because thighs have more natural fat.
- Make it creamy: For a richer version, add 4 oz of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Healthy version: Swap butter for olive oil and choose low-sodium seasoning packets. Serve with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables for a lighter meal.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.
- Serving idea: Shredded chicken makes great sandwiches with melted provolone cheese.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 410 kcalProtein: 48 g
Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Sodium: 772 mg
Cholesterol: 122 mg
Classic Mississippi Chicken Crock Pot Recipe
When people say “dump-and-go,” this Mississippi chicken crock pot recipe is exactly what they mean. You only need five basic ingredients, and the slow cooker does the rest. It’s one of those set-it-and-forget-it dinners that tastes like comfort in a bowl.
If you enjoy creamy and romantic-style dinners, you’ll love my marry me chicken crock pot. It’s another slow cooker favorite that brings big flavor with minimal work.
Ingredients for Mississippi Chicken Crock Pot
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
- 6 pepperoncini peppers
Step-by-Step Instructions
Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of your slow cooker.


Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the top.
Place the stick of butter and the pepperoncini peppers on top.
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.


Once tender, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it into the sauce.
Serve it hot with your favorite sides like rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Cooking Time Guide
| Setting | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Low | 6–8 hours |
| High | 3–4 hours |
Tips for the best results
- Use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, but reduce the butter slightly.
- Shred while warm for the best texture.
- Want extra creaminess? Add a few spoonfuls of cream cheese in the last 30 minutes.
- For a lighter version, use low-sodium seasoning packets and less butter.
Variations & Adaptations for Mississippi Chicken Crock Pot
The beauty of this Mississippi chicken crock pot recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can make it creamy, healthy, hearty, or even oven-baked with just a few small changes. Each version keeps that same savory base while offering a fresh spin your family will love.
Cream Cheese Version
If you want a rich, velvety sauce, this variation is for you.
- Add 4 oz of cream cheese during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
- Stir it in just before serving until the sauce turns smooth and thick.
- Great over rice or noodles for a cozy dinner that feels extra indulgent.
For another creamy favorite, try this crock pot chicken piccata. It’s a lemony, comforting meal that pairs beautifully with simple vegetables.
Healthy & Low-Carb Version
You can make Mississippi chicken crock pot fit any diet without losing flavor.
- Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter fat profile.
- Pick low-sodium ranch and au jus packets to cut salt.
- Serve over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or roasted vegetables.
- Skip pepperoncini juice if you want to reduce sodium further.
This version is perfect when you want comfort food that feels balanced and still tastes amazing.
With Potatoes and Carrots
Turn your Mississippi chicken into a complete one-pot meal that needs no sides.
- Place diced potatoes and carrots at the bottom of your slow cooker before adding chicken.
- Sprinkle seasonings and layer butter and peppers on top.
- Cook as usual until vegetables are tender and the chicken falls apart.
It’s like a cross between your favorite roast dinner and classic slow cooker chicken.
You can also transform leftovers into an easy crockpot chicken pot pie by mixing the chicken and vegetables into a creamy filling with a golden crust.
Oven-Baked Method
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can still make this dish perfectly.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer the same ingredients in a covered baking dish.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the cover for the last 10 minutes of baking.
The oven method creates a slightly browned top while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.
Cooking on High
Sometimes you need dinner fast, and cooking on high can help.
- Cook for 3 to 4 hours on the high setting.
- The sauce will be thicker, and the chicken will shred easily.
- It’s perfect when you need the same flavor in less time.
Pro tip: Stir the chicken halfway through to coat it evenly in the sauce.
These simple adaptations make your Mississippi chicken crock pot recipe work year-round. Whether you’re eating light, feeding a crowd, or craving something creamy and cozy, these options let you adjust without losing that signature flavor everyone loves.
Serving, Nutrition & Storage Tips
The beauty of this dish is how versatile it is. Once your Mississippi chicken crock pot is ready, you can serve it in several delicious ways depending on your mood.
- Spoon it over mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Try it on buttered egg noodles or steamed white rice for something quick.
- Keep it light with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables for a low-carb option.
- Make sandwiches or sliders using toasted buns, provolone cheese, and a touch of mayo.
- Layer it in a baked potato with shredded cheddar for a hearty lunch idea.
If you enjoy creamy, flavor-packed sauces, you’ll also love my creamy ranch chicken crock pot. It’s another easy weeknight dinner that shares the same crowd-pleasing comfort as this recipe.
Nutrition & Health Notes
Mississippi chicken is rich in flavor yet easy to balance with smart serving choices.
- Each serving has about 410 calories, 48 g protein, and 3 g carbs.
- To reduce calories, use olive oil instead of butter and low-sodium seasoning packets.
- Pair it with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete, balanced meal.
- This dish is naturally low carb and works well for keto-friendly meal plans.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Leftovers are one of the best parts of this recipe.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, cool completely and pack into freezer bags or containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
- Shredded chicken reheats beautifully for sandwiches, rice bowls, or wraps.
Why It’s Perfect for Meal Prep
- You can make a double batch and freeze half for later.
- It’s ideal for lunch boxes or easy dinners through the week.
- The flavor deepens as it sits, making leftovers even better the next day.
- Pair with steamed vegetables or rice for quick, ready-to-go meals.
Pro Serving Tip
For gatherings or potlucks, keep the Mississippi chicken crock pot on the “warm” setting so it stays tender and juicy while guests serve themselves.
Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions before serving for color and a pop of freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the 5 ingredients in Mississippi Chicken?
Mississippi chicken uses five main ingredients: chicken breasts, ranch seasoning mix, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. Together they create the savory and tangy flavor that makes this recipe so popular.
2. What is the seasoning for Mississippi Chicken?
This dish gets its signature flavor from a mix of ranch dressing powder and au jus gravy mix. The combination adds both creamy and savory depth to the slow-cooked chicken.
3. How long does it take for chicken to cook in the crock pot?
Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours for the most tender result, or on high for 3 to 4 hours when you need dinner faster. The chicken should shred easily when done.
4. Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in a crock pot?
Cooking on low keeps the chicken juicier and lets the flavors blend slowly. Use high heat when short on time, but stir halfway through to keep it moist and evenly coated.
5. What gives Mississippi chicken its flavor?
Butter, ranch seasoning, au jus mix, and pepperoncini peppers create the bold flavor of Mississippi chicken. The slow cooker helps those ingredients melt together into a rich, flavorful sauce.
6. What’s the best seasoning to put on chicken?
For southern-style chicken, ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy powder work perfectly. You can also add paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder for extra warmth and aroma.
7. What’s the secret to great Cajun flavor in chicken?
The key to great Cajun flavor is balance. Combine paprika, cayenne, thyme, and garlic for bold taste. For a twist, try adding a pinch of Cajun seasoning to Mississippi chicken for extra spice.
8. How can I make Mississippi Chicken healthier?
Use olive oil instead of butter, low-sodium seasoning packets, and skinless chicken breasts. Serve with roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice for a lighter version that still tastes rich.
9. Can I make Mississippi Chicken in the oven?
Yes. Place all the ingredients in a baking dish, cover it, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 to 45 minutes until the chicken is fork-tender. It’s a great option if you don’t have a slow cooker.
10. Can you freeze Mississippi Chicken?
Absolutely. Once cooled, store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
At the end of the day, Mississippi chicken crock pot is one of those recipes that makes life a little easier and dinner a lot better. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with warmth and your table with happy faces. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, pile it on a sandwich, or mix it with vegetables for a one-pot meal, it always delivers comfort.
In my home, meals like this are what bring everyone together. They remind me that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to taste good, feel good, and make people want to come back for seconds.