Tender Mississippi Chicken Recipe

Fall-Apart Tender Mississippi Chicken Recipe: Weekend Comfort Food

This mouthwatering Mississippi chicken recipe bursts with tangy, savory flavors that melt in your mouth.

Slow-cooked to perfection, the chicken becomes incredibly juicy and packed with zesty seasonings.

Ranch dressing and pepperoncini peppers combine to create a rich, creamy sauce that coats every tender piece of meat.

The dish brings together simple ingredients for an extraordinary meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of spicy and creamy notes that dance across your palate.

Serve this irresistible chicken over rice or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying dinner that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Simple Steps to Make Mississippi Chicken

  • Prep the Slow Cooker

Line your slow cooker with a protective layer to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

  • Layer the Protein

Nestle the chicken breasts into the slow cooker, creating a cozy base for the flavor explosion about to happen.

  • Sprinkle Seasoning Magic

Generously shower the chicken with ranch seasoning and pepperoncini peppers, transforming ordinary meat into a mouth-watering masterpiece.

  • Add Liquid Gold

Pour in butter and pepperoncini juice, creating a luscious bath that will infuse the chicken with incredible tenderness and zesty flavor.

  • Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Wonder

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing the ingredients to mingle and develop a rich, tangy profile that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Shred and Serve

Use two forks to gently pull the chicken apart, creating succulent, melt-in-your-mouth strands perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or over rice.

  • Final Flavor Boost

Toss the shredded chicken in the remaining cooking liquid to lock in maximum juiciness and taste.

Flavor Upgrades for Classic Mississippi Chicken

  • Tender Meat Trick: Slice chicken breasts into thinner pieces to ensure even cooking and faster tenderness in the slow cooker.
  • Low and Slow Magic: Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours to allow chicken to become incredibly juicy and easily shreddable.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust ranch and pepperoncini amounts to match your personal heat and flavor preferences.
  • Protein Swap Option: Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a slightly richer and more forgiving meat texture that stays moist.
  • Dietary Adaptation: Use low-sodium ranch packets and gluten-free alternatives for those with specific dietary restrictions or health concerns.

How to Serve Mississippi Chicken Comfort-Style

  • Party Platter Perfection: Slice the cooked chicken and arrange on a beautiful platter with fresh parsley sprigs, creating an eye-catching appetizer for gatherings or potlucks.
  • Sandwich Sensation: Shred the tender chicken and pile high on soft rolls or crusty bread, adding a slice of provolone cheese for extra flavor.
  • Salad Star: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss over crisp mixed greens, drizzling with ranch dressing for a protein-packed lunch option.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Cool the chicken, slice or shred, and store in meal prep containers with sides like roasted vegetables or rice for quick, delicious workweek lunches.

How to Keep Mississippi Chicken Juicy After Storing

  • Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftover Mississippi Chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Freezer Friendly Option: Portion the chicken into individual servings and freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags to prevent freezer burn.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or thawed chicken gently in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally for even heating.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Prepare a large batch and divide into meal-prep containers with rice or vegetables. These ready-to-go meals save time during busy weekdays and ensure delicious, home-cooked dinners.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 4 hours (HIGH)

Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 34

Ingredients for Mississippi Chicken Done Right

For Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Succulent, lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully, select fresh, plump cuts with minimal visible fat for the most tender result.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Ranch Seasoning Mix: Zesty powder that adds tangy, herbal complexity to the chicken, opt for a high-quality brand for maximum taste.
  • Au Jus Gravy Mix: Rich, savory base that creates a luxurious sauce, choose a packet with deep, robust beef flavor profiles.
For Moisture and Richness:
  • Butter: Creamy, indulgent ingredient that helps prevent dryness and adds a silky texture to the dish, use unsalted for better control of overall saltiness.
  • Pepperoncini Peppers: Bright, tangy pickled peppers that introduce a gentle heat and vibrant acidity, select jarred peppers with a crisp, fresh appearance.

Gear for Preparing Juicy Mississippi Chicken

  • Slow Cooker: Large, reliable appliance for hands-off cooking that creates tender, flavorful chicken.
  • Measuring Spoons: Essential for accurately portioning out seasonings and ranch mix.
  • Cutting Board: Clean surface for preparing chicken before placing in slow cooker.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed to trim or cut chicken breasts if necessary.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helpful for stirring and serving the finished dish.
Print
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Tender Mississippi Chicken Recipe

Tender Mississippi Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 35 1x

Description

Mississippi chicken blends tender chicken with zesty pepperoncini peppers in a comforting slow-cooker recipe. Ranch seasoning and butter create rich, tangy flavors that elevate this Southern-inspired dish for home cooks seeking simple, delicious meals.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) or thighs
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz / 28 g)
  • 1 packet au jus gravy mix (1 oz / 28 g)
  • ½ cup butter, sliced (1 stick / 113 g)
  • 68 pepperoncini peppers
  • 2 tbsps pepperoncini juice

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Position chicken breasts in a uniform layer across the bottom of the slow cooker, maintaining a flat, non-overlapping arrangement.
  2. Seasoning Infusion: Generously distribute ranch seasoning mix over chicken surface, creating a comprehensive flavor coating, then strategically scatter pepperoncini peppers throughout the cooking vessel to ensure balanced taste dispersion.
  3. Liquid Enhancement: Cascade melted butter across the entire chicken landscape, guaranteeing complete ingredient integration and moisture retention.
  4. Slow Cooking Process: Secure slow cooker lid and configure to low heat setting, allowing ingredients to gently meld and transform for 6-7 hours, developing deep, rich flavors and ensuring chicken becomes exceptionally tender.
  5. Finishing Technique: Utilize two forks to delicately deconstruct chicken directly within the cooking liquid, thoroughly incorporating pepperoncini and sauce to maximize flavor complexity.
  6. Resting and Serving: Allow shredded chicken to marinate in its own aromatic juices for an additional 10-15 minutes, then present as a versatile protein over rice, nestled within sandwich rolls, or as a standalone dish, generously adorning with extra pepperoncini and sauce for an elevated culinary experience.

Notes

  • Prevent Chicken Dryness: Ensure chicken breasts are not overcooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F without exceeding, maintaining tender and juicy texture.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Select high-quality ranch seasoning mix and pepperoncini peppers for robust, tangy flavor profile that elevates the dish’s overall taste complexity.
  • Customize Spice Level: Adjust pepperoncini quantity based on personal heat preference, removing seeds for milder version or adding extra for bolder, zingier experience.
  • Dietary Modification Options: Substitute butter with olive oil for healthier version, use low-sodium ranch mix for reduced salt intake, and consider gluten-free seasonings for alternative dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 4 hours (HIGH)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 35
  • Calories: 246
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 1013 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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