Tender Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

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This Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken is packed with flavor and unbelievably tender. It’s one of those dump-and-go recipes that turns simple ingredients into something that's going to be gobbled down quickly for dinner.

Tender slow cooker mississippi chicken served on a plate with a fork on the side.

The tangy pepperoncini, rich butter, and savory ranch and au jus seasoning create a melt-in-your-mouth shredded chicken that’s perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or even in sandwiches.

For more dump-and-go recipes, check out my post about 35+ Dump And Go Crockpot Dinners!

Ingredients

Chicken breasts – The base of the dish, becoming fall-apart tender after slow cooking.
Onion – Adds a subtle sweetness and extra depth of flavor.
Ranch dressing mix – Infuses the chicken with a creamy, herby seasoning.
Au jus gravy mix – Enhances the dish with a rich, savory beefy flavor.
Pepperoncini peppers – Bring the perfect tangy kick without being too spicy.
Pepperoncini juice – Adds acidity, breaking down the chicken and keeping it juicy.
Butter – Gives the chicken a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Tender Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

Chicken strips placed over diced onion in a serving dish.

Coat a large slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.

Place the diced onion at the bottom of the prepared slow cooker, then layer the chicken on top.

Au jus gravy mix sprinkled on top of chicken strips placed over diced onion in a serving dish.

Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy packets over the chicken.

Tender slow cooker Mississippi Chicken, all layered in a serving dish, ready to be cooked in the slow cooker.

Top the chicken with pepperoncini, its juice, and butter.

Close-up photo of tender slow cooker Mississippi Chicken, all layered in a serving dish, ready to be cooked in the slow cooker.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours.

Shredded chicken breast being pulled apart with a fork.

Use forks to shred the chicken, then serve it warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Serve and enjoy!

Hint: if you prefer even more tender chicken, swap out the breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

Substitutions & Variations

Swap the Protein – This works just as well with pork or beef chuck roast.
Make It Creamy – Stir in cream cheese after shredding for a richer, thicker texture.
Add Veggies – Toss in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or baby potatoes for a full meal.
Low-Carb Option – Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps instead of traditional sides.

💭Crucial Success Tips

Don’t Skip the Pepperoncini Juice – It’s the secret ingredient that gives this dish its signature flavor.
Adjust the Spice Level – The peppers aren’t too spicy, but for even milder flavor, use fewer. If you like heat, add a few extra!
Let It Rest Before Shredding – This helps keep the chicken juicy and prevents it from drying out.

FAQ

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, then do a natural release for 5 minutes before shredding.

What can I serve this with?

It’s great over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even in slider buns for a sandwich.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Absolutely! Just add 1 extra hour to the cooking time if using frozen chicken breasts.

📖 Recipe

8 servings

Tender Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 7 hours

Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes

Tender Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines the tangy kick of pepperoncini peppers with the savory richness of ranch dressing, au jus gravy mix, and butter. The chicken is slow-cooked until it’s perfectly tender and shreds effortlessly, making it ideal for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. With minimal prep time, this recipe delivers maximum comfort and flavor, making it perfect for any meal—whether it's a busy weeknight or a laid-back lunch.

Ingredients

3 pounds chicken breasts
1 medium onion, diced
1 packet ranch dressing mix
1 packet au jus gravy mix
8 whole pepperoncini peppers (do not discard the juice from the jar)
¾ cup juice from pepperoncini jar
½ cup (1 stick) butter, sliced

Instructions

Coat a large slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
Place the diced onion at the bottom of the prepared slow cooker, then layer the chicken on top.
Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy packets over the chicken.
Top the chicken with pepperoncini, its juice, and butter.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours.
Use forks to shred the chicken, then serve it warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 346Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 146mgSodium: 1565mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 2gSugar: 7gProtein: 55g

How to Store Tender Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing – Shredded chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating – Warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.