There's something about the irresistible aroma of Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken that brings everyone to the kitchen, waiting for a taste. Tender, juicy shredded chicken simmered with tangy pepperoncini, savory ranch seasoning, and a hint of buttery goodness, all piled onto slider buns — these are sure to become a family favorite.
I first discovered this slow-cooked wonder on a busy game day, and ever since, it's become a staple for everything from weeknight dinners to easy party meals. The best part? This set-it-and-forget-it recipe makes hosting a breeze.
Why You'll Love These Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders
Get ready to meet the easiest and most mouthwatering chicken sliders you've ever made. These sliders are full of bold flavors and perfect for any occasion.
First of all, the prep is almost nonexistent. All you have to do is toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. In about 4-5 hours, you have perfectly shredded, flavor-packed chicken ready to serve.
The flavors are unforgettable. The combination of tangy pepperoncini, rich ranch seasoning, and savory au jus creates a chicken that's both flavorful and juicy. Plus, the butter adds a luxurious richness that brings everything together.
It's a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're serving these sliders at a casual gathering, a game day party, or just a family dinner, everyone loves them. The shredded chicken stays moist and pairs perfectly with soft slider buns, making them irresistible.
Best of all, they're customizable. You can add cheese, pickles, or even a side of coleslaw for a bit of crunch. However you decide to serve them, these sliders are sure to impress.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this recipe is that it uses a handful of simple, yet powerful ingredients that come together beautifully. Here's what you'll need:
Chicken Breasts: You'll want about 2-3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They become incredibly tender and easy to shred after slow cooking. If you prefer, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Ranch Seasoning: One packet of dry ranch seasoning adds that signature herby, tangy flavor we all love. If you have a favorite homemade ranch mix, feel free to use that instead.
Pepperoncini Peppers: These peppers are the star of the dish, adding a delicious tangy kick. Use about 6-8 whole pepperoncini, and don’t be afraid to add a little splash of the juice for extra flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Half a stick of unsalted butter (4 tablespoons) gives the chicken a silky richness. If you only have salted butter, reduce any additional salt you might want to add.
Au Jus Mix: A packet of au jus gravy mix provides deep, savory flavor to balance out the tang from the peppers. You could also use a packet of brown gravy mix in a pinch.
Slider Buns: Soft, fluffy slider buns are perfect for serving. You can use Hawaiian rolls for a hint of sweetness or brioche buns for a more decadent experience.
Optional Add-Ons: Cheese slices (like provolone or mozzarella), pickles, and coleslaw are fantastic for topping your sliders.
How To Make This Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
Making these Mississippi Chicken Sliders couldn't be simpler. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts into the bottom of your slow cooker. You don’t need to cut or prep the chicken beforehand. Just make sure they’re in an even layer so they cook uniformly.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Butter
Sprinkle the entire packet of ranch seasoning and the au jus mix over the chicken. Add the whole pepperoncini peppers on top, spreading them out evenly. Finally, place the slices of butter directly on top of the chicken. This will melt down and infuse everything with flavor as it cooks.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat. Cook for about 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easy to shred with a fork. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 2-3 hours, but low and slow is best for the juiciest chicken.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it right in the crock pot. Mix the shredded chicken well to coat it in all the flavorful juices.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
Grab your favorite slider buns and spoon a generous amount of shredded chicken onto each one. Add a slice of cheese, a few extra pepperoncini, or some pickles for added crunch. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!
This recipe takes around 5 minutes of active prep and a total of 4-5 hours of cooking time, making it ideal for those busy days when you need something simple yet satisfying.
Storage Options
Have leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat your Mississippi Chicken.
Refrigerate: Store the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing.
Freeze: If you want to freeze the chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat: To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out.
Variations and Substitutions
The versatility of these sliders means there are endless ways to make them your own.
Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer a richer flavor, swap out the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’re just as tender and bring even more flavor.
Add Heat: If you love spicy food, try adding some sliced jalapeños or using hot pepperoncini instead of the mild variety. A dash of hot sauce also does wonders.
Make It Low Carb: Serve the shredded chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb meal. It’s equally delicious and perfect for keto diets.
Try Different Buns: Hawaiian rolls add a touch of sweetness, while pretzel buns give these sliders a hearty, chewy texture. You can even toast the buns for extra crunch.
Don't be afraid to get creative with these sliders. Whether you're making them for a weeknight dinner or a party, they’re bound to be a hit. Enjoy experimenting and savor every bite!
PrintCrock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders Recipe
These Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders are tender, flavorful, and effortless to make. Featuring juicy, shredded chicken infused with savory seasonings and tangy pepperoncini, these sliders are a crowd-pleaser ideal for game day, parties, or a quick dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 6-8 pepperoncini peppers
- 12 slider buns
- Optional toppings: sliced cheese, coleslaw
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crock pot.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken.
- Add the butter on top of the chicken, followed by the pepperoncini peppers.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken with two forks, mixing it with the juices in the crock pot.
- Toast slider buns if desired, and assemble with shredded chicken and optional toppings.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra pepperoncini or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Great with a side of chips or a simple salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
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