Mississippi Chicken

By Kia Damon

Updated Aug. 13, 2025

Mississippi Chicken
Rachel Vanni for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
6¼ hours
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
6 hours
Rating
4(1,379)
Comments
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In this rendition of a slow-cooker classic, chicken thighs are transformed into a zesty, pull-apart tender dinner, with plenty of herby, buttery sauce. As the sibling to Mississippi pot roast, this dish has many of that beloved recipe’s staple ingredients, like pepperoncini and butter, but here, instead of packaged ranch seasoning and au jus powder, soy sauce and a blend of fresh herbs and seasonings are used. Mashed potatoes, rice and greens are great sides that would hold up well to the tangy gravy, or serve with some peas for a bit of sweetness. Consider baking some cornbread or dinner rolls as well while it cooks.

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Ingredients

Yield:6 to 8 servings
  • 1yellow onion, diced
  • 2pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 8whole pepperoncini, stemmed and halved, plus ½ cup liquid from the jar
  • 4garlic cloves, minced
  • ¾cup unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
  • 1cup unsalted chicken stock
  • ¼cup soy sauce
  • 2tablespoons fresh parsley, minced 
  • 2teaspoons minced fresh chives
  • 2teaspoons minced fresh dill
  • Salt
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (8 servings)

309 calories; 22 grams fat; 12 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 7 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 3 grams carbohydrates; 0 grams dietary fiber; 1 gram sugars; 24 grams protein; 668 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Sprinkle the onion on the bottom of a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker, then lay the chicken thighs on top. Add pepperoncini, garlic and butter to the pot, then pour in the stock, pepperoncini liquid and soy sauce. Stir to combine.

  2. Step 2

    Cover the pot and cook on low for 6 hours. Once the chicken is done, use two forks to gently pull it apart. Add the herbs and mix into the gravy. Taste for salt and serve hot. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

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Ratings

4 out of 5
1,379 user ratings
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Comments

Sean

Since you're just going to end up pulling it apart once it's finished, save some money and use bone-in thighs. Added bonus is the flavor you get from keeping the bones in while the whole thing cooks.

Mississippi Goddam Good

Thank you for this beautiful recipe. It is the perfect rendition of this low country classic. We hear so little of Mississippi cuisine and this dish is both unique and special. You’re welcome America.

mary ann patterson

@Linda yes, set your oven at 200 degrees for the specified time. Put all ingredients into a heavy covered dutch oven.

Emily

Made as written but used tamari (reduced salt) instead of soy sauce. Added peas and served over mashed potatoes. I liked it. Loved the pepperoncini peppers. This has a lot of butter in it. I didn't really feel like we could taste the dill or the chives. If I make it again, I would add more of those. It's probably not a favorite, but I liked it and it's definitely not hard to make.

Laura Di Battista, Toronto

I loved this recipe. I wouldn't have made it, based on it's simple ingredients, but I was swayed by the comments. I'm so glad I cooked this! I halved the butter like a lot of people but I still found it perfect. I used bone-in thighs and just removed the bones when I shredded the chicken. I cooked it in my Le Crueset dutch oven on low in my oven at 250 degrees for the whole 6 hours. It was perfect. I added frozen spinach before adding the herbs. For a starch, I avoided rice, used barley

hbweightlifter

This was delicious. Took the recommendation of bone in thighs but removed the skin before cooking. I am confused as to why people want to decrease the butter. Slow cooking boneless, skinless chicken for 6 hours without enough fat would make a soupy but dry met mess. Mine came out delicious and I served it over mashed potatoes and green beans.

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