Mississippi Chicken

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(1,757)
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
1,757 user ratings
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Comments

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.

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.

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

Highly recommend folks measure the herbs by the fistful rather than tablespoon and teaspoon. Double the pepperoncinis too.

Made recipe as and was excellent. Enjoyed by whole family. My youngest, who is pickier, commented on the scent of the dish which affected his enjoyment. He liked it but then the smell would catch up with him. I understood - the flavor profile is different with the pepperoncinis and juice. Thought liquid was a lot until I shredded chicken and then thought it was fine. Cooked in Dutch Oven at 200 degrees and was done at 3 hours.

I used 8 tablespoons (one stick) of butter rather than 12. The sauce was plenty buttery and delicious. The dish got a thumbs up from everyone at the table. Excellent effort vs reward ratio.

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