If you’re craving the ultimate crowd-pleasing party bite, these Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders are about to become your new go-to! Tender, juicy chicken infused with zesty ranch, savory au jus, and a pop of pepperoncini heat, all piled onto soft slider buns—this is comfort food magic with barely any hands-on effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievably Easy: Everything goes straight into the crock pot—no searing, no stirring, just set and forget!
- Packed with Flavor: Savory ranch and au jus mixes bring the seasoning, while pepperoncini add a subtle tangy kick.
- Perfect for Sharing: These sliders are bite-sized, portable, and always a hit at potlucks, parties, or family dinners.
- Incredibly Versatile: Pile it on any roll, use different toppings, or even serve the chicken in tacos or over rice!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders is that the ingredient list is blissfully short, yet each item plays a starring role. Here’s what you’ll need to turn basic chicken into melt-in-your-mouth sliders bursting with flavor and irresistible aroma.
- Chicken Breasts (3 pounds): Boneless, skinless chicken keeps this recipe lean and shreds beautifully after slow cooking.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix (1 ounce packet): McCormick is a favorite—this boosts the umami and brings restaurant-style depth in minutes.
- Ranch Dressing Mix (1 ounce packet): Hidden Valley delivers creamy, herby notes that make this so craveable.
- Butter (½ cup / 1 stick): Rich, buttery goodness helps create a luscious sauce the chicken will soak right up.
- Pepperoncini Peppers (6): For a gentle, tangy bite—don’t worry, they’re more flavorful than spicy, and totally customizable!
- Slider Buns or Soft Dinner Rolls (18): King’s Hawaiian are heavenly, but any fluffy roll will cradle the chicken and capture all those juices.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders is how easy they are to tweak for any occasion or dietary need. Don’t be afraid to swap, add, or experiment with flavors that speak to you!
- Spicy Kick: Add more pepperoncini or a spoonful of their brine to the slow cooker for extra heat and zing.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute a plant-based buttery spread instead of regular butter for a completely dairy-free version.
- Cheese Lovers: Top each slider with a slice of provolone, Swiss, or cheddar just before serving for a melty finish.
- Low-Carb Twist: Skip the buns and serve the shredded chicken over cauliflower rice or tucked into lettuce wraps.
How to Make Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Layer & Season
Begin by spreading the chicken breasts in an even layer in your slow cooker. Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix over the top, then dot the chicken with pieces of butter. Lay the pepperoncini peppers on top—don’t worry about stirring, the magic will happen as it slow cooks!
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and let the crock pot do its thing: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high. As it cooks, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and soaks up all the flavors, while the butter and seasonings meld into a luscious, craveable sauce.
Step 3: Shred & Sauce
Remove the pepperoncini and set aside. Transfer the chicken to a large bowl and use two forks to shred it—you’ll love how effortlessly it falls apart! Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir to coat every strand in that buttery, flavor-packed sauce.
Step 4: Assemble Sliders & Serve
Spoon the juicy shredded chicken onto slider buns. Top with a pepperoncini (if you want an extra pop of color and flavor), or serve them on the side so everyone can make their own perfect bite. Serve warm, enjoy the smiles, and get ready for recipe requests!
Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders
- Juicy Shred: For the best texture, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before shredding so it holds onto every bit of that savory sauce.
- Customize the Heat: Taste the finished chicken and stir in a splash of pepperoncini brine for more tang, or add extra peppers for a party-friendly kick.
- Slider Bun Upgrade: Warm the buns just before serving for the ultimate soft, pillowy bite that won’t get soggy.
- Make-Ahead Ready: The chicken holds beautifully in a crock pot on “keep warm,” making this recipe ideal for game days and buffet spreads.
How to Serve Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders
Garnishes
A classic garnish is a whole or sliced pepperoncini perched atop each slider—bright, tangy, and a little bit playful! If you want to bring it up a notch, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions adds fresh color and zip.
Side Dishes
Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders shine alongside crunchy coleslaw, baked potato wedges, a simple green salad, or classic potato chips. For parties, offer them with pickles, a tray of veggies, or even macaroni and cheese for that full comfort-food experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Tuck a slider flag or toothpick into each bun for a touch of fun, or lay out the shredded chicken, buns, and toppings “bar style” so everyone can build their own. For a twist, use mini pretzel rolls or serve as open-faced sliders on toasted bread rounds for easy party bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the shredded chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep perfectly in the refrigerator for 3–4 days, making it great for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
Cool the chicken, then spoon it into freezer-safe containers or even individual zip-top bags for convenience. It freezes well for up to 3 months, so you can always have a flavorful batch of Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders ready for any occasion.
Reheating
If frozen, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a covered saucepan on the stove or in the microwave—add a splash of chicken broth if needed for extra juiciness.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more richness and stay ultra-juicy. Just use the same weight and cook time—the results will be every bit as delicious for your Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders.
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Do I need to add any liquid to the crock pot?
No extra liquid is needed—the chicken releases plenty of juices as it cooks, creating its own savory sauce in the crock pot. Just load up all the ingredients and let the slow cooker work its magic.
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What’s the best way to keep the sliders from getting soggy?
For the best texture, toast or warm the slider buns before assembling. You can also drain excess liquid from the chicken when spooning it onto the buns, or serve it buffet-style so everyone can assemble right before eating.
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Can I make Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Prepare the shredded chicken and refrigerate it up to 3 days ahead. Warm it in the crock pot on “keep warm” and set out buns and toppings, so guests can assemble fresh sliders anytime during your event.
Final Thoughts
Get ready to fall in love at first bite! Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders are pure comfort, ridiculously easy, and guaranteed to make any gathering extra special. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed how quickly they disappear and how many times you’ll be asked for the recipe. Enjoy!
Print
Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
- Category: Slow Cooking
- Method: Slow Cooking
Description
These Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for a crowd. Tender shredded chicken flavored with au jus and ranch seasoning, served on soft slider buns with a tangy kick of Pepperoncini peppers.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
- 1 ounce au jus gravy mix (1 packet), recommended brand: McCormick
- 1 ounce ranch dressing mix (1 packet), recommended brand: Hidden Valley
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 6 Pepperoncini peppers
- 18 slider buns or soft dinner rolls, recommended brand: King’s Hawaiian
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker: Add the remaining ingredients on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the pepperoncini, shred the chicken, then return it to the slow cooker.
- Serve: Serve the chicken on slider buns with the cooked pepperoncini on top or on the side.
Notes
- No need to add liquid to the slow cooker since the chicken will release its own juices as it cooks.
- To refrigerate: Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keeps for about 3-4 days.
- To freeze: Allow the chicken to cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
