There's nothing quite like the savory aroma of Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders filling your kitchen. These sliders are a perfect combination of tender, juicy shredded chicken, zesty seasonings, and melty cheese, all tucked into soft, buttery slider buns. They’re an instant crowd-pleaser and ideal for family dinners, game day snacks, or casual gatherings.
I first discovered this recipe when searching for an easy yet satisfying dish to bring to a potluck. Let me tell you – it was an instant hit! The best part? The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making this recipe as stress-free as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love These Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders
Prepare to fall head over heels for these sliders. Not only are they packed with flavor, but they’re also incredibly simple to make.
First off, the slow cooker does all the work, so you can focus on other things while your chicken simmers away to perfection. It's a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when hosting a crowd.
These sliders are also amazingly versatile. You can customize the toppings to suit your tastes or even turn them into a keto-friendly meal by skipping the buns and serving the chicken over cauliflower rice.
What truly sets these sliders apart is the signature flavor combination of ranch, butter, and tangy pepperoncini. It’s a blend that’s as unexpected as it is irresistible.
Finally, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving picky kids or adventurous eaters, everyone will be reaching for seconds – so don’t be surprised if you run out!
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you’ll create a dish bursting with flavor.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly here. They cook down beautifully in the slow cooker and shred easily. You can also use chicken thighs for an even richer flavor.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: This packet is the backbone of the recipe’s flavor. Its herby, tangy notes complement the other ingredients perfectly. Look for low-sodium versions if you're watching your salt intake.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix: Adds depth and a savory richness to the dish. If you can't find it, a packet of onion soup mix is a good substitute.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: These tangy, mildly spicy peppers give the chicken its signature zing. Use jarred pepperoncini along with a splash of their juice for maximum flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: A stick of butter keeps the chicken moist and adds a luxurious texture. Opt for unsalted to better control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Slider Buns: Soft, buttery slider buns are ideal for this recipe. Hawaiian rolls add a touch of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken.
You’ll also need a slow cooker and two forks for shredding the chicken. Trust me, the cleanup is a breeze!
How To Make Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders
Creating these sliders is as simple as set-it-and-forget-it. Here’s how to make them:
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Start by placing your chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix evenly over the top. Add a few whole pepperoncini peppers and pour in about ¼ cup of the pepperoncini juice.
- Add Butter and Cook: Slice the butter into small pieces and scatter them over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir it well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Sliders: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice your slider buns in half and place the bottoms on a baking sheet. Top with a generous portion of shredded chicken, a slice of cheese (optional), and the top bun.
- Warm and Serve: Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter for extra flavor, then bake for about 10 minutes, or until the buns are golden and the cheese is melted. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
This recipe takes just minutes of prep, with the slow cooker handling the rest. From start to finish, you’re looking at about 8 hours – perfect for a lazy weekend or a day when you’re juggling a full schedule.
Storage Options
Leftovers? Lucky you! These sliders store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead option.
- Refrigerator: Transfer the shredded chicken to an airtight container and store for up to 4 days. Keep the buns separate to avoid sogginess.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it juicy. Toast the buns separately for that fresh-baked texture.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to get creative!
- Cheesy Sliders: Add a layer of melted provolone, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese for extra indulgence.
- Spicy Kick: Swap out pepperoncini for sliced jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce for a fiery twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free buns or serve the chicken over rice or baked potatoes.
- Pulled Pork Version: Substitute pork shoulder for the chicken to make Mississippi Pulled Pork Sliders.
- Vegetarian Spin: Try it with jackfruit instead of chicken for a plant-based take on this classic.
Don’t be afraid to experiment – the possibilities are endless, and you might just discover a new family favorite!
There you have it: a foolproof recipe for Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, these sliders are sure to become a go-to in your recipe arsenal. Enjoy!
PrintCrock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders Recipe
This Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders recipe combines tender shredded chicken, zesty pepperoncini, and melted cheese, served on soft slider buns for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for family dinners, game day, or potlucks!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 6-8 pepperoncini peppers (plus a splash of juice)
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- Slider buns
- Sliced cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crock pot.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken.
- Add butter and pepperoncini peppers on top of the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken in the crock pot, mixing it with the juices.
- Toast slider buns if desired, then layer with chicken mixture. Add cheese if using.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the number of pepperoncini to suit your spice preference.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of pepperoncini juice to the crock pot.
- Toast buns for added texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
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