Mississippi Chicken Casserole – Plain Chicken

Creamy Mississippi Chicken Casserole with ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and pepperoncini peppers topped with buttery Ritz crackers. This easy chicken casserole is packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, and family dinners!

Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you love Mississippi pot roast, this chicken casserole is going to be a hit! It has all the same bold flavor from ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers baked into a creamy, comforting chicken casserole. The sauce is rich and savory with just a little tang from the peppers. The buttery Ritz cracker topping adds the perfect crunchy finish.

This easy chicken casserole is creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor in every bite. The combination of cream of chicken soup and sour cream gives the casserole its creaminess while the ranch and au jus mixture makes it taste like you spent hours cooking. It is one of those recipes everyone goes back for seconds of.

How to Make Mississippi Chicken Casserole

This recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients and only a few minutes of prep. In a large bowl, stir together shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, melted butter, and chopped pepperoncini peppers until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper. Rotisserie chicken works great and makes this chicken casserole even easier to throw together on busy nights.

Spread the chicken mixture into a greased casserole dish or 9-inch baking dish. Crush Ritz crackers and mix them with melted butter, then sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.

Bake in a preheated oven until hot and bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown. The creamy sauce thickens as it bakes and the buttery topping adds great texture.

Helpful Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

• Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe fast and easy.
  • You can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or any cooked shredded chicken.
  • It is a great way to use leftover chicken from the fridge.
• Chop the pepperoncini peppers into small pieces so the flavor spreads throughout the casserole.
• Want more heat? Add a splash of pepperoncini juice to the mixture.
• I suggest using Unsalted Cream of Chicken or Mushroom Soups in this dish to control the sodium.
• Crush the Ritz crackers finely for a more even buttery topping.
• Bake the casserole uncovered so the topping stays crisp.

Storage Tips

• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and store in the fridge until ready to bake.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked casserole without the cracker topping for best results. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the buttery crackers, and bake.
• Leftovers: Store leftover chicken casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating:Reheat leftovers in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in the oven until heated through.
  • If the casserole thickens too much after baking, stir in a splash of chicken broth before serving.

What to Serve with Mississippi Chicken Casserole

This casserole has quickly become a family favorite. Everyone loved the creamy sauce and crunchy buttery topping. It has all the cozy comfort food flavor of Mississippi pot roast in an easy chicken casserole the whole family will ask for again.