Stick of Butter Mississippi Chicken Spaghetti

Name: Stick of Butter Mississippi Chicken Spaghetti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 150 min
Total time: 165 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts; 1 packet au jus seasoning mix; 1 packet ranch seasoning mix; 1 jar pepperoncini peppers, divided; 1/4 cup pickle juice; 1 stick butter (1/2 cup); 8 ounces cream cheese; 1 pound spaghetti; 8 ounces monterey jack cheese, shredded, divided; 1/4 cup sliced green onions

Cook Time: 150 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe serves 8. Quantities are for the original recipe; cooking times remain the same even if scaled.

2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 (1-ounce) packet au jus mix
1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix
12 jarred pepperoncini peppers, divided (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup pepperoncini brine
1 stick butter
8 ounces cream cheese
1 pound spaghetti
8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup sliced green onions

Directions

Gather all ingredients and prepare your slow cooker.
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle evenly with the au jus and ranch seasoning mixes.
Top the chicken with 6 of the pepperoncini peppers, then pour in the 1/4 cup of pepper brine. Place the stick of butter on top, cover, and cook on High for 2 hours and 15 minutes.
After cooking, uncover and add the cream cheese. Replace the lid and let it cook while you prepare the pasta, about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook for 9 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred into bite-sized pieces. Chop the cooked peppers and the remaining 6 peppers, then return both the chicken and chopped peppers to the slow cooker. Stir until creamy and combined.
Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water into the slow cooker along with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir until evenly mixed. Top with the remaining cheese, cover, and cook for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts.
Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 602
Fat: 35g (44% DV)
Saturated Fat: 20g (99% DV)
Cholesterol: 181mg (60% DV)
Sodium: 1068mg (46% DV)
Carbohydrates: 23g (8% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% DV)
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 48g (96% DV)
Vitamin C: 7mg (8% DV)
Calcium: 285mg (22% DV)
Iron: 2mg (13% DV)
Potassium: 478mg (10% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Nutrient information may vary depending on ingredients used. Consult a healthcare professional if following a medically restrictive diet.

History of Stick of Butter Mississippi Chicken Spaghetti

Mississippi Chicken Spaghetti is a modern twist on the classic Southern comfort food, chicken spaghetti, which has roots in mid-20th century American cuisine. Traditional chicken spaghetti emerged in the South as a hearty, family-friendly casserole combining shredded chicken, creamy sauces, and pasta. The "Mississippi" version earned its name from the incorporation of distinctive flavors popularized in Mississippi, such as pepperoncini peppers, au jus seasoning, and the infamous stick of butter that adds richness and depth. This dish gained popularity through potlucks, church gatherings, and slow-cooker recipes shared across cookbooks and online forums.

Regional Characteristics

While chicken spaghetti is found throughout the Southern United States, the Mississippi variant is known for its bold, tangy, and buttery profile. Unlike typical chicken casseroles, this dish balances the creamy texture of cheese and butter with the slight heat and acidity from pepperoncini. It's particularly popular in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana, where slow-cooker comfort foods dominate weeknight dinners. Many local families customize the recipe with regional cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar, and sometimes incorporate Rotel tomatoes for a spicier version.

Differences from Similar Dishes

What sets Mississippi Chicken Spaghetti apart from traditional chicken spaghetti or chicken alfredo is its use of a stick of butter and pepperoncini peppers, creating a unique balance of creaminess and tang. Standard chicken spaghetti often relies solely on cream soups and shredded chicken, while alfredo dishes focus on a rich, cheesy sauce with minimal seasoning. The slow-cooker method also allows flavors to meld over hours, giving the Mississippi version a distinct depth and smooth texture that other casseroles rarely achieve.

Where Its Typically Served

This dish is a favorite for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings. Its often served directly from the slow cooker, making it ideal for communal meals or holiday spreads. Some families also enjoy it as leftovers, reheating it over the stovetop or in the oven, sometimes even transforming it into a sandwich or serving it over mashed potatoes. Its flexibility and crowd-pleasing flavor profile make it a staple in Southern households year-round.

Interesting Facts

The "stick of butter" in the recipe is not just for flavorit helps emulsify the sauce, giving the spaghetti a creamy, luxurious texture.
Pepperoncini peppers contribute both tanginess and mild heat, a signature touch that differentiates Mississippi Chicken Spaghetti from other creamy pasta dishes.
Slow cookers played a key role in popularizing this dish in the late 20th century, making it easier for busy families to enjoy a homemade comfort meal.
The dish is highly customizable: some variations add bacon, different cheeses, or even Rotel tomatoes to suit personal taste preferences.
Despite its indulgent ingredients, it has become a modern comfort food icon, combining Southern hospitality with practical home cooking.

FAQ about Stick of Butter Mississippi Chicken Spaghetti

Yes, you can prepare this recipe on the stovetop. Use a large Dutch oven and cook the chicken over medium heat, adding extra liquid if needed to prevent sticking. Cooking time may vary slightly, so ensure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding.

Absolutely. Chicken thighs can be used and may even add extra flavor. Adjust cooking time as thighs may cook faster or slower depending on their size, and ensure they reach the proper internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

For more spice, increase the number of pepperoncini peppers or use a spicier variety. To make it milder, reduce the peppers or use less brine. You can also balance flavors by adding a bit of extra cream cheese or butter.

Yes, you can assemble the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Cook as directed when you are ready to serve. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3–4 days and reheated gently.

Yes, you can use other pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or whole wheat spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Yes, you can use a lower-sodium au jus mix or ranch seasoning, and reduce the amount of pickle juice or brine. You can also rinse the peppers briefly to remove excess salt.

To make a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, and use a dairy-free shredded cheese. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Cooking on high in a slow cooker for about 2 hours 15 minutes is typical, but some users find cooking 3–4 hours yields more tender chicken. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Comments

Elizabeth Wright

11/26/2024 02:56:47 AM

I typically follow the recipe as is for the first time, and then adjust it based on my family's tastes. However, I realized last minute that I didn't have a crockpot, so I cooked it on the stove in a Dutch oven instead. I found that I needed a bit more liquid than the recipe called for due to this method. The flavor turned out great for a quick and easy dinner. I think this dish would also work well as a sandwich filling or served over mashed potatoes if you're not in the mood for pasta. I plan to experiment with this recipe base, as I believe it will be a hit during football season.

Heather Lopez

04/15/2025 02:07:56 PM

I thoroughly enjoyed this dish, even though I had to swap out the peppers for fresh banana peppers, along with some pickled onions and brine from the onions. I can only imagine how delicious it would be with the original ingredients. This recipe is definitely one to hold onto!

Raymond Wilson

06/14/2024 11:09:29 PM

Super easy and incredibly tasty! We enjoy spicy food, so we added a whole jar of sliced pepperoncini, which gave it a nice kick. I utilized the sear function on my slow cooker to lightly brown the chicken, enhancing the flavor even more. Perfect meal for a quick weeknight dinner!

Lisa Mitchell

08/09/2022 05:44:54 AM

Delicious! I halved the spaghetti as there are only two of us, and we didn't want too many leftovers. The dish was incredibly cheesy and tasty. Looking forward to reheating it!

Emily Thomas

02/04/2023 01:59:40 PM

I am a Mississippi girl, born and raised, but Texas has been my home for most of my life. I decided to try this version of chicken spaghetti, as it is a dish I grew up on. However, I found that it was missing some of the ingredients I am accustomed to. It was good, but I still prefer the version from my childhood. For those of you who want to try a different variation, I recommend using chicken thighs, Rotel (original or spicy), cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, and sometimes cream of celery instead of cream of chicken, along with Mexican cheese. Chicken spaghetti is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking - enjoy experimenting with different ingredient combinations!

Emma Roberts

09/20/2023 07:12:23 AM

I tried out this recipe and it was fantastic! Between my husband, my adult son, and me, there were only two servings left over. My husband and I even argued over who would get to enjoy the leftovers. Next time, I plan to use sliced pepperoncini instead of whole ones to save time on chopping. This recipe is definitely a keeper!

Christine Edwards

12/09/2022 12:48:12 AM

My family absolutely enjoyed it! I sprinkled some "shake cheese" (a mix of Parmesan and Romano cheese that you shake on top of spaghetti) over it. I also used whole wheat noodles. For the next time, I plan to search for a lower sodium Au Jus Sauce mix.

Betty Phillips

03/07/2023 09:10:26 AM

I absolutely love this recipe! It's so delicious and will now become a staple in my household :) I followed the recipe exactly, except for reducing the amount of peppers by half to make it less spicy for my toddler. She really enjoyed it and kept asking for more :) Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe!

Ryan Jackson

07/04/2024 05:33:57 AM

Wow, I must say this recipe turned out to be absolutely delicious! Initially, I was a bit concerned about the saltiness while putting it together, but once it finished cooking, it was just perfect. I decided to use 3 boneless chicken breasts and 6 chicken tenderloins to serve 4 people, and surprisingly, I still had some leftovers for tomorrow's lunch. I followed the recipe exactly as written, and it turned out great!

Jose Gomez

11/24/2023 09:15:41 AM

This dish was a delightful twist on traditional spaghetti that my family truly relished. I stuck to the recipe with the exception of swapping out the spicy ingredients for banana peppers, which worked out perfectly for our taste buds. The pasta absorbed the flavors wonderfully, though I had to incorporate extra brine from the banana peppers. The addition of banana peppers lent a fantastic taste, and the brine infused the dish with a lovely flavor. Next time, I plan to introduce a bit of chicken broth or invest in a larger jar of banana peppers to fully savor that delightful brine. Thanks for sharing this recipe!

Kevin Collins

09/01/2022 04:59:38 PM

I added some extra cream cheese and crumbled bacon to mine - delicious! 🥓

Jeffrey Moore

04/16/2025 01:42:17 AM

My husband and I both enjoyed this dish. My only issue was that the recipe called for cooking the chicken breasts for 2 and a half hours, which turned out not to be long enough. I ended up cooking mine for 4 hours, and they still weren't as tender as I had hoped. However, the overall recipe is fantastic. Aside from adjusting the cooking time for the chicken, I won't be making any changes when I prepare this again, which will be very soon!

Joyce Gonzalez

11/20/2022 09:32:24 AM

Simple, cheesy, and a hit with the kids! Packed with delicious flavor! I opted for protein spaghetti..

Gary Lee

11/06/2024 09:01:55 AM

Extremely tasty! 😋

Jack Roberts

11/30/2024 11:54:24 PM

I came across the article in my email and decided to try it out this weekend. It was definitely worth it.

Frank Allen

01/08/2024 08:50:23 PM

This dish is incredibly delicious and a top favorite among my family members.

Heather Rodriguez

05/13/2025 02:46:03 PM

Excellent

Mary Wright

07/29/2022 11:28:21 PM

Wonderful selection of flavors, a beloved choice for my family every time.

Julie Carter

02/02/2025 11:15:11 AM

I enjoy the combination of all the ingredients.

Anna Moore

09/07/2023 09:33:33 AM

Absolutely delicious and a unique addition that will definitely be added to our menu!

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