Mississippi Funeral Chicken and Potato Casserole
Tender shredded chicken baked in savory ranch cheese sauce, sliced pepperoncini, and a golden crushed potato chip crust.
In a nutshell: This authentic southern american mississippi funeral chicken and potato casserole comes together in just 50 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret is to Using warm shredded rotisserie chicken breast and thighs slashes prep time down to 15 minu. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
This Mississippi Funeral Chicken and Potato Casserole is the #1 viral comfort dinner of 2026! Tender shredded chicken baked in a decadent blend of ranch herbs, cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and tangy pickled pepperoncini, topped with a mountain of crispy crushed salty potato chips baked until golden and bubbling.
Key Equipment
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- 9x13-inch casserole dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin or bag (to crush chips)
- Box grater
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken: Using warm shredded rotisserie chicken breast and thighs slashes prep time down to 15 minutes while packing in seasoned roast chicken flavor.
- Splash the pepperoncini brine: Stirring 2 to 3 tablespoons of the vinegar brine straight from the pepperoncini jar into the cream cheese and ranch mixture gives the casserole its legendary savory tang.
- Crush chips right before baking: Gently crush kettle-cooked potato chips by hand (not into powder, but nickel-sized shards) and scatter over top immediately before baking to preserve maximum crunch.
Ingredients
6
servings
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4 cups cooked chicken, shredded, rotisserie or poached chicken breasts
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8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
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½ cup sour cream, or full-fat Greek yogurt
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1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix, dry buttermilk ranch herbs
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½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers, drained, plus 2 tbsp jar brine reserved
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2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded, divided
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1 cup Monterey Jack or Mozzarella, shredded, for silky cheese pull
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½ tsp garlic powder & onion powder, adds savory depth
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3 cups kettle-cooked potato chips, crushed into coarse crunchy shards
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, tossed with crushed chips
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2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped, for garnish
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch ceramic or glass baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Mix the Creamy Ranch Filling
In a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer or wooden spoon, beat softened cream cheese, sour cream, dry ranch seasoning packet, garlic powder, onion powder, and 2 tablespoons reserved pepperoncini brine until smooth and creamy.
Fold in Chicken and Peppers
Fold shredded chicken, sliced pepperoncini, 1.5 cups sharp cheddar, and 1 cup Monterey Jack into the creamy ranch mixture until thoroughly combined and evenly coated.
Spread and Layer
Transfer the mixture into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese across the surface.
Top with Crushed Chips and Bake
In a medium bowl, toss the crushed potato chips with 2 tablespoons melted butter, then scatter evenly over the cheese layer. Bake uncovered at 375°F for 28–32 minutes until casserole is bubbling vigorously at edges and the potato chip crust is deeply golden brown and crisp. Garnish with fresh chopped chives and serve hot!
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.
View on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife
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View on AmazonTILUCK Stainless Measuring Cups & Spoons, 10-Pc
Stainless steel cups and spoons that measure precisely and last.
View on AmazonMercer Culinary Locking Tongs, 9" + 12"
Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.
View on AmazonAmazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll
Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.
View on AmazonWoodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc
Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
View on AmazonOXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"
Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
View on AmazonUltra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2
Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
View on AmazonUmite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc
Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
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Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Yes! Assemble the chicken and cheese filling in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Wait to add the crushed potato chips until right before baking so they stay ultra-crispy.
Not at all! Pepperoncini peppers provide mild, tangy vinegar acidity with virtually zero heat. If you prefer a little kick, sprinkle 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce.
It pairs wonderfully with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, crisp garden salads, or warm garlic butter dinner rolls.
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