If you’ve never tried the Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe, you’re in for a real treat that’s both incredibly easy and irresistibly flavorful. This dish is the ultimate slow-cooked comfort food, combining tender chicken breasts with a unique blend of ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, pepperoncini peppers, and butter. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth chicken that’s savory, tangy, and downright addictive. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a fuss-free dinner that tastes like it took hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in building that classic taste and luscious texture. From the rich butter to the tangy pepperoncini juice, you’ll love how these simple components come together to create something truly special.
- Chicken breasts (3-4, boneless and skinless): The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy protein that soaks up all the wonderful flavors.
- Medium onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the mix.
- Au jus gravy mix (1 packet): Brings a savory, rich undertone that enhances the chicken perfectly.
- Ranch dressing mix (1 packet): Gives a creamy, tangy seasoning that complements the tender meat beautifully.
- Pepperoncini peppers (8-10): These add just the right amount of mild heat and a zesty kick.
- Pepperoncini juice (¾ cup): The secret ingredient that infuses the whole dish with a lively, tangy brightness.
- Butter (½ cup, sliced): Creates richness and a silky texture that makes each bite heavenly.
How to Make Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your Crock Pot. This base ensures the chicken stays moist as it cooks slowly, absorbing all the fantastic flavors from the other ingredients.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken breasts. These seasoning packets create a flavor base that is both savory and tangy, setting the stage for the magic that’s about to happen.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Peppers
Scatter the diced onion around the chicken for a subtle sweetness. Then, place the pepperoncini peppers on top, followed by pouring in the juice from the pepperoncini. This tangy addition brightens the dish and complements the richness beautifully.
Step 4: Top with Butter
Lay the slices of butter on top of the ingredients in the Crock Pot. As it melts, the butter will blend all those delicious flavors together and give the sauce a wonderfully creamy texture.
Step 5: Cook
Cover your Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded when it’s done, a sure sign that all the flavors have melded perfectly.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it right in the Crock Pot. Stir everything well so the shredded meat is fully coated in that tangy, buttery sauce.
Step 7: Serve
Your Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe is now ready to enjoy! Whether you pile it on rice, spoon it over mashed potatoes, or tuck it into a sandwich bun, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or green onions can add a lovely pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast to the richness of this dish. If you like a touch of heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top can also be delightful.
Side Dishes
This Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or buttery egg noodles that soak up every drop of the delicious sauce. Steamed green beans or a crisp, refreshing salad can balance the meal with some crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the shredded chicken on slider buns with pickles for a tasty sandwich. Or, layer it over a baked potato topped with sour cream and chives for a loaded comfort food experience. Even serve it as a filling for wraps or tacos to mix things up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This chicken freezes incredibly well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help restore the sauce’s creaminess if it has thickened in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra richness and stay wonderfully juicy, making them a fantastic alternative in this Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe.
What if I don’t have pepperoncini peppers?
While pepperoncini peppers give this dish its signature tang and subtle heat, you can substitute with banana peppers or mild pickled peppers in a pinch, though the flavor will be a bit different.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for an Instant Pot by using the slow cook setting or pressure cooking for about 15 minutes followed by natural release. Just be sure to adjust the liquid slightly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The dish has a mild tangy kick from the pepperoncini but isn’t overly spicy. If you prefer more heat, add extra pepperoncini or a pinch of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
Can I add vegetables to the Crock Pot?
Definitely! Adding sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or potatoes can bulk up the dish and add extra texture and flavor, making it even more hearty and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe is one of those magical dishes that combines ease and extraordinary flavor like no other. It’s a guaranteed hit whether you’re feeding family or friends, and the leftovers are just as good as the first serving. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness all week long!
Print
Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American Southern
Description
Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is a comforting slow-cooked dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked with savory au jus gravy mix, ranch dressing mix, tangy pepperoncini peppers, and butter. This easy, hands-off recipe results in flavorful, shredded chicken perfect for serving over rice, mashed potatoes, or in sandwiches.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings and Mixes
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
Vegetables and Peppers
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 8–10 pepperoncini peppers
- ¾ cup juice from the pepperoncini peppers
Other
- ½ cup butter, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the Crock Pot, forming an even layer.
- Add the Seasonings: Evenly sprinkle the packet of au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix over the chicken breasts to coat them with flavor.
- Add the Vegetables and Peppers: Scatter the diced onion around the chicken, then place the whole pepperoncini peppers on top. Pour ¾ cup of the pepperoncini juice over the ingredients to add tanginess.
- Top with Butter: Place the sliced butter evenly on top of all the ingredients inside the Crock Pot.
- Cook: Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred.
- Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly in the Crock Pot and stir it together with the juices, peppers, and vegetables.
- Serve: Serve the flavorful Mississippi Chicken over steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or on buns for a delicious sandwich option.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh pepperoncini peppers and their juice as indicated.
- Adjust cooking times depending on your Crock Pot’s size and heat settings.
- Leftovers freeze well and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Add extra pepperoncini juice for more tangy flavor or more butter for richness.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed vegetables or a green salad.
