If you’re searching for a ridiculously simple, incredibly flavorful dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then look no further than this Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe. Tender chicken breasts slowly simmered with a magical blend of ranch and au jus seasoning, pepperoncini peppers, and a generous pat of butter come together to create a dish so rich and juicy, it’ll become your go-to for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its ease but in how the tangy, buttery sauce perfectly coats the chicken, making every bite irresistibly delicious. Trust me, once you try this Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients couldn’t be simpler, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the delicious depth of flavor in this dish. From the pepperoncini’s tangy zing to the rich butter balancing everything out, every element is essential to the final magic of this recipe.
- 3-4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless: The perfect canvas for absorbing all the amazing flavors while staying tender and juicy.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic base that softens beautifully during slow cooking.
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix: Brings a savory depth and a subtle beefy undertone to the sauce.
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix: Infuses the chicken with herbs and tang, making the flavor profile uniquely crave-worthy.
- 8-10 pepperoncini peppers: These are the secret stars, adding just the right amount of tang and mild heat.
- ¾ cup juice from pepperoncini: This juice amps up the piquant flavor and keeps everything juicy.
- ½ cup butter, sliced: Melts in slowly, enriching the sauce with creamy, velvety goodness.
How to Make Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing those boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom of your Crock Pot. This straightforward approach ensures they soak up every bit of flavor from the seasoning and juices as they cook.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
Next, sprinkle the au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken breasts. These seasoning packets are the family secret that transform simple chicken into a comforting, savory delight.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Peppers
Scatter diced onion around the chicken for sweetness and texture, then nestle the pepperoncini peppers atop the chicken. Pour the juice from the pepperoncini over everything—this liquid boost really enhances the overall bold, tangy flavor.
Step 4: Top with Butter
Lay the slices of butter on top of the other ingredients. As the butter slowly melts, it bathes the chicken in richness, elevating this recipe from simple to sublime.
Step 5: Cook
Cover and let the Crock Pot do its magic: cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking ensures your chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavored through and through, ready to be easily shredded.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is perfectly tender, shred it using two forks right in the slow cooker. Stir everything together to coat the shredded chicken in that luscious sauce, making every bite wonderfully juicy.
Step 7: Serve
There are so many tasty ways to enjoy this Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe: spoon it over fluffy rice, mound it atop creamy mashed potatoes, or pile it onto a soft bun for an unbeatable sandwich. No matter how you serve it, you’re in for a treat.
How to Serve Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few finishing touches turns this hearty dish into something extra special. Fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions add a pop of vibrant color and a gentle, fresh bite that complements the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
The versatility of this dish means you can pair it with so many sides. Consider serving it with steamed green beans for some crunch, buttery dinner rolls to soak up the sauce, or even a simple side salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving the shredded chicken inside soft tortillas for a twist on tacos, or spoon it over baked sweet potatoes for a surprisingly fresh take. This Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe is fantastic when you get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mississippi chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, so don’t hesitate to make a little extra for easy meals later in the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Just transfer the cooled chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
For reheating, warming the chicken gently on the stove or in the microwave works great—add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Heat it slowly to keep the chicken juicy and tender, just like fresh.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe, offering even more juiciness and rich flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs can sometimes cook a bit faster.
Are the pepperoncini peppers very spicy?
Pepperoncini peppers are actually quite mild and more tangy than hot. They add a lovely gentle heat and a bright, vinegary kick that complements the creamy sauce perfectly without overwhelming your palate.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
Butter is key for that creamy richness, but if you’re avoiding dairy, you can substitute with a plant-based butter or a drizzle of olive oil. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will be a little different, but still delicious.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If after cooking the sauce seems too thin, you can remove the chicken and stir in a slurry of cornstarch and cold water, then cook on high with the lid off for 20-30 minutes until it thickens to your liking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Check the labels of your ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix, as some brands contain gluten. There are gluten-free versions available widely, so simply choose those to keep this Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe is the kind of comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels special without any fuss. It’s perfect for busy days when you want to come home to something warm, flavorful, and effortless. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself craving this tangy, buttery chicken again and again.
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 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken recipe is a wonderfully simple and flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with au jus gravy, ranch seasoning, and tangy pepperoncini peppers, producing a deliciously juicy and buttery meal ideal for serving over rice, mashed potatoes, or in sandwiches.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings and Additions
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 8–10 pepperoncini peppers
- ¾ cup juice from the pepperoncini jar
- ½ cup butter, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the Crock Pot, forming a base layer for the dish.
- Add the Seasonings: Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken breasts to infuse rich flavors during cooking.
- Add the Vegetables and Peppers: Scatter the diced onion around the chicken, then place the pepperoncini peppers on top. Pour in the pepperoncini juice to add a tangy and mildly spicy kick to the meal.
- Top with Butter: Place the sliced butter evenly on top of all the ingredients in the Crock Pot, ensuring the chicken will become rich and tender as it cooks.
- Cook: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the Crock Pot, then stir the shredded chicken together with the sauce and vegetables for even flavor distribution.
- Serve: Serve the Mississippi Chicken hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or on buns to create juicy sandwiches for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more pepperoncini peppers or include some of the seeds.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger groups; adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a less salty meal, use low-sodium versions of the au jus and ranch mixes.
