Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe

Looking for a meal that’s full of flavor and requires minimal effort? This Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is the perfect solution! Tender, juicy chicken breasts are cooked in a rich, savory sauce made with au jus gravy mix, ranch dressing mix, and tangy pepperoncini peppers. The slow cooker does all the hard work, infusing the chicken with incredible flavor while keeping it moist and tender. This dish is incredibly easy to make and is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a delicious meal that is perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a flavorful dinner without a lot of fuss. Whether you serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or with some crusty bread, this Mississippi Chicken is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is a one-pot wonder that is packed with flavor. The combination of ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, and pepperoncini peppers creates a savory, slightly tangy sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. The butter adds richness to the sauce, while the pepperoncini peppers bring a subtle heat and acidity that balance the dish beautifully. The best part? It’s made in the slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it, making it an ideal meal for busy nights. It’s a dish that is easy to customize and perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping ahead of time.

Ingredients

• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 packet au jus gravy mix
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix
• 8-10 pepperoncini peppers
• ¾ cup juice from pepperoncini peppers
• ½ cup butter, sliced

Variations

1. Chicken Thighs: For a richer flavor, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They are more flavorful and will still cook up tender in the slow cooker.
2. Add Veggies: You can toss in some sliced bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition. Add them along with the onions for best results.
3. Spicy Kick: If you prefer a spicier version, add a few extra pepperoncini peppers or some red pepper flakes for heat.
4. Dairy-Free Option: If you’re dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to keep the dish rich and savory.
5. Thicken the Sauce: If you like a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water) in the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the gravy.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.

Step 2: Add the Seasonings

Top the chicken with the diced onion, au jus gravy mix, and ranch dressing mix. Make sure the chicken is evenly covered with the seasonings.

Step 3: Add the Pepperoncini Peppers

Place the pepperoncini peppers on top of the chicken along with the juice from the pepperoncini jar. Add the sliced butter on top as well to melt into the sauce.

Step 4: Cook in the Slow Cooker

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shredded with a fork.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker, mixing it into the flavorful sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the Mississippi Chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or with a side of vegetables. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor: Chicken thighs are a great alternative to breasts, as they tend to stay juicier and have more flavor.
2. Don’t Skip the Butter: The butter in this recipe adds richness to the sauce, making it a key ingredient for creating the signature flavor of Mississippi Chicken.
3. Adjust the Spice Level: If you want a spicier version, feel free to add more pepperoncini peppers or some hot sauce to the slow cooker.
4. Shred the Chicken for Maximum Flavor: Shredding the chicken allows it to soak up all the delicious gravy and flavors from the pepperoncini and ranch dressing mix.
5. Serve with a Starch: This dish goes wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up the flavorful gravy.

How to Serve

Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, where the sauce can be spooned over the top for extra flavor. You can also serve it with rice, egg noodles, or even as a sandwich filling in a soft bun for a Mississippi chicken slider. Add a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to round out the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce from drying out.

Freezing

Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken freezes very well. Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When ready to reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, you can warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of broth if needed to maintain the sauce’s consistency. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until it’s heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours on low heat.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work perfectly in this recipe and will stay juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts.

3. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or when it can easily be shredded with a fork.

4. Can I make this recipe without the ranch dressing mix?

Yes, you can skip the ranch dressing mix, but it adds a creamy, tangy flavor. You could substitute it with a homemade ranch seasoning mix if desired.

5. Can I make this dish in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make Mississippi Chicken in the Instant Pot. Use the sauté function to cook the onions and spices for a minute, then add the chicken, pepperoncini peppers, and broth. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 15 minutes, then shred the chicken after it’s done cooking.

6. How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you like a spicier version, add more pepperoncini peppers or a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.

7. Can I use a different type of pepper in this recipe?

Yes, you can use banana peppers or even jalapeños if you want a different flavor profile. Just adjust the quantity based on how spicy you prefer the dish.

8. Can I cook this recipe on high heat in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook this recipe on high heat for 3-4 hours instead of the recommended low heat for 6-7 hours. Just be sure to check the chicken to ensure it’s cooked through.

9. What should I serve this with?

Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is delicious when served with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. You can also serve it in a sandwich or slider bun.

10. How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy days. The combination of tender chicken, tangy pepperoncini peppers, and savory gravy creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. With minimal prep time and the help of your slow cooker, you can enjoy a delicious, hearty meal with little effort. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or in a sandwich, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!

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