Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe

Looking for a slow-cooked dish that’s full of flavor and incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken. This dish takes just a few simple ingredients and turns them into a melt-in-your-mouth meal that’s packed with savory and tangy flavors. With tender chicken breasts that shred perfectly and a sauce made with au jus gravy mix, ranch dressing mix, and butter, you’ll have a dish that’s both rich and comforting. The addition of pepperoncini peppers gives this dish a delightful tang and mild heat that perfectly balances the richness.

What makes this recipe even better is that it’s all cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or as a sandwich, this Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is sure to be a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is a deliciously simple meal that requires minimal effort. The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with tender, juicy chicken that practically falls apart. The flavor combination of the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy adds a creamy and savory richness that’s balanced out by the tangy heat from the pepperoncini peppers. The buttery sauce keeps the chicken moist and enhances the overall taste, making every bite irresistible. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend family dinner.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet au jus gravy mix
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix
• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
• 6 pepperoncini peppers

Variations

1. Use Chicken Thighs: You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts for a juicier and more flavorful option.
2. Add Vegetables: For a complete meal, add some vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions to the slow cooker for added flavor and nutrition.
3. Increase Spice: If you prefer more heat, you can add more pepperoncini peppers or even a pinch of red pepper flakes.
4. Use Low-Sodium Versions: If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium au jus gravy and ranch dressing mixes, and adjust seasoning to taste.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bottom of the Crockpot. Spread them out evenly.

Step 2: Add the Sauces and Butter

Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix over the chicken breasts. Add the stick of salted butter on top of the chicken, then place the pepperoncini peppers around and on top of the chicken. Don’t worry about the seeds; they add the perfect level of heat and flavor.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. The chicken should shred easily with a fork.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce to coat it evenly.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Garnish with additional pepperoncini peppers if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Don’t Skip the Butter: The butter is key to keeping the chicken moist and creating a creamy, rich sauce. Don’t skimp on this ingredient!
2. Shred the Chicken While Hot: For best results, shred the chicken while it’s still hot so it absorbs more of the flavorful sauce.
3. Monitor Cooking Time: If you’re using chicken thighs, check the dish around the 5-hour mark, as they may cook faster than breasts.
4. Adjust the Spice: The pepperoncini peppers bring mild heat to the dish. If you like your food spicier, add extra peppers or a dash of hot sauce to taste.

How to Serve

Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is versatile and can be served in several delicious ways:

• Over Rice: Spoon the shredded chicken and sauce over fluffy white rice for a comforting meal.
• On a Bun: Serve the shredded chicken on a soft sandwich bun for a deliciously tangy sandwich.
• In Tacos: For a fun twist, serve the shredded chicken in soft tortillas with some fresh lettuce and shredded cheese.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting, hearty meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Mississippi Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it even more flavorful the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the leftovers for up to 2-3 months. To do so, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to keep it moist. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to extend the cooking time by about 1-2 hours to ensure they cook thoroughly.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. They will stay even juicier and tender after slow cooking.

3. Can I add more pepperoncini peppers?

Absolutely! If you prefer more spice, feel free to add more pepperoncini peppers or even use a spicier variety.

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

Yes, you can skip the ranch dressing mix if you prefer, but it adds a creamy tang to the dish. You can substitute it with a homemade ranch seasoning mix if desired.

5. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it easily shreds with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, adding vegetables like onions, carrots, or potatoes can make this a one-pot meal. Add them in with the chicken for a complete dish.

7. Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild spice from the pepperoncini peppers. If you want more heat, add extra peppers or some hot sauce.

8. Can I use low-sodium gravy and ranch dressing mixes?

Yes, you can use low-sodium versions of both the au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix to reduce the salt content.

9. Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?

While cooking on low is recommended for best results, you can cook this on high for 3-4 hours. Just keep an eye on the chicken to make sure it doesn’t overcook.

10. Can I serve this over pasta?

Yes! This shredded chicken can be served over pasta for a delicious twist. Simply add some extra sauce to the dish to make it more creamy.

Conclusion

Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that takes minimal effort and delivers maximum taste. With its tangy, buttery sauce and tender chicken, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners. Whether you serve it over rice, in a sandwich, or in tacos, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, store, and even freeze, making it a great option for meal prepping. Try this recipe today, and enjoy the incredible flavor and simplicity it brings to your table!

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