Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. This dish requires minimal ingredients, yet delivers an incredibly rich and flavorful meal. The chicken breasts are slow-cooked with ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers, creating a tender, juicy dish with a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or when you’re hosting guests—set it, forget it, and enjoy a delicious meal!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 5-6 pepperoncini peppers
Directions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Add the seasoning: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Add the butter: Place the half cup of unsalted butter on top of the chicken breasts.
- Add the pepperoncini peppers: Arrange the pepperoncini peppers on top of the butter and chicken.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to mix the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the Mississippi Chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or on sandwich buns, topped with the flavorful sauce from the crockpot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
- Total Time: 6-7 hours (or 3-4 hours depending on cooking setting)
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add extra pepperoncini peppers or a small amount of red pepper flakes to amp up the spice level.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Add sliced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the crockpot for added flavor and texture.
- Make it a Dip: Turn this into a dip by mixing in some cream cheese or sour cream toward the end of the cooking process for a creamier, spreadable version.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, or reheat on the stove over low heat. You can also reheat in the crockpot on low for 30 minutes if you prefer.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for the breasts. The cooking time may remain the same, and they will add even more flavor and tenderness.
What can I serve with Mississippi Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or on sandwich buns. You can also serve it with a side of vegetables or a salad.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can prepare it the night before and let it cook the next day, or store leftovers in the refrigerator for a quick meal later in the week.
Can I freeze Mississippi Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Just store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What if I don’t have au jus gravy mix?
If you don’t have au jus gravy mix, you can use beef broth with a bit of cornstarch or flour to thicken it, or substitute with brown gravy mix for a similar flavor profile.
Can I use a different type of pepper instead of pepperoncini?
Yes, you can substitute pepperoncini with banana peppers or even jalapeños if you want more heat, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Can I add vegetables directly into the crockpot?
Yes, you can add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers directly into the crockpot to cook along with the chicken. Just make sure they are cut into small pieces to ensure even cooking.
How do I make this dish less salty?
If you’re concerned about the salt content, you can use a low-sodium ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix. You can also reduce the amount of seasoning to taste.
Can I make Mississippi Chicken without the butter?
Yes, while the butter adds richness and flavor, you can reduce or eliminate it to make a lighter version. However, keep in mind the texture may be less creamy.
How can I adjust the spiciness?
To adjust the spiciness, either use fewer pepperoncini peppers or remove the seeds if you prefer a milder version. Adding a splash of vinegar can also balance the heat.
Conclusion
Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is the perfect easy, flavorful meal that will quickly become a family favorite. With minimal ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that is full of rich flavors, tender chicken, and the perfect amount of spice. Whether you serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or on a bun, this dish is versatile and satisfying. Give it a try, and enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of Mississippi Chicken!
Print
Crockpot Mississippi Chicken
- Total Time: 6-7 hours (or 3-4 hours depending on cooking setting)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is the ultimate easy-to-make, flavor-packed meal. This simple dish combines tender chicken, ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers, creating a rich, savory, and slightly spicy meal that’s perfect for busy nights or family gatherings. The chicken cooks low and slow, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the sauce adds irresistible flavor. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or on sandwich buns for a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 5–6 pepperoncini peppers
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Add the seasoning: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Add the butter: Place the butter on top of the chicken breasts.
- Add the pepperoncini peppers: Arrange the pepperoncini peppers on top of the butter and chicken.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to mix the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the Mississippi Chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or on sandwich buns, topped with the flavorful sauce from the crockpot.
Notes
- Spicy Version: Add extra pepperoncini peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Include sliced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Make it a Dip: For a creamy twist, mix in cream cheese or sour cream at the end of cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
