There is nothing quite like the comforting, tangy, and buttery goodness of the Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe to brighten up your dinner table. This easy-to-make dish combines tender chicken breasts with bold flavors from Ranch seasoning, Au Jus gravy, and those famous pepperoncini peppers, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum taste that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, but each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that unforgettable flavor and luscious texture. From the creamy butter to the zesty pepperoncini peppers, every component comes together harmoniously to make a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender base of the dish, perfect for slow cooking and shredding.
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix: Adds a creamy, herby flavor that’s absolutely essential for that signature taste.
- 1 packet Au Jus gravy mix: Brings a rich, savory depth to the sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Creates a velvety, luscious sauce that keeps the chicken moist and full of flavor.
- 5-6 pepperoncini peppers: Give the dish a mild tangy kick that brightens the overall flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning to enhance and balance all the other flavors.
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish: Offers a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a subtle herbal note when serving.
How to Make Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Place Chicken in the Crockpot
Start by arranging the chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of your crockpot. This is your flavorful foundation, and getting them spread out ensures even cooking and tender results every time.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Sprinkle the Ranch seasoning mix and Au Jus gravy mix directly over the chicken breasts. This step infuses the meat with that signature blend of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavor you’re craving. Make sure it’s evenly distributed for consistent taste in every bite.
Step 3: Add Butter and Peppers
Place unsalted butter on top of the seasoned chicken breasts. This butter will melt slowly, creating a rich sauce that enrobes the meat. Then scatter the pepperoncini peppers around the chicken to add a mild spice and zesty tang that brighten the dish.
Step 4: Season
Lightly season with salt and pepper. Since the packets provide a lot of flavor already, just a touch is needed to perfect the balance. This final seasoning adjusts everything beautifully to your palate.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Put the lid on and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The slow, gentle heat works magic on the chicken, making it super tender and juicy, so it shreds effortlessly with a fork. This patient cooking is the secret to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 6: Shred and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the crockpot, mixing it into the buttery, flavorful sauce. Serve it warm, and if you like, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a beautiful finishing touch and a hint of fresh herbaceousness.
How to Serve Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a great choice to add color and a slight herbal lift, but you could also sprinkle some chopped green onions or a little shredded cheese for extra richness. These garnishes make the dish look as good as it tastes, inviting everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, comforting sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or even garlic bread. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables balance out the richness beautifully. The key is to complement the creamy, tangy flavors of the chicken without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the shredded Crockpot Mississippi Chicken over toasted buns for a delicious sandwich, or pile it atop a bed of fluffy rice or pasta for a complete meal. You could also stuff it into baked potatoes or even top baked sweet potatoes with it for an unexpected twist. The possibilities are endless and all equally delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crockpot Mississippi Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making for an easy and speedy lunch or dinner on busy days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the shredded chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers, making sure to include some of the sauce so the chicken stays moist. It can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. Warm it until it’s just heated through to keep that tender texture and buttery, tangy flavor intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in the Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe because they’re juicy and stay tender during slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs may cook a bit faster.
Are the pepperoncini peppers very spicy?
Pepperoncini are actually quite mild in heat, offering more of a tangy and slightly tangy flavor than intense spiciness. They add a lovely brightness to the dish without overwhelming your taste buds.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use an Instant Pot on the slow cook setting to mimic crockpot results, or use the pressure cook function but reduce the cooking time significantly (usually about 15-20 minutes). Just make sure to do a quick release afterward.
Is the Ranch seasoning mix gluten-free?
Many Ranch seasoning mixes are gluten-free but always check the label to be sure, especially if you need to accommodate gluten sensitivities or allergies.
Can I omit the butter or use a substitute?
Butter is key to the creamy sauce and rich flavor, but you could try substituting with margarine or a dairy-free spread if needed. Keep in mind this might slightly alter the taste and texture of the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without fuss. It’s incredibly flavorful, effortlessly tender, and so versatile that once you try it, it’s bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American Southern
Description
This Crockpot Mississippi Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy slow cooker dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, butter, and tangy pepperoncini peppers. Perfect for a hands-off meal that delivers rich, buttery, and tangy flavors with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix (approx. 1 oz)
- 1 packet Au Jus gravy mix (approx. 1 oz)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 5–6 pepperoncini peppers
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place Chicken in the Crockpot: Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of your crockpot, arranging them evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the Ranch seasoning mix and Au Jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken breasts to coat them with flavor.
- Add Butter and Peppers: Place the unsalted butter on top of the chicken, then add the pepperoncini peppers around the chicken to infuse a tangy, slightly spicy flavor.
- Season: Lightly season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook the chicken on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for about 4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred and Serve: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it well with the buttery, flavorful sauce. Serve warm and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more pepperoncini peppers or use their juice in the cooking process.
- The sauce pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result if preferred.
