If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. This simple but wildly flavorful slow cooker meal combines tender chicken breasts, savory au jus gravy and ranch seasoning, melted butter, and a tangy kick of pepperoncini peppers to create a mouthwatering experience that’s effortless to prepare but unforgettable to eat. Perfect for busy days or when you want to wow the family with minimal fuss, this recipe delivers on comfort and taste every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe means gathering just a handful of essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role — from the rich butter enhancing flavor and juiciness, to the ranch and au jus mixes seasoning the meat perfectly, and the pepperoncini peppers adding a subtle yet desirable zing and color. Simple ingredients, big results!
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes delectably tender as it slow cooks.
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix: Adds a deep, savory richness that melds beautifully with the chicken juices.
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix: Brings a creamy, herby flavor profile that complements the spices and butter.
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter: Melts into luxurious richness, elevating the dish’s texture and taste.
- 6 pepperoncini peppers: Provide a slight tartness and the perfect touch of heat for balanced flavor.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom of your 5-6 quart slow cooker. This base will cook down beautifully, soaking up all the flavors we’ll add next.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Next, sprinkle one packet each of the au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken breasts. These two seasoning packets work in harmony to infuse the chicken with a savory and herbaceous taste.
Step 3: Add Butter and Peppers
Place the ½ cup (one stick) of salted butter in chunks across the top of the seasoned chicken. Then scatter the six pepperoncini peppers on top. You don’t need to add any extra liquid — the chicken will release just enough juice to create a luscious sauce.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let it cook for 6 to 8 hours. The long, gentle cooking time breaks down the chicken into tender perfection, melding all those delicious flavors together in the process.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Once the cooking time is done, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crock pot, stirring it around so it perfectly absorbs the buttery, flavorful juices. It’s now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To really make this dish shine, add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A little shredded cheddar cheese melted on top also adds a creamy and indulgent touch.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or even a fluffy baked potato to soak up all that tasty sauce. For a lighter touch, serve it alongside garlic green beans or a crisp garden salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe inside toasted sandwich buns for a sloppy joe style treat, or spoon it over warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings for an unexpected twist. It’s versatile enough to be a topping for nachos or even a hearty filling for stuffed peppers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeknights.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this chicken freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through to keep the chicken tender and juicy. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to yield even more tender and flavorful results due to their higher fat content.
Do I have to add pepperoncini peppers?
The pepperoncini peppers add a signature tang and slight heat, but if you prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the number or substitute with mild banana peppers for a similar effect.
Is it necessary to add extra liquid to the slow cooker?
Nope! The chicken releases enough juices during the long cooking process to create a deliciously saucy dish. Adding extra liquid isn’t needed and might dilute the flavors.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients if your slow cooker is large enough. Just ensure not to overfill your crock pot to allow proper cooking and even heat circulation.
What can I do with the leftover sauce?
The flavorful sauce is fantastic drizzled over rice, mashed potatoes, or even as a dipping sauce for crusty bread. It’s rich and delicious, so don’t let it go to waste!
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe has quickly earned its place as a beloved classic in my kitchen, and I bet once you try it, it will in yours, too. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a true slow cooker superstar that turns simple ingredients into a sensational meal that feels like a special occasion any day of the week. So grab your crock pot, gather those ingredients, and get ready to savor one of the most delicious dinners that’s as easy as it is unforgettable!
PrintCrock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is a delicious and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with savory au jus gravy mix, ranch seasoning, real butter, and tangy pepperoncini peppers, resulting in a flavorful and juicy main dish perfect for any meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings and Add-ins
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (about 0.87 oz)
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 oz)
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
- 6 pepperoncini peppers
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of a 5-6 quart slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle one packet of au jus gravy mix and one packet of ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken breasts, covering them thoroughly for maximum flavor infusion.
- Add Butter and Peppers: Place ½ cup (one stick) of salted butter in chunks on top of the seasoned chicken, then add 6 whole pepperoncini peppers evenly across the top.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and soak up the flavors without adding any extra liquid.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is complete and the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker, mixing it well with the buttery sauce and peppers.
- Serve: Serve the shredded Mississippi chicken hot, optionally with sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- No additional liquid is needed as the chicken will release juices during cooking.
- Adjust the number of pepperoncini peppers to control the heat and tanginess to your preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- This recipe is easily doubled for larger groups by adjusting the slow cooker size accordingly.
