If you’re searching for an incredibly easy, melt-in-your-mouth dinner solution that feels like a warm hug, this Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend. With just a handful of ingredients that do all the heavy lifting, you get tender chicken infused with tangy pepperoncini and rich, buttery flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the kind of dish that turns busy weeknights into cozy, satisfying feasts without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create phenomenal flavor. Each component plays a vital role in building up a beautifully balanced plate of comfort food that’s juicy, zesty, and downright delicious.
- Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures quick, even cooking and shreddable tenderness.
- Medium onion, diced: Adds mild sweetness and a subtle crunch that complements the tangy peppers.
- Au jus gravy mix packet: Brings savory depth and a touch of beefy richness to the sauce.
- Ranch dressing mix packet: Infuses herby creaminess, balancing the pepperoncini’s bite perfectly.
- Pepperoncini peppers (8-10): Provides signature tangy heat that’s essential for authentic flavor.
- Pepperoncini juice (¾ cup): Packs the dish with bright acidity that tenderizes and flavors the chicken beautifully.
- Butter (½ cup, sliced): Melts over the top for indulgent richness and silky sauce texture.
How to Make Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start with placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your Crock Pot. This base layer will soak in all the gorgeous flavors you add later and ensure your chicken stays moist and tender.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
Now sprinkle the packets of au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken breasts. These easy pantry staples create a savory, herbaceous crust as they slowly dissolve during cooking.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Peppers
Scatter the diced onion around the chicken for subtle sweetness. Then place those vibrant pepperoncini peppers right on top, pouring in their juice for that unmistakable tang and gentle heat.
Step 4: Top with Butter
Lay the sliced butter over everything in the Crock Pot. As it melts, it enriches the sauce, adding luscious creaminess and helping everything meld together.
Step 5: Cook
Cover your Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The low-and-slow method is ideal to get the chicken to that perfect shreddable stage while soaking up all those fantastic flavors.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Once cooking is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the Crock Pot. Give everything a good stir so the sauce coats every tender shred of chicken beautifully.
Step 7: Serve
Your Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe is now ready to serve! Spoon it over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or tuck the juicy chicken into sandwich buns for a crowd-pleasing meal.
How to Serve Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your plate by adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions. These will add a pop of color and fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich chicken.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like buttery mashed potatoes or steamed white rice to soak up the saucy goodness. For a lighter touch, crisp green beans or a fresh garden salad are perfect complements.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the shredded chicken on a toasted ciabatta roll with a slice of melted provolone and crisp pickles for an elevated sandwich. You could even use it as a flavorful taco filling topped with a crunchy slaw for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken keeps nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it chills, making for tasty next-day meals.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly too. Simply transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, covered, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps loosen the sauce after chilling.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more fatty richness and stay juicy, making the dish even more flavorful if you prefer dark meat.
Is it okay to reduce the butter?
Yes, you can reduce the butter if you want a lighter dish, but keep in mind it contributes significantly to the sauce’s silky texture and rich taste.
What if I don’t have pepperoncini peppers?
Pepperoncini are key to this dish’s signature tangy flavor, so they’re best not skipped. If unavailable, banana peppers with a splash of vinegar could be a substitute, but the taste will change.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
While traditionally slow-cooked, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot using the slow cooker function or pressure cook for about 15 minutes, then shred the chicken.
Is this recipe spicy?
The dish has a mild tangy heat from the pepperoncini but isn’t spicy-hot. You can adjust the number of peppers if you want more or less kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about a meal that demands minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, which is exactly why the Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe is a staple in many homes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping ahead for busy days, this recipe’s simplicity and warmth will quickly make it a beloved classic. I really hope you give it a try and make it your own little kitchen secret too!
Print
Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make slow cooker dish featuring tender shredded chicken infused with savory ranch and au jus gravy mix flavors, tangy pepperoncini peppers, and rich butter. Perfect for a comforting family meal served over rice, mashed potatoes, or as a sandwich.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
Vegetables and Peppers
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 8–10 pepperoncini peppers
- ¾ cup juice from pepperoncini
Fat
- ½ cup butter, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the Crock Pot, creating a base layer for the dish.
- Add the Seasonings: Evenly sprinkle the au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix over the chicken breasts to infuse them with rich, savory flavors.
- Add the Vegetables and Peppers: Scatter the diced onion around the chicken and arrange the pepperoncini peppers on top. Pour in the pepperoncini juice to add a tangy, slightly spicy element.
- Top with Butter: Place the sliced butter evenly over the top of the other ingredients to enhance richness and moisture during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cook until the chicken is tender and easily shredded to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the Crock Pot, mixing it thoroughly with the cooked onions, peppers, and buttery sauce.
- Serve: Serve the flavorful Mississippi Chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or on a bun to make a delicious sandwich, making it a versatile dish for any meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the number of pepperoncini peppers based on your preferred spice level.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful result.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Great for meal prepping or freezer meals. Freeze before cooking if desired.
