Quick & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe

Mississippi chicken has become a game-changer for busy weeknight dinners with minimal effort.

Slow cookers work magic on tough cuts of meat, rendering them incredibly tender.

Ranch seasoning and pepperoncini peppers create an unexpected flavor explosion that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Most home cooks appreciate recipes that require just a few ingredients and deliver maximum satisfaction.

Southern-inspired comfort food rarely gets easier than this simple yet delectable dish.

When you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen, this meal checks all the boxes.

Let’s uncover why this crockpot classic has people talking and craving another bite.

FAQs

• What makes Mississippi Chicken different from other chicken recipes?

Mississippi Chicken stands out for its unique combination of ranch seasoning, Au Jus gravy mix, and pepperoncini peppers, creating a tangy, rich, and slightly spicy flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional chicken dishes.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They tend to be more tender and flavorful, and they’ll absorb the seasoning and sauce just as well as chicken breasts.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The pepperoncini peppers add a mild, tangy heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the number of peppers or remove them entirely. The overall dish is more zesty than hot.

• Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?

While a slow cooker is ideal, you can adapt this recipe for the oven. Use a covered Dutch oven, cook at 275°F for 3-4 hours, and check the chicken’s tenderness periodically.

Crockpot Mississippi Chicken That Cooks Itself To Perfection

• Effortless Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot without complicated chopping or advanced cooking skills, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals with minimal effort.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Slow cooker method allows you to set it and forget it, freeing up time for other activities while a mouthwatering meal develops with zero constant monitoring.
• Versatile Serving Options: Shredded chicken works wonderfully in sandwiches, tacos, over rice, or as a standalone protein, providing multiple meal possibilities from a single recipe that keeps dinners exciting and flexible.
• Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Ranch and Au Jus seasoning mixes combine with butter and pepperoncini peppers to create a rich, tangy sauce that transforms plain chicken into a restaurant-quality dish without complex ingredients.

Ingredients in Crockpot Mississippi Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy base protein for the dish, choose fresh or thawed boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding.

• Ranch Seasoning Mix, Au Jus Gravy Mix: Flavor-packed powders that create a tangy and savory sauce for the chicken, look for low-sodium options if preferred.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Pepperoncini Peppers: Provide a tangy, slightly spicy kick and additional moisture, can use whole or sliced peppers depending on preference.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings to enhance overall flavor, adjust to personal taste preference.

Crockpot Cooking Steps for Mississippi Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base

Gently nestle the chicken breasts into the bottom of your trusty crockpot, creating a cozy foundation for a mouthwatering meal.

Step 2: Sprinkle Flavor Magic

Generously shower the Ranch seasoning mix and Au Jus gravy mix over the chicken, ensuring every inch gets a delightful coating of savory goodness.

Step 3: Add Creamy and Zesty Touches

• Butter (unsalted or salted)
• Pepperoncini peppers

Lovingly place the butter right on top of the chicken and artfully scatter the pepperoncini peppers around it.

Give a quick dash of salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let the magic happen.

Slow cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the chicken becomes so tender it practically falls apart with a gentle touch.

Step 5: Transform and Serve

Using two forks, tenderly break down the chicken into succulent shreds.

Stir the meat into the rich, buttery sauce that has developed during cooking.

For an extra pop of color and freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving warm.

Mississippi Chicken Slow-Cook Tips

• Opt for bone-in chicken breasts to enhance the dish's richness and keep meat extra juicy during slow cooking.
• Let chicken rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow moisture redistribution, making shredding easier and more tender.
• Adjust pepperoncini quantity based on personal heat preference – fewer peppers for mild, more for zesty kick.
• Store shredded chicken in cooking liquid to maintain moisture and prevent drying out when reheating.
• Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative to traditional bread or pasta.

Storing Mississippi Chicken the Easy Way

• Store leftover Mississippi chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum flavor preservation.
• Slowly warm refrigerated chicken in a crockpot on low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness and maintain juiciness.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.

Satisfying Sips For Mississippi Chicken

Pair Perfect Flavor Companions with Mississippi Chicken

• Craft Creamy Coleslaw: Tangy, crisp coleslaw balances the rich, savory chicken with its fresh crunch and zesty mayo dressing.
• Select Soft Potato Mash: Buttery, smooth mashed potatoes soak up the delicious sauce and provide a comforting base for the tender shredded chicken.
• Match Bright White Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness, its acidic notes complementing the pepperoncini's subtle heat and enhancing the dish's flavor profile.
• Create Rustic Bread Side: Warm, crusty artisan bread helps soak up the flavorful sauce, adding a hearty textural element to the meal.

Mississippi Chicken Crockpot Adjustments

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace Ranch and Au Jus mixes with homemade gluten-free seasoning blends using dried herbs, garlic powder, and salt. Use cornstarch instead of premade mixes to ensure no gluten contamination.
• Spicy Pepper Lovers: Swap pepperoncini for jalapeños or habanero peppers to increase heat level. Add extra hot sauce or red pepper flakes for additional kick.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil. Use vegan butter alternatives to maintain rich flavor while removing dairy components.
• Low-Sodium Version: Select reduced-sodium Ranch and Au Jus mixes. Replace regular salt with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to enhance taste without increasing sodium content.

Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Slow-cooked Mississippi chicken brings Southern comfort to your dinner table with tender, zesty flavors that melt in your mouth. Packed with ranch seasoning and pepperoncini peppers, this hearty dish promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasoning Mixes:

• 1 packet ranch dressing mix
• 1 packet au jus gravy mix

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• 56 pepperoncini peppers (with some juice)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Nestle whole chicken breasts into the slow cooker, creating an even layer at the base of the ceramic vessel.
2. Uniformly dust the ranch seasoning and au jus mix across the chicken surface, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
3. Position the entire butter portion centrally atop the seasoned chicken, then distribute pepperoncini peppers around and between the meat pieces.
4. Secure the crockpot lid and set the temperature to low, allowing the ingredients to gently meld and transform for 6-8 hours, or alternatively use high heat for 3-4 hours until the meat becomes supremely tender.
5. Utilizing two forks, meticulously shred the chicken directly within the accumulated cooking liquid, blending the meat with the rich, savory sauce and creating a cohesive, moisture-rich mixture.
6. Elevate the dish by serving over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or nestled within soft sandwich rolls, optionally garnishing with delicate fresh parsley for a vibrant touch of color and herbaceous flavor.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for richer, more tender meat that stays juicy during slow cooking.
• Reduce cooking time by 1-2 hours if using smaller or thinner chicken pieces to prevent overcooking and drying out.
• Balance the tangy pepperoncini peppers with a touch of honey or brown sugar for those who prefer a milder flavor profile.
• Create a low-carb version by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or bread.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg