There are days when you just want to come home to a meal that practically makes itself. That’s where Crockpot Mississippi Chicken comes in—a recipe that truly lives up to its “set it and forget it” reputation.
I discovered this dish during a particularly hectic week when I needed something simple yet flavorful for dinner. One evening, while juggling work and a long list of errands, I threw a few ingredients into the crockpot and went on with my day.
By the time I returned home, the rich, savory aroma filled the air, promising a meal that was both comforting and easy. What I love most about this dish is how the chicken turns out so tender and flavorful with minimal effort. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy nights or when you simply want to make something delicious without having to spend too much time in the kitchen.
I often find myself making it on Sundays for an effortless dinner that’s ready to enjoy when the week gets busy. If you’re after a dish that combines simplicity and flavor, this Mississippi Chicken is a must-try.
Short Description
Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is a tender, flavorful dish made with chicken breasts, ranch seasoning, Au Jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. It’s a hands-off, slow-cooked meal that’s perfect for busy days or anyone craving rich, comforting flavors.
Key Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet Au Jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 5-6 pepperoncini peppers
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Tools Needed
- Crockpot or slow cooker
- Forks for shredding
- Knife for slicing peppers
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure the chicken breasts are spread out evenly, so each piece can cook properly.
Step 2: Add Seasoning and Gravy Mix
Sprinkle the Ranch seasoning mix and Au Jus gravy mix over the chicken breasts. Don’t worry about being too precise; just make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed over the chicken. =
Step 3: Add Butter and Peppers
Place the half cup of unsalted butter right on top of the seasoned chicken breasts. You’ll notice that as the butter melts, it will combine with the seasoning to form a flavorful sauce.
Add the pepperoncini peppers around the chicken—these will infuse the dish with a slightly tangy and spicy kick. If you like more heat, feel free to add an extra pepper or two.
Step 4: Season to Taste
Sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste. These final touches will round out the flavors, ensuring the dish has the perfect seasoning.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to shred with a fork when it’s ready. The longer you cook it, the more the flavors meld together, making it a deliciously savory dish.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce, ensuring that every piece is coated with that buttery, flavorful mixture.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve your Crockpot Mississippi Chicken warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Cooking: This is a set-it-and-forget-it kind of dish. Simply add the ingredients to the crockpot and let the slow cooking process work its magic.
Rich and Flavorful: The combination of ranch seasoning, Au Jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers creates a savory, creamy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
Versatile: Serve this dish as a main course, or use it as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or even over a bed of rice for a full meal.
Family-Friendly: The flavors are mild enough for kids but still satisfying for adults. It’s the kind of dish that pleases everyone at the table.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Chicken isn’t tender enough
Solution: Ensure you cook the chicken for the full time suggested. If you’re cooking on high, don’t rush it—let the chicken cook for the full 4 hours.
Too salty
Solution: Be mindful of the salt and pepper you add at the end, especially since the ranch and Au Jus mixes already contain seasoning. Always taste before adding more salt.
Butter isn’t melting properly
Solution: If the butter doesn’t melt easily, you can cut it into smaller chunks to help it melt faster. It will combine with the seasoning during the cooking process.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve it with rice: Spoon the shredded Mississippi chicken over a bowl of steamed white or brown rice. The rice absorbs all the delicious sauce.
With mashed potatoes: The buttery sauce makes this the perfect topping for mashed potatoes. It’s a comforting, hearty meal.
Pair with a salad: A light, crunchy salad on the side will help balance the richness of the chicken.
Sandwich Style: Use the chicken as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Add some fresh veggies like lettuce and tomato for extra crunch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep the chicken and sauce together for maximum flavor.
Freezing: If you want to freeze it, place the shredded chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or stovetop. Add a little water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs would work beautifully. They’re even more tender and flavorful, especially with slow cooking.
2. Is it necessary to use pepperoncini peppers?
The pepperoncini peppers add a nice tang and slight heat, but you can skip them if you prefer a milder dish.
3. Can I make this in the Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
Yes! You can cook it on the manual setting for 10 minutes and then let it naturally release for 5 minutes.
4. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can add extra pepperoncini peppers, or even red pepper flakes, to increase the heat level.
5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Feel free to toss in some veggies like carrots or potatoes. Just make sure they’re cut into smaller pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Tips & Tricks
Extra Flavor: For an added punch, try stirring in a little garlic powder or onion powder for more depth of flavor.
Shred the chicken in the crockpot: After it’s cooked, shred the chicken right in the crockpot to keep all that delicious sauce in the mix.
Recipe Variations
Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the shredded chicken before serving for a cheesy twist.
Make it a low-carb version: Serve the chicken with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep it low-carb.
Change up the seasoning: If you want a different flavor profile, try using taco seasoning instead of ranch mix and serve with salsa and sour cream.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is one of those meals that will have you coming back for more, no matter how many times you make it. It’s simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With minimal prep and minimal ingredients, it’s the perfect comfort food for those busy days or nights when you need something satisfying without any hassle.
The chicken turns out so tender, and the sauce is perfectly rich and savory, making it impossible not to love. This dish is all about that “set it and forget it” magic, and trust me, the end result is totally worth it. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or making it for yourself, Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is sure to impress every time.
Crockpot Mississippi Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet Au Jus gravy mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 5-6 pepperoncini peppers
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring they’re spread out evenly.
- Sprinkle the Ranch seasoning mix and Au Jus gravy mix over the chicken, distributing it evenly.
- Place the butter on top of the chicken and surround the chicken with the pepperoncini peppers. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed for flavor.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
- Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and stir it back into the sauce. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
