Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is an incredibly easy and flavorful dish that requires just a few simple ingredients but delivers big on taste. This dish combines the savory richness of au jus gravy mix, the tangy creaminess of ranch dressing mix, and the perfect balance of mild spice from pepperoncini peppers. The result is tender, juicy chicken that falls apart with a fork and is coated in a rich, buttery sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. The beauty of this recipe lies in the slow-cooking process, where the chicken absorbs all the flavors and becomes incredibly tender and juicy.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have time for complicated cooking but still want a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even on a sandwich, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is sure to be a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

With minimal prep time and just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. Simply toss everything in the Crockpot and let it do the work.

2. Incredibly Tender Chicken

The slow-cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender and easy to shred, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the sauce.

3. Rich and Flavorful Sauce

The combination of au jus gravy mix, ranch dressing mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers creates a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that perfectly complements the chicken.

4. Versatile

This dish can be served in many ways, such as over mashed potatoes, rice, or as a filling for sandwiches, making it a great option for different meal preferences.

5. Great for Meal Prep

This recipe makes a large batch and stores well for leftovers. It’s perfect for meal prepping, as the flavors get even better the next day.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3 pounds)
Au jus gravy mix (1 packet)
Ranch dressing mix (1 packet)
Salted butter (½ cup or 1 stick)
Pepperoncini peppers (6 peppers)

Variations

Add More Spice: If you like a spicier dish, add extra pepperoncini peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Vegetable Add-ins: You can add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the Crockpot for a one-pot meal.
Use Chicken Thighs: For a richer flavor and even more tenderness, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
Low-Sodium Version: To make this dish lower in sodium, use low-sodium au jus and ranch dressing mixes.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot

Spray the inside of the Crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the Crockpot.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix over the chicken.

Step 4: Add the Butter and Peppers

Place the stick of salted butter on top of the chicken and sprinkle the pepperoncini peppers around the chicken.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the Crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Crockpot and stir to coat it in the sauce.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the shredded chicken with the sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or as a filling for sandwiches. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Shred While Hot: For the best results, shred the chicken while it’s still hot, as it will fall apart more easily.
Don’t Overcook: While Crockpots are forgiving, avoid cooking the chicken for too long, as it can become dry if overcooked.
Add More Liquid: If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of chicken broth to reach the desired consistency.
Make it a Meal: For a complete meal, serve the chicken with mashed potatoes or rice and some steamed vegetables.

How to Serve

Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is versatile and can be served in many delicious ways:

Over Mashed Potatoes: Serve the shredded chicken and sauce over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
With Rice: Pair it with rice, allowing the rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
On Sandwiches: This chicken makes a great sandwich filling. Pile the shredded chicken on a soft bun and top with some fresh coleslaw.
As a Topping for Baked Potatoes: Serve the chicken as a topping for baked potatoes, adding some sour cream and fresh herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of chicken broth or sauce to keep the chicken moist.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat, place the shredded chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding extra sauce if necessary to keep it moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours, and check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe. They’re slightly more fatty and tender, which makes them even more flavorful.

3. How spicy is this recipe?

The spiciness comes from the pepperoncini peppers. If you want it milder, use fewer peppers or omit them entirely.

4. Can I add vegetables to the Crockpot?

Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions to the Crockpot along with the chicken. Just be mindful that root vegetables may require more cooking time.

5. How do I make the chicken even more flavorful?

You can add extra spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor profile.

6. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 2-3 months.

7. Can I make this in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, then shred the chicken. Use the sauté function to reduce the sauce if needed.

8. Can I use other types of peppers?

While pepperoncini peppers are ideal for this recipe, you could try banana peppers or mild jalapeños if you want a slightly different flavor profile.

9. Can I make this recipe without ranch dressing mix?

If you don’t have ranch dressing mix, you can substitute with a packet of Italian dressing mix or add your own blend of herbs and spices.

10. How can I serve this dish for a crowd?

This recipe makes plenty of chicken, so it’s great for feeding a crowd. Serve it buffet-style with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, and salad.

Conclusion

Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is the perfect easy-to-make, flavorful meal for busy nights or when you want to impress a crowd with minimal effort. The combination of ranch dressing, au jus gravy, butter, and pepperoncini peppers creates a mouthwatering sauce that makes the chicken melt-in-your-mouth tender. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or on sandwiches, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the slow-cooked goodness with every bite!