Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is a simple and flavorful dish that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum taste. This recipe takes boneless, skinless chicken breasts and transforms them into tender, juicy chicken with the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors. The combination of ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers creates an irresistible sauce that perfectly complements the chicken. This slow-cooked meal is ideal for busy days, as it requires only a few ingredients and a few minutes of prep time. Simply add everything to the Crock Pot and let the magic happen as the chicken slowly cooks to perfection.

Mississippi Chicken is a great option for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. The slow-cooking method makes the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful, absorbing all the delicious seasonings and pepperoncini juice. Whether served over rice, mashed potatoes, or in sandwiches, this dish is versatile and sure to please. With just a handful of ingredients, you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. If you’re looking for an easy and tasty meal that everyone will love, Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is the answer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Prep Time

With just a few ingredients and no need for complicated steps, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. Simply add everything to the Crock Pot and let it do the work.

2. Tender and Juicy Chicken

The slow-cooking process results in chicken that’s incredibly tender and falls apart easily, making it perfect for serving over a variety of sides.

3. Savory and Flavorful

The combination of ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers creates a rich, savory sauce that infuses the chicken with flavor.

4. Versatile

This dish can be served over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or even as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, offering plenty of options to suit your meal preferences.

5. Great for Meal Prep

This recipe makes a large batch, making it ideal for meal prepping. The leftovers are just as delicious and can be easily reheated throughout the week.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Medium onion, diced
Au jus gravy mix (1 packet)
Ranch dressing mix (1 packet)
Pepperoncini peppers (8-10)
Juice from pepperoncini (¾ cup)
Butter (½ cup, sliced)

Variations

Spicy Mississippi Chicken: Add extra pepperoncini peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
Vegetable Add-ins: You can add vegetables such as carrots or potatoes to the Crock Pot for a one-pot meal.
Mississippi Chicken with Potatoes: Add diced potatoes to the slow cooker for a hearty meal, allowing the potatoes to absorb the flavorful sauce.
Different Proteins: Instead of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor and even more tenderness.
Low-Sodium Version: To make this recipe lower in sodium, use low-sodium ranch and au jus mixes, and reduce the amount of pepperoncini juice.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crock Pot

Start by spraying the inside of your Crock Pot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the Crock Pot. Sprinkle the diced onion over the chicken, then add the au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix.

Step 3: Add Pepperoncini and Butter

Place the pepperoncini peppers on top of the chicken. Pour the juice from the pepperoncini peppers over everything, then add the sliced butter on top.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

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

Step 6: Serve

Serve the shredded chicken with the sauce over your choice of rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or as a filling for sandwiches.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Shredding the Chicken: For best results, shred the chicken when it’s still hot, as it will fall apart more easily.
Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a less spicy dish, reduce the number of pepperoncini peppers or omit them altogether.
Don’t Overcook: While the Crock Pot makes it hard to overcook the chicken, keep in mind that cooking times can vary based on your device. Check the chicken toward the end to make sure it’s perfectly tender.
Add More Liquid: If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

How to Serve

Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

Over Rice: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the flavors.
With Mashed Potatoes: For a hearty, comforting meal, serve the chicken over creamy mashed potatoes.
In Sandwiches: Shredded Mississippi Chicken also makes a fantastic sandwich filling, especially with a generous scoop of the sauce.
With Pasta: Toss the shredded chicken and sauce with pasta for a creamy and savory pasta dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if necessary.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. After it’s fully cooked and cooled, transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened, add a bit of chicken broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but the cooking time may be slightly longer. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great option for this recipe and will yield even more tender results.

3. How spicy is this recipe?

The spiciness comes from the pepperoncini peppers, so if you prefer a milder version, use fewer peppers or omit them entirely.

4. Can I make this in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make Mississippi Chicken in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes and then shred the chicken. Use the sauté function to reduce the sauce if necessary.

5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add carrots, potatoes, or other vegetables to the Crock Pot for a complete, one-pot meal.

6. How can I make this dish less salty?

To reduce the salt content, use low-sodium ranch dressing and au jus mix, and reduce the amount of pepperoncini juice.

7. How can I make this more flavorful?

For more flavor, you can add garlic, onions, or herbs like thyme or rosemary to the Crock Pot.

8. Can I use store-bought ranch and au jus mixes?

Yes, store-bought mixes work perfectly for this recipe, but you can also make your own seasoning blends if you prefer.

9. Can I serve this with something other than rice?

Absolutely! This Mississippi Chicken is also great with mashed potatoes, pasta, or on a sandwich.

10. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy nights or meal prepping. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or in a sandwich, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, the leftovers taste just as great, making this a meal you can enjoy multiple times throughout the week.