Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is one of those recipes that’s just too easy and too delicious to pass up. With only a few ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering, tender chicken that’s full of flavor. This recipe combines a savory blend of ranch dressing, au jus gravy mix, and a little kick from pepperoncini peppers to make a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it on a bun, over rice, or alongside your favorite sides, this Mississippi Chicken is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Prep

This recipe is incredibly simple with minimal prep time. Just toss the ingredients into the crockpot and let the slow cooker do all the work. It’s perfect for busy days when you need a flavorful meal with almost no effort.

2. Shreddable Chicken

The slow cooking method makes the chicken breasts fall-apart tender, which is perfect for shredding. The chicken absorbs all the delicious flavors of the gravy mix, ranch, and peppers.

3. Savory and Tangy Flavor

The combination of ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy, and pepperoncini peppers gives this dish a balance of savory, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors that everyone will love.

4. Versatile Serving Options

This chicken is incredibly versatile. You can serve it on buns for sandwiches, over mashed potatoes, rice, or even in a salad. The possibilities are endless!

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

Make a big batch and have leftovers for the week. This chicken keeps well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prepping or making a big family dinner.

Ingredients

3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet au jus gravy mix
1 packet ranch dressing mix
½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
6 pepperoncini peppers

Variations

Spicy Kick: If you want more heat, add extra pepperoncini peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the crockpot.
Different Meats: While this recipe works best with chicken, you could also try it with pork or beef for a different take.
Add Veggies: For added flavor and nutrition, you can add carrots, onions, or potatoes to the crockpot.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bottom of the crockpot. You can leave them whole as they will shred easily after cooking.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

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

Step 3: Add Butter and Peppers

Place the stick of salted butter on top of the chicken, then add the pepperoncini peppers on top of the butter. Don’t worry about removing the stems from the peppers; they will cook down and soften in the crockpot.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and easily shredded.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir it in with the sauce for maximum flavor.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the shredded chicken on buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides. It also pairs well with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Butter: The butter adds moisture and richness to the chicken, keeping it juicy and tender. Don’t skip this ingredient!
Customize the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, use fewer pepperoncini peppers or remove the seeds from the peppers before adding them to the crockpot.
Use Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you want even more flavor and tenderness.
Make It a Meal: Add some potatoes or vegetables to the crockpot along with the chicken to make it a complete, one-pot meal.

How to Serve

Sandwiches: Serve the shredded chicken on sandwich buns with a little extra sauce for a tasty, easy dinner.
Over Rice: For a hearty meal, serve the chicken over rice, and let the sauce soak in.
On a Salad: For a lighter option, serve the shredded chicken on top of a fresh salad.
Mashed Potatoes: The flavorful chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, making for a comforting meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. The flavors may deepen over time, making it even better the next day!

Freezing

Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may want to add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs?

While bone-in chicken will work, it’s easier to shred boneless, skinless chicken. You can remove the bones after cooking if needed.

2. What can I serve with Mississippi Chicken?

Serve this chicken with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or on a sandwich bun. It’s also great on top of a salad.

3. Can I use another type of pepper besides pepperoncini?

You can substitute with banana peppers or even jalapeños if you want more heat. Adjust the quantity to your taste.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

5. Can I use low-sodium ranch and au jus mixes?

Yes, you can use low-sodium versions if you want to reduce the salt content. Just be aware that the flavor may be slightly different.

6. Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?

You can add carrots, potatoes, or onions to the crockpot to cook along with the chicken for a more complete meal.

7. Can I adjust the spice level of this recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the heat by using fewer pepperoncini peppers or omitting them entirely. If you like it spicy, add more peppers or hot sauce.

8. Can I use fresh herbs instead of the ranch seasoning mix?

You can make your own seasoning blend using dried herbs like parsley, dill, and garlic powder if you prefer not to use pre-packaged mixes.

9. Can I make this recipe with pork or beef?

Yes, this recipe works with pork or beef. Cooking times may vary depending on the cut of meat used.

10. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, and it shreds easily with a fork.

Conclusion

Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is an incredibly easy, flavorful dish that requires minimal effort but delivers big taste. With its perfect balance of savory, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors, this chicken will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it on a sandwich, over rice, or with your favorite sides, this recipe is sure to satisfy!