If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with flavor while being incredibly effortless to prepare, then you absolutely must try this Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe. Loaded with savory ranch and au jus flavors, melted butter, and a hint of tanginess from pepperoncini peppers, this slow-cooker marvel yields chicken so tender it practically falls apart. Whether you’re feeding family or guests, this recipe promises a crowd-pleasing meal that combines simplicity and deliciousness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using just a handful of pantry staples that come together to create a rich, layered flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the seasoning mixes that infuse the chicken with warmth to the pepperoncini peppers that add that subtle zing. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for absorbing all the tasty seasonings and staying moist throughout the slow cooking.
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix: Adds deep, savory umami notes that elevate the dish beyond typical slow cooker chicken.
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix: Brings that classic creamy, herby taste that’s utterly comforting and familiar.
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter: Melts over the chicken, imparting richness and creating a luscious sauce.
- 6 pepperoncini peppers: These tangy peppers balance the richness with a mild spicy kick and add a pop of color to the dish.
How to Make Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
The first step is straightforward yet essential: place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your Crock Pot. This sets the stage for all those fabulous flavors to soak in. Laying the chicken evenly ensures it cooks consistently throughout the process.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Next, sprinkle both the au jus gravy mix and the ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken. These two seasoning packets are the secret behind that iconic Mississippi flavor – savory, slightly tangy, and incredibly inviting. Don’t skip this step because it’s what infuses the meat with its famous zest.
Step 3: Add Butter
Place the entire stick of salted butter right on top of the chicken breasts. As it melts during the slow cooking, it creates a rich, velvety sauce that keeps the chicken moist and tender. The butter also helps meld the flavors of the spices and peppers into every bite.
Step 4: Add Pepperoncini
Now for the punch of tang and mild heat – toss all 6 pepperoncini peppers into the Crock Pot. These peppers lend a subtle piquant note that counters the richness from the butter and ranch seasoning perfectly. They also soften up beautifully during the slow cooking.
Step 5: Cook
Cover your Crock Pot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be completely cooked through and delicate enough to shred effortlessly. Slow cooking allows the flavors to marry and the chicken to soak up that delectable sauce.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Once the timer dings, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. This is so satisfying watching the tender chicken pull apart with zero effort. Toss the shredded chicken back into the Crock Pot and stir it around to coat every piece with that luscious sauce.
Step 7: Serve
Your Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed any way you like. Whether piled onto rice, tucked into sandwiches, or wrapped in tacos, it is bound to be a delightful crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is the perfect way to add visual appeal and a layer of freshness to this rich dish. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of green and a mild herbal aroma. A few extra slices of pepperoncini on top can also bring a pleasant tang and vibrant color, making every bite visually irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs expertly with simple and hearty sides. Fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes complement the saucy chicken wonderfully, soaking up every drop of that savory goodness. For some crunch and freshness, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch things up? Use this shredded chicken as a filling for soft tacos topped with coleslaw and a drizzle of spicy mayo for a fun twist. Or spread it over toasted sandwich buns with melted cheese for an easy, satisfying Mississippi-style chicken sandwich. The possibilities are endless with this versatile recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem! Store the shredded chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal or lunch option for busy days.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish for longer storage. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep that amazing texture.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave. If it seems a little dry, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water and stir to revive the sauciness. It tastes just as delicious the second time around!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe and often come out even more tender and flavorful due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed until they are tender enough to shred.
Do I have to use pepperoncini peppers?
Pepperoncini peppers add that signature tang and mild heat that balances this dish perfectly, but if you don’t have them, mild banana peppers or pickled jalapeños can work as alternatives. Just adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, doubling the ingredients is no problem if your Crock Pot is large enough to accommodate everything without overcrowding. Cooking time might increase slightly, so keep an eye on the chicken’s tenderness for best results.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most au jus gravy and ranch dressing mixes contain gluten, so check your labels carefully if you need a gluten-free version. There are gluten-free seasoning mixes available, or you can make your own homemade blends to keep it safe.
Can I add vegetables to the Crock Pot?
Definitely! Adding sturdy veggies like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers can round out this meal in one pot. Just cut them into chunks and layer them under or around the chicken before cooking to allow even cooking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself to a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Its effortless preparation and exceptional flavors make it perfect for any day of the week. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this slow-cooker superstar!
Print
Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken recipe is a simple and flavorful slow-cooked chicken dish featuring boneless, skinless chicken breasts simmered with au jus gravy mix, ranch dressing mix, butter, and tangy pepperoncini peppers. The chicken becomes effortlessly tender and juicy, perfect for shredding and serving over rice, in sandwiches, or tacos, making it an easy and crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (about 0.87 oz)
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 oz)
Additional Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
- 6 pepperoncini peppers
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your Crock Pot, creating an even layer.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle both the packet of au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken to coat it with flavor.
- Add Butter: Place the entire stick of salted butter on top of the seasoned chicken breasts.
- Add Pepperoncini: Scatter the 6 pepperoncini peppers into the Crock Pot evenly; their juices will add a tangy kick to the dish.
- Cook: Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and cook on low setting for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked through and is tender enough to shred easily.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the Crock Pot and shred them thoroughly using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot and mix it well with the sauce and juices.
- Serve: Serve the tender shredded Mississippi chicken over steamed rice, inside sandwiches, or use it as a filling for tacos for a delicious and effortless meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the number of pepperoncini peppers according to your preferred level of tanginess and heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat butter or a butter substitute.
- If you don’t have a Crock Pot, this recipe can be adapted using a slow cooker or even an Instant Pot on a slow cook setting.
- Make sure not to skip shredding the chicken, as it helps to evenly distribute the flavorful sauce.
