Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken

If you’re looking for a simple, yet incredibly flavorful dish that practically cooks itself, look no further than Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a zesty and savory blend of ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, and tangy pepperoncini peppers. The result is a juicy, shredded chicken dish that’s packed with bold, delicious flavors.

The best part about this dish is that it’s made in the slow cooker, allowing all the ingredients to meld together for hours, resulting in a rich, savory sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even on a sandwich for an irresistible, comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hands-Off Cooking

Once you add the ingredients to the Crock Pot, you can let the slow cooker do all the work. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal!

2. Minimal Ingredients

With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe delivers amazing flavor. You won’t need to spend hours at the grocery store or in the kitchen to get a delicious meal.

3. Tender and Juicy Chicken

The chicken becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking, easily shredding with a fork and soaking up all the savory sauce.

4. Versatile Meal

Serve this Mississippi chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or even in sandwiches for a variety of meal options that fit your mood.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This recipe makes a lot of chicken, so it’s perfect for meal prepping. It stores well in the fridge and can be easily reheated for a quick lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 packet au jus gravy mix
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix
• 8-10 pepperoncini peppers
• ¾ cup juice from pepperoncini peppers
• ½ cup butter, sliced

Variations

• Spicy Kick: If you prefer a spicier version, add a few more pepperoncini peppers or a dash of red pepper flakes.
• Vegetarian Version: Use jackfruit as a substitute for chicken to create a vegetarian version that still absorbs the delicious flavors of the sauce.
• Add Veggies: For added nutrients, throw in some sliced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms into the Crock Pot with the chicken.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bottom of your Crock Pot. You can leave them whole, as they will shred easily once cooked.

Step 2: Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix over the chicken. These seasoning packets add depth and richness to the dish.

Step 3: Add the Onion and Pepperoncini

Dice the onion and scatter it over the chicken. Add the pepperoncini peppers and pour in the juice from the jar. The juice helps tenderize the chicken and gives it that tangy, flavorful kick.

Step 4: Add the Butter

Place the sliced butter on top of the ingredients in the Crock Pot. As it melts, the butter creates a rich, velvety sauce that will coat the chicken and soak into the rice or potatoes you serve it with.

Step 5: Cook on Low

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and shred easily with a fork once done.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the Crock Pot, mixing it with the sauce to ensure the chicken is well-coated and juicy.

Step 7: Serve

Serve your Mississippi Chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or even in a sandwich with some of the sauce. Don’t forget to drizzle some of the rich sauce over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Frozen Chicken: You can use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe. Just make sure to cook them for the full time on low (7-8 hours), as frozen chicken will take longer to cook.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the number of pepperoncini peppers or use less of the pepperoncini juice.
• Shred the Chicken Before Serving: To allow the chicken to absorb more of the sauce, shred it directly in the Crock Pot and let it soak up the juices before serving.
• Serve with Side Dishes: This dish goes great with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or a simple salad.

How to Serve

This Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken can be served in a variety of ways:

• Over Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the shredded chicken and sauce over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a classic, comforting meal.
• On Rice: Serve it over steamed white or brown rice for a filling, hearty dish.
• In Sandwiches: For a quick and easy meal, serve the chicken on a bun, topping it with extra sauce and a slice of cheese for a Mississippi Chicken sandwich.
• With Noodles: This chicken also pairs wonderfully with egg noodles or any pasta for a simple and satisfying dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Mississippi Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The chicken will stay juicy and flavorful, and the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Freezing

Mississippi Chicken freezes well. To freeze, allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the slow cooker, stovetop, or microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, place the leftover chicken and sauce in the Crock Pot on low for 1-2 hours, or heat on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a little broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They are even more tender and flavorful than chicken breasts.

2. Can I cook this recipe on high in the Crock Pot?

Yes, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time. However, cooking it on low for 6-7 hours gives the chicken more time to absorb the flavors.

3. Can I make this recipe with boneless, skinless chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts and will result in an even more tender dish.

4. Can I make this recipe without the pepperoncini peppers?

You can leave them out if you prefer a milder version, or use another type of mild pepper for a similar tangy flavor.

5. Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can use the Instant Pot by cooking on high pressure for about 10 minutes and allowing it to naturally release. The chicken will be just as tender and flavorful.

6. Can I use a different type of broth?

You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer, though beef broth will add a richer flavor that complements the seasoning.

7. Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild level of spice from the pepperoncini peppers. If you prefer no spice, you can reduce the number of peppers or leave them out entirely.

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

The chicken is done when it’s tender and can easily be shredded with a fork. You don’t need to worry about overcooking it in the slow cooker as it will just get more tender the longer it cooks.

9. Can I add vegetables to the Crock Pot?

Yes! Feel free to add some sliced carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the slow cooker along with the chicken for a one-pot meal.

10. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Ensure the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix are gluten-free, or use gluten-free alternatives. You can also make homemade gravy and ranch seasoning if necessary.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is the perfect dish for those who want a hands-off, flavorful meal. The combination of tender chicken, savory gravy, and tangy pepperoncini peppers creates a deliciously comforting dish that everyone will love. Whether served over rice, mashed potatoes, or in sandwiches, this recipe is a versatile, easy-to-make favorite that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious simplicity of this dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

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