Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken

Mississippi Chicken is a flavorful, hearty dish that’s perfect for busy days when you want something easy but delicious. This slow-cooked chicken recipe combines the richness of butter, the savory depth of au jus gravy, the tang of ranch dressing, and a kick from pepperoncini peppers. The best part? It’s all made in a crockpot, which means you can set it and forget it while the flavors meld together. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy, practically falling apart at the touch of a fork. Whether you’re serving it over rice, potatoes, or even on a sandwich, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s simple to make with just a handful of ingredients, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a meal prep staple for the week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Prep: With just a few simple ingredients and almost no hands-on time, this recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a comforting meal without a lot of effort.
2. Tender & Juicy: The crockpot method allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, with the flavors soaking in deeply, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
3. Flavorful: The combination of ranch dressing, au jus gravy mix, and pepperoncini peppers brings a unique balance of savory, creamy, and tangy flavors that work perfectly together.
4. Versatile: You can serve Mississippi Chicken in many ways, from over mashed potatoes to in tacos or sandwiches, making it a flexible option for different meal preferences.
5. Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe makes a great batch, and the leftovers can be used in a variety of ways, ensuring you won’t tire of it quickly.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Au jus gravy mix
• Ranch dressing mix
• Salted butter
• Peperoncini peppers

Variations

• Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, you can throw in some carrots, potatoes, or onions for a one-pot meal.
• Spicy Version: If you prefer a spicier kick, add more pepperoncini peppers or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Use Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute chicken thighs for the breasts for even more juiciness.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1:

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

Step 2:

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

Step 3:

Add the salted butter on top of the chicken breasts, placing it in small chunks or a single whole stick.

Step 4:

Add the pepperoncini peppers, including some of the juice from the jar for extra flavor.

Step 5:

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 6:

Once the chicken is done, use two forks to shred the meat right in the crockpot, mixing it with the juices to create a flavorful, saucy dish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Skip the Butter: The butter is essential for ensuring the chicken stays moist and flavorful as it cooks.
• Use Chicken Breasts for the Best Texture: While other cuts of chicken work, boneless, skinless breasts will give you the best shredded texture.
• Shred While Hot: Shred the chicken while it’s still hot to absorb more of the flavorful juices.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you don’t like too much heat, reduce the number of pepperoncini peppers or remove the seeds.
• Low and Slow is Key: Cooking on low allows the chicken to cook gently, ensuring it becomes as tender as possible.

How to Serve

This Mississippi Chicken is delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, or even in soft flour tortillas for tacos. You can also serve it in a sandwich, topped with pickles or coleslaw for a tasty twist. It pairs wonderfully with simple sides like roasted vegetables or a crisp salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the Mississippi Chicken to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. Keep the chicken and sauce together for maximum flavor. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze Mississippi Chicken for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm in the crockpot or stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra broth or water to keep it moist. You can also reheat it in the microwave, though be sure to stir it halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you will need to cook it for about 1.5 hours longer if using the high setting on the crockpot.

2. Can I substitute the ranch dressing mix with homemade ranch seasoning?

Yes, you can substitute with homemade ranch seasoning if you prefer, but it will slightly alter the flavor profile.

3. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs, and they will remain just as tender and flavorful.

4. Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?

Absolutely! Potatoes, carrots, or onions can be added for a more complete meal in one pot.

5. How do I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, you can mix in a little cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

6. Can I use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup?

Yes, using a slow cooker liner makes cleanup much easier.

7. Is it necessary to use salted butter?

Using salted butter enhances the flavor, but if you’re using unsalted butter, you may need to adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt.

8. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it the night before, refrigerate it, and then cook it in the crockpot the next day.

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

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

10. Can I use this recipe for meal prep?

Yes, Mississippi Chicken is a great option for meal prep. It stores well and can be used for multiple meals during the week.

Conclusion

Mississippi Chicken is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor, making it an ideal recipe for busy nights or meal prepping. The chicken turns out incredibly tender, and the sauce is savory and slightly tangy from the ranch and pepperoncini peppers. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, in tacos, or on a sandwich, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and become a family favorite. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a comforting meal that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious.

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