If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish that requires minimal prep time, the Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is the recipe for you. This slow-cooked chicken is full of savory richness from the au jus gravy mix, tanginess from the ranch dressing mix, and just the right amount of kick from the peperoncini peppers. The combination of these ingredients creates a dish that is irresistibly delicious and will have your family coming back for seconds.

The chicken turns out incredibly tender as it slowly simmers in the Crockpot, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the seasonings and butter. Whether you serve it on rice, in sandwiches, or over mashed potatoes, this dish is perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Super Easy to Make

With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, this recipe is incredibly simple to prepare. Just set it and forget it!

2. Tender, Shredded Chicken

The chicken is slow-cooked until it’s perfectly tender, shredding easily with a fork for a mouthwatering texture.

3. Flavorful and Savory

The combination of ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy, and buttery goodness creates a savory and slightly tangy sauce that perfectly coats the chicken.

4. Versatile Dish

This recipe is versatile and can be served in many ways: over rice, mashed potatoes, or as a sandwich filling. The possibilities are endless!

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This recipe makes a big batch, making it perfect for meal prepping. It can easily be stored and reheated throughout the week.

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 peperoncini peppers

Variations

Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the Crockpot for a one-pot meal. Just place them at the bottom of the Crockpot for even cooking.
Spicy Kick: For more spice, increase the number of peperoncini peppers or add a few dashes of hot sauce.
Creamy Version: Stir in some heavy cream or cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a creamy version of this dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the Crockpot.

Step 2: Add the Seasonings

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

Step 3: Add the Butter and Peperoncini

Place the stick of butter on top of the chicken and sprinkle the peperoncini peppers around the chicken. Pour some of the pepperoncini juice over the chicken as well to add flavor.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the Crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Crockpot and stir it into the sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the shredded Mississippi Chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or in sandwich buns. Spoon some of the flavorful sauce over the chicken to enhance the flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Do Not Overcook: While it’s tempting to cook for longer, be careful not to overcook the chicken as it can become dry. Check for doneness around the 6-hour mark if cooking on low.
Add Extra Sauce: If you want extra sauce, you can add a little bit of beef broth or water to the Crockpot before cooking.
Customize the Heat: Adjust the number of peperoncini peppers to control the heat level. For more heat, you can add more peppers or some red pepper flakes.

How to Serve

Over Rice: Serve the shredded Mississippi chicken over a bed of steamed rice for a comforting meal.
Mashed Potatoes: Pair the chicken with mashed potatoes and pour the sauce over the top.
In Sandwiches: For a delicious sandwich, pile the shredded chicken onto a bun, and drizzle some sauce over it for extra flavor.
With Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a more complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the Mississippi Chicken has cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The chicken will continue to absorb the sauce and flavor as it sits.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat the Mississippi Chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a little water or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to add an extra 1-2 hours of cooking time if using frozen chicken.

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

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor to the dish.

3. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can add extra peperoncini peppers or include red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicier version.

4. Can I add vegetables to the Crockpot?

Yes, vegetables like carrots or potatoes can be added for a more complete meal. Just layer them at the bottom of the Crockpot.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer.

6. Can I use low-sodium ranch mix?

Yes, you can use low-sodium ranch dressing mix if you’re looking to reduce the salt content.

7. What can I serve this with?

Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, in sandwiches, or alongside vegetables for a hearty meal.

8. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can reduce the sauce by cooking it uncovered for a few minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

9. Can I use a different type of pepper?

If you don’t have peperoncini peppers, you can substitute with banana peppers or mild green chilies for a similar flavor.

10. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is the perfect dish for anyone who loves rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make meals. With its minimal ingredients, slow-cooked tenderness, and versatility, this dish will quickly become a go-to recipe in your meal rotation. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or in sandwiches—whatever you choose, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings!