Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is an incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make dish that has become a favorite for many busy families and meal preppers. With its tangy, spicy kick from the pepperoncini peppers and savory goodness from the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy, this recipe is a one-pot wonder. It’s perfect for serving over rice, mashed potatoes, or with a side of vegetables. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken turns out tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor.

The best part? It requires minimal prep work and is made entirely in the Crock Pot, making it the ultimate comfort food for any day of the week. Let your slow cooker do all the hard work while you sit back and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal with your family. This Mississippi Chicken recipe is sure to become a new staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Preparation

This recipe requires just a few simple steps and minimal effort. Simply add all the ingredients to your Crock Pot, and let it cook while you go about your day.

2. Full of Flavor

The combination of ranch dressing, au jus gravy mix, and pepperoncini peppers creates a rich, tangy, and savory sauce that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.

3. Tender, Juicy Chicken

Slow cooking the chicken in a Crock Pot ensures it becomes incredibly tender and juicy, making every bite melt in your mouth.

4. Versatile Meal

You can serve this dish in various ways—on rice, mashed potatoes, or even in a sandwich—making it perfect for any occasion or preference.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This recipe makes a large batch, so it’s perfect for meal prepping. You can store leftovers in the fridge for a quick, ready-to-eat meal throughout the week.

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
½ cup butter, sliced

Variations

Add More Vegetables: Add carrots, potatoes, or celery for added texture and flavor. You can place them at the bottom of the Crock Pot for even cooking.
Spicy Version: Add extra pepperoncini peppers or include some red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat.
Creamy Version: Stir in a little heavy cream or cream cheese towards the end of cooking for a creamy sauce.
Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless skinless chicken thighs for a richer, juicier flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crock Pot

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your Crock Pot.

Step 2: Add the Ingredients

Top the chicken with the diced onion, au jus gravy mix, ranch dressing mix, pepperoncini peppers, and pepperoncini juice. Place the sliced butter on top of everything.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be tender and easily shred with a fork when done.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the Crock Pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together, letting the chicken soak up the flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the Mississippi Chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or in a sandwich bun. Pour some of the delicious sauce from the Crock Pot over the chicken for extra flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be careful not to cook the chicken for too long as it could become dry. Once the chicken is tender and easy to shred, it’s ready to go.
Control the Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of pepperoncini peppers or omit them.
Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: Chicken thighs can be used for an even juicier result.
Add Cream for Richness: For a creamier dish, you can add a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking.

How to Serve

Over Rice: Serve the Mississippi Chicken over a bed of steamed rice for a comforting meal.
Mashed Potatoes: Serve it alongside mashed potatoes for a hearty and filling meal.
Sandwiches: Shred the chicken and serve it on a bun for a delicious sandwich.
With Vegetables: Pair it with roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the Mississippi Chicken has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for meal prep and can be quickly reheated for a convenient meal.

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Reheating

Reheat the Mississippi Chicken in the microwave or on the stove. If it seems too thick, you can add a little extra broth or water to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to add an extra 30-60 minutes to the cooking time.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and moisture to the dish.

3. Can I make this in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook this recipe in the Instant Pot on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, then shred the chicken and serve.

4. What if I don’t have au jus gravy mix?

If you don’t have au jus gravy mix, you can substitute with brown gravy mix or simply use beef broth and season with some salt, garlic, and onion powder.

5. Can I add vegetables to the Crock Pot?

Yes, you can add carrots, potatoes, or celery for added flavor. Just make sure to place them at the bottom of the Crock Pot so they cook properly.

6. How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe has a mild spice level due to the pepperoncini peppers, but you can adjust the amount based on your personal heat preference.

7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it a day ahead and reheat it for a quick meal.

8. Can I use low-sodium pepperoncini juice?

Yes, you can use low-sodium pepperoncini juice if you’re watching your salt intake.

9. How can I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce it, or mix in a bit of cornstarch slurry to thicken it.

10. Can I use a different type of pepper for more heat?

Yes, you can use jalapeños or other spicy peppers if you like more heat in your dish.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is the perfect dish for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend meal with family. Its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and rich, tangy flavor make it a true winner. Whether you serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or in a sandwich, this meal will quickly become a favorite in your household. Give it a try, and let the slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal!