Are you looking for a dinner option that practically makes itself? This Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is about to become your new favorite weeknight meal. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a mouthwatering, tender chicken dish that the whole family will request again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mississippi Chicken recipe combines savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors into one irresistible dish. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, soaking up all those amazing flavors while you go about your day. Best of all, it’s versatile enough to serve in multiple ways – over rice, on sandwiches, or even stuffed in baked potatoes!
Pure Comfort
There’s something deeply satisfying about coming home to the aroma of a meal that’s been slowly cooking all day. This Mississippi Chicken delivers that comfort food experience in spades. The rich, flavorful sauce created from the butter, pepperoncini peppers, and au jus mix creates a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table with anticipation, creating those cherished family dinner moments.
Ingredients (What You Need)
The beauty of Mississippi Chicken lies in its simple ingredient list. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 3-4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (1 oz)
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (1 oz)
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 8-10 pepperoncini peppers, plus 1/4 cup of the brine from the jar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
That’s it! No complicated ingredient list, just straightforward items that pack a huge flavor punch.
Time to Cook
One of the best things about this recipe is how it fits into your schedule:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes (mostly hands-off!)
This timing makes it perfect for busy days – start it in the morning before work or school, and dinner will be ready when you return home!
Steps to Make It (Make It Perfect)
Creating this delicious meal couldn’t be easier. Follow these simple steps:
- Prepare your crockpot: Lightly spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Add the chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer if possible.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken.
- Add the butter and peppers: Cut the butter into tablespoon-sized pieces and place them on top of the seasoned chicken. Add the pepperoncini peppers and pour in the brine.
- Add garlic and pepper: Sprinkle with minced garlic and black pepper if using.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken right in the crockpot using two forks. Mix well with the sauce and continue cooking for the remaining time.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with your choice of sides.
The chicken should be fall-apart tender, and the sauce should be rich and flavorful. If the sauce seems too thin, you can leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow it to reduce slightly.
Mix It Up
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some tasty variations to try:
- Spicy Mississippi Chicken: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Creamy Mississippi Chicken: Stir in 4 oz of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra rich and creamy sauce.
- Mississippi Chicken and Vegetables: Add baby carrots, quartered red potatoes, or pearl onions to the crockpot for a complete one-pot meal.
- Italian Mississippi Chicken: Substitute Italian dressing mix for the ranch mix for a different flavor profile.
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own!
Perfect Partners
Mississippi Chicken pairs beautifully with so many side dishes. Here are some perfect accompaniments:
- Fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious sauce
- Steamed rice or buttered egg noodles
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Creamy coleslaw for a refreshing contrast
The versatility of this dish means you can create different meal experiences each time you make it.
Busy Day Hero
On those days when life feels overwhelming, this Crockpot Mississippi Chicken truly saves the day. With just 10 minutes of morning prep time, you can ensure a hot, homemade dinner is ready when you need it. There’s no need for last-minute trips to the drive-thru or expensive takeout when this recipe is in your arsenal. Keep the ingredients on hand for those weeks when you know your schedule will be packed, and you’ll always have a delicious meal solution ready to go.
Work Ahead
This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Here’s how to work ahead:
- Prepare “freezer packs” by placing the chicken, seasoning packets, and pepperoncini in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add to the crockpot with butter and cook as directed.
- Make a double batch and freeze half after cooking for an instant meal another day.
- Prepare all ingredients the night before and store in the refrigerator, then simply transfer to the crockpot in the morning.
These prep-ahead strategies make weeknight dinners even easier!
Save Some For Later
Mississippi Chicken keeps beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
- Reheat gently in the microwave, on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth, or in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
The flavors often deepen overnight, making the leftovers even more delicious than the original meal!
Everyone’s Happy
This dish has a magical quality of pleasing even picky eaters. The flavors are exciting enough for adventurous palates but not so exotic that they turn off more selective family members. Kids tend to love the tender, saucy chicken, especially when served over their favorite pasta or rice. For those with dietary preferences, it’s naturally gluten-free (just check your seasoning packets to be sure), and you can easily adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s taste.
Good For You Too
While comfort food isn’t always associated with health benefits, this dish has some nutritional advantages:
- High in protein from the chicken
- Low in carbohydrates (perfect for keto or low-carb diets)
- Contains beneficial compounds from the pepperoncini peppers
- Easily customizable to include vegetables
- Can be made lighter by using less butter or substituting with olive oil
Pair it with steamed vegetables or a large salad for a more balanced meal.
Easy Clean Up
One of the many benefits of crockpot cooking is the minimal cleanup required. This recipe is particularly easy:
- Use a crockpot liner for virtually no cleanup at all
- If not using a liner, a quick soak of your slow cooker insert makes washing up simple
- Since everything cooks in one pot, you won’t have multiple pans to scrub
- Any serving dishes can go straight into the dishwasher
Less time cleaning means more time enjoying your evening after a delicious meal!
Switch It Up
The basic Mississippi Chicken recipe is just the beginning. Here are some creative ways to use your leftovers:
- Mississippi Chicken Sandwiches: Pile the shredded chicken on toasted buns with melted provolone cheese for an amazing sandwich.
- Mississippi Chicken Tacos: Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings.
- Loaded Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with the chicken, some cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Mississippi Chicken Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta and a little pasta water for a quick dinner.
- Mississippi Chicken Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with the chicken and cheese, then grill until crispy.
With these options, you can create several different meals from one batch of chicken!
Simply Perfect
What makes this Mississippi Chicken simply perfect? It’s the combination of incredible flavor, minimal effort, and maximum versatility. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family tradition, requested for birthdays or as a welcome-home meal. The blend of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy elements creates a depth of flavor that belies the simplicity of its preparation. In the world of easy crockpot meals, this one stands out as a true star.
FAQs
1. Why is it called Mississippi Chicken? Mississippi Chicken gets its name from the similar “Mississippi Pot Roast” that became an internet sensation. Both recipes use the distinctive combination of ranch seasoning, au jus mix, pepperoncini peppers, and butter that originated in Mississippi.
2. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe? For food safety reasons, it’s best to thaw your chicken before placing it in the slow cooker. Using frozen chicken can keep the meat in the “danger zone” temperature for too long.
3. What if I don’t like spicy food? Are pepperoncini peppers hot? Pepperoncini peppers are actually quite mild, providing more tangy flavor than heat. If you’re still concerned, you can reduce the amount or remove them after cooking – they’ll still impart their flavor to the dish.
4. Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead? Yes! Use the pressure cook setting for about 12 minutes (for chicken breasts) or 10 minutes (for thighs), followed by a 10-minute natural release.
5. Is the butter necessary? The butter adds richness and helps create the signature sauce. You can reduce it by half if preferred, but I wouldn’t recommend eliminating it completely.
6. What can I substitute for the au jus mix? If you don’t have au jus mix, you can use brown gravy mix or onion soup mix as alternatives, though each will change the flavor profile slightly.
7. Can I add vegetables to the crockpot along with the chicken? Absolutely! Vegetables like onions, carrots, or potatoes work well. Add hardier vegetables at the beginning and more delicate ones in the last hour or two of cooking.
Conclusion
Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is one of those rare recipes that combines incredible flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, weekend family dinners, or even casual entertaining. The versatility of serving options means you’ll never get bored, and the simple ingredient list keeps shopping stress-free.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe deserves a place in your regular rotation. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a requested favorite in your household. After all, the best recipes are the ones that bring people together around the table with minimal fuss and maximum enjoyment – and this Mississippi Chicken delivers on all fronts!
Related Recipes to Try Next
If you enjoyed making Crockpot Mississippi Chicken, you’ll love exploring more delicious recipes that pair wonderfully with it! Try serving it alongside Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a comforting meal. If you’re looking for another easy slow cooker dish, check out this Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder, perfect for chilly days. For a crispy and cheesy side, you can’t go wrong with Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs. If you’re in the mood for another creamy, indulgent dish, try this Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi. And for dessert, round out your meal with some Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cupcakes for a perfect sweet finish!
Crockpot Mississippi Chicken
Equipment
- Crockpot (Slow Cooker)
- Mixing Bowl
- Forks for Shredding
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasonings
- 3-4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix 1 oz
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix 1 oz
- 1 stick unsalted butter 1/2 cup
- 8-10 pepperoncini peppers plus 1/4 cup of brine
- 2 cloves garlic minced (optional)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Lightly spray your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner.
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the crockpot in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken.
- Cut the butter into tablespoon-sized pieces and place them on top of the chicken. Add the pepperoncini peppers and pour in the brine.
- Sprinkle minced garlic and black pepper over the chicken, if using.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken using two forks and mix well with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.