Easy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe | Tender & Flavorful Mississippi Pot Chicken Crockpot

Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is one of those recipes that are as easy as they are delicious. Imagine tender, flavorful chicken cooked to perfection in a slow cooker with minimal effort, and you get the magic of this dish. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just looking for a quick, flavorful dinner, this recipe is a winner. It’s packed with savory flavors from ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, and pepperoncini peppers. The best part? You throw everything into the Crockpot, let it cook low and slow, and you’re rewarded with a meal that practically cooks itself!

This dish is part of the broader Mississippi pot roast family, a regional favorite that uses a similar combination of flavors. While it’s traditionally made with beef, chicken is a lighter and equally satisfying variation. The tender chicken pairs beautifully with the rich and flavorful sauce, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

Recipe Preparation Equipment

Before diving into the recipe, let’s make sure you have the right tools for the job. While this recipe is low-effort, having the correct equipment ensures everything goes smoothly.

• Slow Cooker (Crockpot): The most important piece of equipment for this dish is your Crockpot. It’s the key to cooking the chicken perfectly, as the slow cooking method allows all the flavors to meld together. A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, but a smaller or larger one will also work, just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly.
• Cutting Board: This will be used to chop any ingredients like the butter or any vegetables you decide to add to the recipe.
• Knife: A sharp knife will help with cutting the butter into cubes and chopping up any additional ingredients.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: You’ll need these for accurately measuring the ranch seasoning, au jus mix, and pepperoncini juice. It’s easy to eyeball ingredients, but for a dish like this, measuring ensures balanced flavors.
• Serving Platter: A nice serving platter helps you plate the chicken attractively once it’s done. You’ll want to serve this dish with its savory sauce, so a deep dish or platter works best.

Ingredients

The magic of Crockpot Mississippi Chicken lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. You don’t need a long list of items, just a few key ingredients that bring out bold flavors.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The base of this recipe, chicken breasts are lean, tender, and easily shred once cooked. Feel free to use chicken thighs for a richer flavor if preferred.
• 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix: This dry seasoning mix is the perfect blend of herbs and spices that infuse the chicken with flavor. It’s an essential component of this dish, giving it that signature taste.
• 1 packet of au jus gravy mix: This mix adds a savory, salty flavor and forms the base of the rich sauce that coats the chicken. It’s a perfect complement to the ranch seasoning and gives the dish its full-bodied taste.
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter (cut into pieces): Butter adds richness and moisture to the chicken, making it succulent and tender. It also helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• 5-6 pepperoncini peppers: These tangy, mildly spicy peppers are what give Mississippi Chicken its signature bite. You can adjust the number of peppers based on your preferred spice level.
• 1/4 cup of pepperoncini juice (optional): If you want a bit more tanginess and spice, add some of the juice from the pepperoncini jar to the slow cooker.
• Salt and pepper to taste: While the ranch and au jus seasoning packs plenty of flavor, a little extra salt and pepper can bring everything together.
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): For a touch of freshness and color, garnish your finished dish with chopped fresh parsley.

How to Make Easy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken?

Making Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is incredibly simple, and the best part is that it only requires minimal effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare this delicious dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the Crockpot. You can use fresh or frozen chicken, but for the best results, thawed chicken breasts will cook more evenly. Lay them flat in the slow cooker so they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded. This ensures that the chicken cooks properly and absorbs all the seasoning.

Step 2: Add the Ranch and Au Jus Seasoning

Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken breasts. These seasoning packets are essential to the flavor profile of Mississippi Chicken. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to spread the seasoning over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is covered evenly. The combination of ranch seasoning and au jus creates a savory, herby, and rich flavor that infuses the chicken as it cooks.

Step 3: Add the Butter

Cut the butter into small cubes or slices, and place it on top of the chicken. The butter melts into the chicken, making it moist and tender while also enriching the sauce. This step is crucial to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes Mississippi Chicken so irresistible.

Step 4: Add the Pepperoncini

Place the pepperoncini peppers on top of the chicken breasts. For a mild version, use just a few peppers, but if you like things spicy, don’t hesitate to add more. The peppers bring a unique tanginess and heat to the dish, balancing out the rich butter and seasoning. If you want extra heat, pour some of the pepperoncini juice into the Crockpot as well.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover the Crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours. You can cook it on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time, but cooking it on low allows the chicken to become extra tender and soak up all the flavors. Once the chicken is done, it should be so tender that it shreds easily with a fork.

Variations

While the classic Mississippi Chicken recipe is delicious as is, you can easily modify it to suit your tastes.

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions to the Crockpot for a complete, one-pot meal. These will cook alongside the chicken and soak up all the savory flavors.
• Make It Creamy: For a richer sauce, add a block of cream cheese to the slow cooker. The cream cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy and velvety texture that complements the tanginess of the pepperoncini peppers.
• Spicy Version: If you prefer more heat, add more pepperoncini peppers or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also experiment with different types of peppers, like banana peppers or jalapeños, for a different kick.

Cooking Notes

• Frozen Chicken: You can cook frozen chicken breasts, but they will need an additional 1-2 hours of cooking time. Be sure to check the chicken for doneness before serving.
• Shredding Chicken: Once the chicken is done cooking, it should shred easily with two forks. If you want to speed up the process, you can use a hand mixer on low speed to shred the chicken in the Crockpot.
• Adjusting the Sauce: If you prefer more gravy or sauce, you can add chicken broth or more pepperoncini juice during cooking. This will create a more liquid sauce to spoon over the chicken when serving.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is versatile and pairs well with many side dishes. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: Serve the shredded chicken over creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the sauce to soak into the potatoes for added flavor.
• Rice or Pasta: For an easy and hearty meal, serve the chicken over white rice, brown rice, or pasta. The rich sauce is perfect for soaking into rice or pasta, making it a satisfying dish.
• Sandwiches: Shred the chicken and place it on a soft bun for a quick and easy sandwich. Top with a little extra sauce and some pickles for a great lunch or dinner option.
• Salad: For a lighter option, serve the chicken alongside a fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Helpful Tips

• Frozen Chicken: Using frozen chicken breasts is convenient, but it will take longer to cook. Be sure to allow extra time and check the chicken for doneness.
• Shredding Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken or a hand mixer to make the process quicker.
• Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasoning packets or add extra herbs and spices to tailor the flavor to your liking.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Mississippi Chicken

• Use unsalted butter to better control the sodium content in the dish.
• Don’t skip the ranch seasoning—it’s the key to the signature flavor of this dish.
• Cook the chicken on low heat for the best results. It allows the chicken to become tender and absorb all the seasoning.
• For extra richness, consider adding a block of cream cheese during cooking for a creamy sauce.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cooking Time:

6-7 hours on low

Total Time:

6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 300-350 per serving (depending on the size of the chicken breasts)
• Protein: 30g
• Sodium: 800mg (varies based on seasoning packets used)
• Fat: 20g

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but they will need to cook for 7-8 hours on low. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Can I make this recipe creamy? Yes! Adding a block of cream cheese to the Crockpot creates a creamy version of Mississippi Chicken. It makes the sauce thicker and adds richness to the dish.

Can I cook this in the Instant Pot? Yes, you can make this recipe in the Instant Pot. Use the sauté function to melt the butter and mix the seasonings, then cook on high pressure for 20-25 minutes. Shred the chicken after cooking and serve.

How long will leftovers last? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that anyone can make with minimal effort. The simple ingredients and the magic of the slow cooker come together to create a meal that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a dish for guests, this recipe will not disappoint. So gather your ingredients, set up your Crockpot, and let the slow cooker do all the work!

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