Name: Amazing Crockpot Mississippi Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 365 min
Ingredients: 2-3 pounds boneless (skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)); 1 1 ounce packet ranch seasoning mix; 1 1 ounce packet au jus gravy mix; 4-6 pepperoncini peppers (whole or sliced, plus 1-2 tablespoons of juice); 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces

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Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is a delicious and incredibly simple dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. It combines tender chicken with a tangy, savory sauce, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. This recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, making it a favorite for both cooks and eaters. I love how adaptable it is, working beautifully for a family dinner, a potluck, or even meal prepping.

I first made this dish for a casual get-together, and it was a total hit! Everyone raved about the flavor, and I was thrilled with how easy it was to prepare. It quickly became a staple in my recipe rotation because it requires so little hands-on time, and everyone is looking for seconds.

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Reasons to Try Crockpot Mississippi Chicken

Incredibly Easy: Just a few ingredients and minimal prep time.
Flavorful: The combination of ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, pepperoncini peppers, and butter creates a unique and delicious taste.
Tender Chicken: Slow cooking ensures the chicken is incredibly tender and juicy.
Versatile: Serve it on sandwiches, over rice, with mashed potatoes, or even on its own.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is always a hit with family and friends.
Great for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully and can be used in various ways.

Where did Crockpot Mississippi Chicken come from?

Crockpot Mississippi Chicken, similar to Mississippi Pot Roast, is a variation of a recipe developed by Robin Chapman, a home cook from Ripley, Mississippi. She adapted a pot roast recipe in the early 2000s, aiming for a milder flavor profile. Her version used chicken, ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, and pepperoncini peppers. The recipe gained popularity after being shared online and in community cookbooks, eventually becoming a viral sensation known for its ease and deliciousness.

Ingredients Notes

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are most commonly used, but chicken thighs also work well for a richer flavor.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This provides a savory, herby flavor base.
Au Jus Gravy Mix: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
Pepperoncini Peppers: These mild, tangy peppers are the signature ingredient, providing a unique flavor and subtle heat. Use whole or sliced peppers, and include some of the juice.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, flavorful sauce. Unsalted butter is recommended.

How to Make Crockpot Mississippi Chicken

Place Chicken in Crockpot:

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.

Add Seasonings:

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

Add Pepperoncini:

Place the pepperoncini peppers (and some of their juice) on top of the chicken and seasonings.

Add Butter:

Place the butter on top of everything.

Cook:

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded.

Shred Chicken:

Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks directly in the crockpot. Stir to combine the chicken with the sauce.

What You Must Know about Crockpot Mississippi Chicken

Don’t Add Extra Liquid: The chicken and butter will release enough liquid during cooking. Adding extra water or broth will dilute the flavor.
Adjust Pepperoncini to Taste: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with fewer pepperoncini peppers and add more to taste.
Cooking Time Varies: Slow cookers can vary in temperature, so adjust cooking time accordingly. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and shreds easily.
If you don’t have Au Jus, you can substitute it.
You can use a pre-made ranch dressing.

Helpful Tips

For easier cleanup, use a slow cooker liner.

Variations and Substitutions

Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Beef: Use a chuck roast instead of chicken to create a Mississippi Pot Roast.
Au Jus Substitute: If you don’t have au jus gravy mix, you can use a packet of brown gravy mix.
Low Sodium: Use low sodium ingredients.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Mississippi Chicken

Sandwiches: Serve on toasted buns or rolls with your favorite toppings (coleslaw, pickles, cheese).
Over Rice: Serve over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
With Mashed Potatoes: A classic comfort food pairing.
Salad: Use the shredded chicken as a topping for a salad.
Tacos or Wraps: Use the chicken as a filling for tacos or wraps.
Sliders: Serve the chicken in slider buns.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the slow cooker until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Frequently Asked Questions about Crockpot Mississippi Chicken

Can I use frozen chicken?

While it’s generally recommended to thaw chicken before using it in a slow cooker for food safety reasons, many people do use frozen chicken in this recipe. If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time.

Can I make this on the stovetop or in the oven?

Yes, but the slow cooker method produces the most tender results. For stovetop or oven methods, you’ll likely need to add additional liquid and adjust the cooking time.

Is it spicy?

Pepperoncini peppers have a mild, tangy flavor with a subtle heat. The overall dish is not overly spicy, but you can adjust the amount of peppers to control the heat level.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, you can add vegetables like sliced onions, carrots, or potatoes to the slow cooker along with the chicken.

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