If you’re looking for an easy and flavorful dinner that practically cooks itself, look no further than this Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken. With just a few simple ingredients, including chicken breasts, ranch dressing mix, and pepperoncini peppers, this dish becomes a tender, flavorful, and savory meal with minimal effort. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or on sandwich buns, this delicious chicken will quickly become a family favorite. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a stress-free meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Set It and Forget It

This recipe is perfect for busy days. Simply throw all the ingredients in the Crock Pot, and let it cook low and slow, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas.

2. Tender, Juicy Chicken

Cooking the chicken in the Crock Pot makes it incredibly tender and juicy. The chicken shreds easily and absorbs the flavors of the ranch mix and au jus gravy.

3. Flavorful and Savory

The combination of ranch dressing, au jus mix, and pepperoncini peppers creates a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over rice, potatoes, or bread.

4. Minimal Prep

With only a few ingredients and minimal prep work, this recipe is perfect for those who want a home-cooked meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

5. Versatile Meal Options

Serve this Mississippi Chicken on its own with sides like mashed potatoes or rice, or turn it into sandwiches or wraps for a delicious twist.

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 Vegetables: You can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the Crock Pot for a more hearty one-pot meal.
Spicy Version: Add more pepperoncini or even a few jalapeños to give the dish more heat.
Use Thighs: If you prefer, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a juicier result.
Make it a Meal: Serve the chicken with mashed potatoes, over rice, or in a sandwich bun for a complete meal.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crock Pot

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your Crock Pot. You don’t need to brown the chicken first, just add it raw.

Step 2: Add the Onion

Dice the onion and sprinkle it over the chicken breasts.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken and onion. This will create the flavorful base for the sauce.

Step 4: Add the Pepperoncini Peppers

Place the pepperoncini peppers on top of the chicken and add the juice from the peppers as well. The juice gives the dish a tangy, flavorful kick.

Step 5: Add the Butter

Slice the butter and place it on top of the chicken and seasonings. The butter will melt and add richness to the sauce.

Step 6: Cook the Chicken

Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred with a fork.

Step 7: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the Crock Pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot and stir it in with the sauce.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the Mississippi Chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or in sandwich buns for a satisfying meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

For Extra Flavor: Add a few cloves of garlic to the Crock Pot for an extra layer of flavor.
Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove some of the liquid and reduce it in a saucepan on the stove.
Control the Spice: Adjust the amount of pepperoncini and their juice to control the level of spice in the dish.
Frozen Chicken: You can use frozen chicken breasts in the Crock Pot, but be sure to cook them on low for 7-8 hours to ensure they cook through fully.

How to Serve

Serve the Mississippi Chicken with mashed potatoes, over rice, or in sandwich buns for a quick and easy meal. You can also pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Mississippi Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little broth or water if necessary to keep it moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work perfectly and will be extra juicy when cooked.

2. How can I make this recipe spicier?

You can add more pepperoncini peppers or a few slices of jalapeño peppers to increase the heat.

3. Can I use low-sodium gravy mix or ranch dressing mix?

Yes, you can use low-sodium versions of both the gravy mix and ranch dressing mix to make the dish a little healthier.

4. Can I add vegetables to the Crock Pot?

Yes, you can add carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers for a more hearty meal in one pot.

5. Can I make this recipe without the pepperoncini peppers?

You can omit the pepperoncini peppers, but the dish will lose some of its signature flavor. If you don’t like spice, try using mild banana peppers instead.

6. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to cook them on low for 7-8 hours to ensure they are fully cooked.

7. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove some of the liquid and reduce it in a saucepan on the stove, or mix in a cornstarch slurry.

8. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a little broth if needed.

9. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.

10. What can I serve with this recipe?

This Mississippi Chicken is perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or in a sandwich bun. You can also pair it with vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is the perfect hands-off dinner that’s packed with flavor. With tender chicken, a tangy and savory sauce, and the ease of a slow cooker, this dish is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Try it today and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort!