Crockpot Mississippi Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is a game-changer for busy weeknights and family dinners. Tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich, tangy sauce that practically makes itself in your slow cooker. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation:

Effortless preparation: Just 10 minutes of prep time before your slow cooker does all the work
Rich, complex flavor: The combination of ranch seasoning, au jus gravy, and tangy pepperoncini creates an irresistible flavor profile

Versatile serving options: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or as a sandwich filling
Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters tend to enjoy
Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients for a gourmet-tasting meal

Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights

Ingredients You’ll Need:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into large bite-sized pieces)
1 packet Ranch seasoning mix

1 packet Au Jus gravy mix
½ cup unsalted butter
5–6 pepperoncini peppers (whole)

½ cup chicken broth (for silky sauce)
2 tablespoons heavy cream (for extra creaminess)
Salt and cracked black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley leaves for garnish

How to Make Crockpot Mississippi Chicken:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into large bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Layer ingredients in crockpot: Place the chicken pieces in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker.

Add seasonings: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken.
Add butter and peppers: Cut the butter into slices and distribute them over the seasoned chicken. Place the whole pepperoncini peppers throughout the mixture.
Pour in liquid: Add the chicken broth around the edges of the crockpot, being careful not to wash away the seasonings.

Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Finish the sauce: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream. This adds a wonderful richness and helps to thicken the sauce slightly.
Shred chicken (optional): For a more traditional Mississippi chicken texture, you can use two forks to shred the chicken pieces in the crockpot. Alternatively, leave them as chunks for a different presentation.

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving over your choice of sides.

Helpful Tips:

Don’t skip the butter: It might seem like a lot, but the butter is crucial for creating the signature Mississippi flavor and silky texture.
Pepperoncini heat level: These peppers add tanginess rather than significant heat. If you prefer more kick, add 1-2 tablespoons of the pepperoncini brine from the jar.

Check doneness safely: Different slow cookers heat at different rates. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken has reached 165°F for food safety.
For deeper flavor: If time allows, brown the chicken pieces in a skillet before adding to the crockpot. This adds another dimension of flavor.
Make it creamier: For an even creamier sauce, use ¼ cup of cream cheese instead of heavy cream.

Serving suggestion: This dish creates a delicious sauce – serve over something that will soak it up like rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.

Details:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH

Total Time: About 5 hours
Servings: 4-6
Calories: Approximately 320 per serving

Cuisine: American/Southern-inspired
Course: Main Dish

Notes:

Chicken options: While boneless chicken breasts work beautifully, you can also use boneless chicken thighs for even more flavor and tenderness.

Heat level: This recipe is mild enough for most palates. The pepperoncini adds tang rather than significant heat.
Dairy substitution: For a dairy-free version, use olive oil or ghee instead of butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Make ahead: This dish reheats wonderfully and can be made 1-2 days ahead of time. The flavors actually deepen overnight.

Freezer friendly: Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

For food safety reasons, it’s best to thaw chicken completely before cooking in a slow cooker. Frozen chicken may spend too long in the “danger zone” temperature range where bacteria can multiply.

What can I substitute for ranch seasoning?

If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can make your own with dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken first (optional), then add all ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.

Why is it called “Mississippi” chicken?

This recipe is adapted from the popular Mississippi Pot Roast, which originated in Mississippi and uses similar ingredients with beef instead of chicken.

What sides go well with Mississippi chicken?

This chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?

Yes! Consider adding quartered red potatoes, baby carrots, or pearl onions during the last 2 hours of cooking.

Storage Instructions:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Be sure to include some of the sauce to prevent the chicken from drying out when reheated.

Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally, or on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

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Conclusion:

Crockpot Mississippi Chicken brings bold, savory flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, rich butter, tangy pepperoncinis, and savory seasonings creates a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile recipe delivers impressive results every time. Give this southern-inspired comfort food classic a try, and it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!