Mississippi Chicken Crock Pot

Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is an incredibly easy and flavorful slow cooker recipe that delivers tender, juicy chicken with minimal effort. Made with simple ingredients like chicken breasts, ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, real butter, and mild peperoncini peppers, this dish is perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends. You can just set it and forget it while it slowly cooks to perfect tenderness.

I first tried this recipe during a hectic workweek and it quickly became one of my go to meals because of how simple and delicious it is. Now it is a favorite for potlucks and family dinners alike.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Three pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, fresh or frozen. Fresh will cook slightly faster but frozen works well for longer cooking times
• Au jus gravy mix: One packet to add a rich beefy depth. Low sodium versions work if you are watching salt
• Ranch dressing mix: One packet brings bright herbs and a creamy savory taste. Homemade ranch seasoning works wonderfully too
• Salted butter: One stick of real butter for flavor and richness. Unsalted butter can be used if you prefer but add a tiny pinch of salt
• Peperoncini peppers: Six peppers offer a mild tangy bite without heat. Use the juice if you like a little more zip but it is optional

Instructions

Add the Chicken:

Place the chicken breasts evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a solid foundation for the flavors to build.

Sprinkle Seasonings:

Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken. These dry seasonings will dissolve during cooking and infuse the meat.

Top with Butter and Peppers:

Add the whole stick of butter directly on top of the chicken and seasonings. Arrange the peperoncini peppers on top without slicing them. If you want a slight kick, drizzle some of the peperoncini juice over everything.

Cook Low and Slow:

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat. Let it cook for six to eight hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to retain steam and moisture. The chicken will release its own juices so no additional liquid is needed.

Shred and Serve:

When time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. It should be extremely tender and pull apart easily. Serve it on buns with melted cheese, over mashed potatoes, or alongside your favorite vegetables.

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The butter is my favorite part here because as it melts it creates a luscious gravy that melds all the flavors. I remember the first time I served this at a family get together and everyone was surprised at how tender and flavorful the chicken was coming straight from a slow cooker without any extra fuss. It is truly a crowd pleaser.

Storage Tips

Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. For longer storage, freeze in meal sized portions in freezer safe bags or containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken thighs can replace breasts and work well if you prefer dark meat; use half the butter if you choose thighs as they tend to be fattier. If you do not have au jus gravy mix, onion soup mix is a fine substitute though it gives a slightly different flavor. For ranch seasoning you can make your own with dried herbs, powdered buttermilk, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chicken on toasted sandwich buns with melted provolone for a comforting sandwich. Spoon it over creamy mashed potatoes with some steamed green beans for a classic plate or pair it with cauliflower rice or roasted veggies for a low carb meal.

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This slow cooker Mississippi chicken is effortless and crowd pleasing. It is perfect for busy weeknights or make ahead meals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What cut of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are preferred for tender shredding, but thighs can be used with less butter to balance fat.

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, frozen chicken works well for slow cooking times of 8+ hours, but check your slow cooker manual first.

→ Do peperoncini peppers add heat?

The peppers provide a mild tangy flavor but little to no spiciness unless you add the juice from the jar.

→ What sides pair well with this chicken?

Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or on buns with melted provolone for a hearty meal.

→ Can leftovers be frozen?

Yes, store cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.