If you’re craving a dish that effortlessly combines bold flavors with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, the Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together simple pantry staples like ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, and pepperoncini peppers that transform ordinary chicken breasts into a rich, savory delight bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this Crockpot dinner requires minimal effort yet delivers an irresistibly juicy meal that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential for building the deep, tangy, and buttery flavor profile that defines this dish. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of seasoning, moisture, and a slight kick of heat from the pepperoncini.
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that absorbs all the delicious seasoning while staying moist throughout slow cooking.
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix: Adds a savory, beefy richness that enhances the overall flavor depth without overpowering the chicken.
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix: Brings in cheesy, tangy, and herbaceous notes that make every bite deliciously memorable.
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter: Provides luscious creaminess and keeps the chicken tender and juicy as it cooks low and slow.
- 6 pepperoncini peppers: Imparts a mild tangy heat and subtle acidity that brightens the dish and keeps it from feeling heavy.
How to Make Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of your Crockpot. This foundation allows the chicken to cook gently and absorb all the wonderful seasonings and juices as it transforms into a tender masterpiece.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Sprinkle the entire packets of au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix directly over the chicken. These mixes are the magic that infuses incredible flavor throughout, so be sure to cover the chicken well for an even taste experience.
Step 3: Add Butter
Place the stick of salted butter right on top of the seasoned chicken. As it slowly melts, it envelopes the chicken in a rich, silky coating that keeps every shred juicy and delicious.
Step 4: Add Pepperoncini
Nestle all six pepperoncini peppers into the Crockpot among the other ingredients. They add just the right level of tangy zip and moisture that balances out the richness of the butter and seasonings perfectly.
Step 5: Cook
Cover and cook your chicken on the low setting for 6 to 7 hours or choose high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow heat allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and tender enough to shred easily while soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Once your Crockpot has worked its magic, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. Mix it well into the sauce so every bite is bursting with that signature Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe flavor.
Step 7: Serve
Serve this sumptuous shredded chicken over rice, tucked into warm sandwich buns, or piled high in tacos. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for a quick family dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort.
How to Serve Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, consider garnishing your chicken with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a bright herbal note. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkling of red pepper flakes can also add a lively touch to this hearty meal.
Side Dishes
This tender and juicy chicken goes beautifully alongside creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or buttery dinner rolls. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots can also add a deliciously healthy crunch to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try using the shredded chicken as a topping for nachos, stuffing it into baked potatoes, or layering it in a hearty breakfast burrito. The Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it perfect for everything from casual lunches to game day snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious and safe to eat for up to 4 days, ready to quickly reheat for a satisfying snack or second meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, making it excellent for meal prep. Portion the shredded chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers, label them, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the chicken moist. Stir occasionally until warmed through, ensuring that tender and juicy texture remains intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be even more tender and flavorful, so they’re a great substitute if you prefer darker meat. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Do I need to remove the pepperoncini peppers before serving?
No need to remove them—pepperoncini peppers add amazing flavor as they cook and are perfectly safe and tasty to eat along with the chicken. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the number used.
Can I make this recipe without a Crockpot?
While the Crockpot is ideal for achieving that fall-apart tenderness, you can try a slow cooker insert on the stovetop or bake the chicken covered in the oven at 300°F for about 2 hours, though texture may vary slightly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The pepperoncini peppers provide a mild tangy heat, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you want to turn up the spice level, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce before cooking.
What can I serve this chicken with for a low-carb meal?
For a low-carb option, try serving the shredded chicken over cauliflower rice, alongside steamed broccoli, or wrapped in large lettuce leaves instead of buns or tortillas.
Final Thoughts
This Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe is a true game-changer in the world of easy, comforting meals. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or looking for a stress-free dinner that tastes gourmet, this recipe checks all the boxes. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this delicious, hearty, and utterly satisfying dish in your recipe rotation!
Print
Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Tender & Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken recipe is an effortless, flavorful dish featuring boneless chicken breasts slow-cooked with au jus gravy, ranch dressing mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. The result is tender, shreddable chicken perfect for serving over rice, in sandwiches, or tacos, ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 ounce)
- 6 pepperoncini peppers
Other Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of the Crock Pot to form the base of the dish.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the packets of au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken to impart rich, savory flavors.
- Add Butter: Place the stick of salted butter directly on top of the seasoned chicken to melt down during cooking, adding creaminess and richness.
- Add Pepperoncini: Distribute the 6 pepperoncini peppers around the butter and chicken to infuse a mild tangy heat and subtle acidity.
- Cook: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked through and easily shredded.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot and stir well to combine with the flavorful juices and sauce.
- Serve: Enjoy the shredded Mississippi chicken over steamed rice, inside sandwiches or wraps, or in tacos for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add some of the pepperoncini juice.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- This recipe freezes well for meal prep.
- Use low-sodium ranch or gravy mixes if you want to reduce salt content.
- Adjust cooking time if using a different size or type of slow cooker.
