Mississippi Crockpot Chicken is a flavorful and effortless dish that delivers a delightful taste experience without demanding too much of your time or kitchen skills. This popular recipe features tender chicken breasts, savory seasoning, and a delightful mix of buttery goodness with just the right hint of spice. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, it’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Why We Love This Mississippi Crockpot Chicken Recipe
This recipe stands out not just for its delicious flavor but also for its simplicity. The use of a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, letting the magic happen while you focus on other tasks. With minimal preparation, you can whip up a meal that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table. The combination of ranch dressing mix and Au Jus gravy creates a rich, savory sauce that complements the chicken perfectly. Plus, adding pepperoncini peppers provides a subtle zing that elevates the dish. It’s easy to see why Mississippi Crockpot Chicken is loved by so many!
Ingredients about Mississippi Crockpot Chicken
To prepare this tasty dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (about 1 ounce) ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet (about 1 ounce) Au Jus gravy mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4-6 whole pepperoncini peppers
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze! Just visit your local grocery store, and you will find everything you need to create this satisfying meal.
How to Make Mississippi Crockpot Chicken Directions
Making Mississippi Crockpot Chicken is straightforward and requires just a few steps to achieve a delicious outcome. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the four boneless, skinless chicken breasts neatly at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they are spread out evenly to allow for even cooking.
- Add the Seasonings: Generously sprinkle the ranch dressing mix over the chicken. This seasoning brings a burst of flavor that will infuse into the chicken as it cooks.
- Layer the Gravy Mix: Next, open the packet of Au Jus gravy mix and sprinkle it on top of the ranch dressing. This will add a rich depth to the sauce as it combines with the other flavors.
- Add Butter: Take the unsalted butter and cut it into slices. Place the slices evenly across the top of the seasoning mixes. The butter will melt during the cooking process, creating a luscious sauce.
- Pepperoncini Time: Finally, add the whole pepperoncini peppers on top of everything. These little gems add a delightful tanginess and kick that perfectly balance the richness of the butter and gravy.
- Slow Cook: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 6-8 hours if you have the time, or on high for 3-4 hours if you’re in a hurry. The longer you cook, the more tender the chicken will become.
- Shred and Mix: Once the cooking time is up, take a fork and shred the chicken right in the pot. As you do this, mix the chicken with the buttery sauce, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Serve: Now your Mississippi Crockpot Chicken is ready to enjoy! You can serve it on wraps, toss it on a fresh salad, or pair it with your favorite sides.
How to Serve Mississippi Crockpot Chicken
Serving Mississippi Crockpot Chicken is as delightful as preparing it! Here are some ideas to enjoy this dish:
- On a Wrap: Take a warm tortilla and add a generous scoop of the chicken along with some fresh veggies like lettuce and tomatoes. Wrap it up tightly for a satisfying handheld meal.
- Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the shredded chicken on a bed of rice or quinoa. The sauce will soak into the grains, making every bite flavorful and delicious.
- In a Salad: For a lighter option, use the chicken as a topping for a fresh salad. Add avocados, bell peppers, and your choice of dressing for a delightful meal.
- With Your Favorite Sides: Pair it with garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes. The buttery sauce of the chicken complements many side dishes beautifully.
Versatility is one of the best features of this dish; you can adapt it to suit your craving and dietary preferences!
Expert Tips: Mississippi Crockpot Chicken
To ensure your Mississippi Crockpot Chicken turns out perfectly, consider these expert tips:
- Use Good Quality Chicken: Start with fresh or properly frozen chicken breasts. The better the quality, the more flavorful your dish will be.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: The butter is essential for creating that creamy sauce that makes this dish so irresistible. Even if you’re trying to cut fat, consider reducing it rather than omitting it entirely.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you love more heat, you can add more pepperoncini peppers or even squeeze in some of the pepper juice for an extra zing.
- Shred After Cooking: Always shred the chicken in the slow cooker after it’s done cooking. This way, it soaks up more of the tasty sauce.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with additional spices or herbs such as garlic powder or Italian seasoning to customize the flavor to your liking.
By following these tips, you can elevate your Mississippi Crockpot Chicken to new heights and impress everyone at your dinner table!
How to Store Mississippi Crockpot Chicken
Leftover Mississippi Crockpot Chicken can easily be stored for future meals, making it practical and convenient. Here’s how:
- Cool Down: Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup in your storage container.
- Use Airtight Containers: Store the chicken in airtight containers or resealable bags. This will keep the chicken fresh and prevent any leakage of the sauce.
- Refrigerate: Place the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to eat the leftovers within three to four days.
- Freeze for Later: If you want to store the dish for a longer period, freezing is a great option! Mississippi Crockpot Chicken can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to label the containers with the date to keep track.
- Reheat Properly: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
By following these storage tips, you can savor the deliciousness of your Mississippi Crockpot Chicken even after the initial meal!
Variation of Mississippi Crockpot Chicken
If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, there are plenty of variations you can try with Mississippi Crockpot Chicken:
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some vegetables like carrots, celery, or potatoes. They will absorb the wonderful sauce and create a hearty one-pot meal.
- Make it Spicy: Incorporate jalapeños or hot sauce if you want a spicy kick! These additions can elevate the flavor profile and bring more heat.
- Creamy Version: For a creamier texture, consider adding a can of cream of chicken soup or a block of cream cheese towards the end of the cooking time. This will create a richer sauce.
- Herbed Chicken: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic lift. This pairs particularly well if you’re serving it over rice or pasta.
- Different Proteins: While chicken is the star here, you can swap it out for other proteins like turkey or even beef, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
With these variations, you can keep enjoying your Mississippi Crockpot Chicken in fresh and exciting ways!
FAQ about Mississippi Crockpot Chicken
What is Mississippi Crockpot Chicken?
Mississippi Crockpot Chicken is a slow-cooked dish featuring chicken breasts seasoned with ranch dressing mix, Au Jus gravy, butter, and pepperoncini peppers, resulting in a rich and flavorful meal.
How long does Mississippi Crockpot Chicken take to cook?
Depending on your schedule, Mississippi Crockpot Chicken takes approximately 6-8 hours on low or about 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! However, it’s advisable to extend the cooking time slightly, as the chicken will take longer to thaw and cook through.
What can I serve with Mississippi Crockpot Chicken?
You can serve Mississippi Crockpot Chicken in wraps, over rice, in salads, or with sides like garlic bread or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
How can I store Mississippi Crockpot Chicken leftovers?
Allow the chicken to cool, then store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for up to three months.
Mississippi Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1 packet Au Jus gravy mix (about 1 ounce)
- ½ cup unsalted butter cut into slices
- 4-6 pieces whole pepperoncini peppers
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the four boneless, skinless chicken breasts neatly at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the Au Jus gravy mix on top of the ranch dressing.
- Place the sliced unsalted butter evenly across the top of the seasoning mixes.
- Add the whole pepperoncini peppers on top.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once the cooking time is up, shred the chicken right in the pot and mix it with the buttery sauce.
Serving
- Serve on wraps, over rice, in salads, or with your favorite sides.
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