Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is a tasty dish where chicken cooks slowly in a mix of zesty ranch dressing, pepperoncini, and buttery goodness. It’s super easy and so flavorful!
A little secret: the chicken becomes so tender that it practically falls apart. I love serving it with rice or in a sandwich. You might want to keep some extra napkins handy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are the star of the dish, breaking down beautifully in the slow cooker. You can substitute with thighs if you prefer dark meat, as they remain super tender during cooking.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This brings a wonderful flavor! If you don’t have a packet, you can make your own blend using dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. It’s a fun twist!
Au Jus Gravy Mix: This adds a rich depth. In a pinch, you can use beef broth or a homemade mixture of beef bouillon and water. Just adjust the salt accordingly.
Pepperoncini Peppers: They provide a nice tang. If you’re not a fan, you can swap them with banana peppers or omit them for a milder taste.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Remains Juicy and Tender?
The key to juicy and tender chicken is cooking it low and slow! This method allows the flavors to meld and keeps the chicken moist. Here’s how:
- Start with frozen or thawed chicken. If using frozen, extend the cooking time slightly.
- Keep the lid on while cooking to maintain moisture throughout the process.
- Wait until it’s fully cooked (165°F internal temperature) before shredding directly in the pot.
This way, the chicken absorbs all the delicious juices and becomes super flavorful!
Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (about 1 oz)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 6-8 pepperoncini peppers
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
- Optional sides: cooked white rice, steamed green beans, diced tomatoes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken takes about 10 minutes of prep time. You’ll need to cook it for either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After cooking, there’s a little extra time needed to shred the chicken and serve it up. Overall, it requires minimal effort for such a flavorful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
First, place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot. No need to worry about how they’re arranged—the slow cooking will work its magic!
2. Season the Chicken:
Next, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken. Be generous here—the more flavor, the better! Then, do the same with the au jus gravy mix, ensuring there’s an even coating over the chicken.
3. Add Butter and Peppers:
Now, take the stick of butter and place it right on top of the chicken and seasoning mix. This will melt down and create a rich, buttery sauce. Add the pepperoncini peppers around and on top of the chicken. These will add a nice tang to the dish.
4. Cover and Cook:
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s very tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the crock pot. Mix it well with all the flavorful juices and seasonings. It’s going to smell amazing!
6. Serve Up:
Serve the shredded chicken with some of that delicious sauce drizzled over the top. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley for a bright touch. It pairs wonderfully with white rice, steamed green beans, and diced tomatoes or any sides you enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy this rich, buttery, tangy chicken dish that’s super easy to make and full of flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be aware that it may take a little longer to cook. Ensure you cook it on low for 8-9 hours for the best results to allow thorough cooking.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before, place it in the crock pot, and set it to start cooking in the morning. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to cook!
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist if necessary.
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Seasoning Mix?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning on hand, you can create a homemade mix using equal parts dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This works well to replicate the flavor!