This Mississippi Chicken Crock Pot recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone seeking a profoundly tender, incredibly juicy, and utterly scrumptious meal with minimal effort. Inspired by the legendary Mississippi Pot Roast, this chicken version brings all the same beloved flavors to your slow cooker, creating a dish that’s rich, savory, and surprisingly simple to prepare. By slow cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a blend of ranch seasoning, chicken gravy mix, zesty pepperoncini, and a touch of butter, you achieve a meal that effortlessly falls apart and bursts with flavor.
Whether you’re serving it piled high on a toasted bun, nestled over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, tossed with your favorite noodles, or alongside fluffy rice, this Mississippi Chicken is versatile enough for any occasion. It’s the perfect answer to busy weeknights, offering a comforting, hearty meal that practically cooks itself, allowing you more time to enjoy with family and friends.
Mississippi Chicken Crock Pot Recipe: The Epitome of Easy Comfort Food
There’s so much to adore about the Mississippi Chicken Crock Pot recipe. Is it the unbelievably tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken? Or perhaps the burst of savory, tangy, and subtly spicy flavors that dance on your palate? For many, the true magic lies in its astonishing simplicity. This recipe redefines “dump-and-go” cooking. You gather just five readily available ingredients from your local grocery store, combine them in your trusty slow cooker, and let the appliance work its culinary wonders. While the chicken slowly simmers to perfection, you’re free to tackle your daily tasks, relax, or simply anticipate a phenomenal meal.
The beauty of this dish extends beyond its effortless preparation to its incredible versatility. Imagine succulent, shredded Mississippi Chicken served on a soft hamburger bun, perhaps topped with a slice of melted provolone or Swiss cheese, creating a delightful sandwich that makes for an ideal lunch or light dinner. For a more substantial weeknight feast, spoon it generously over creamy mashed potatoes, tender egg noodles, or fluffy white rice. Each option provides a comforting base that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the chicken, ensuring a satisfying meal that the whole family will appreciate.
When it comes to side dishes, lean into classic comfort food pairings. Think rich and gooey Mac and Cheese, decadent Cheesy Potatoes, perfectly baked potatoes, or even sweet and creamy Creamed Corn. A crisp green salad or some steamed green beans can also offer a refreshing contrast to the hearty main course. If you’re a fan of the slow cooker, this Mississippi Chicken will undoubtedly earn a permanent spot in your rotation of best crockpot chicken recipes. And for those who love a twist, you might even consider adapting the flavors for a Mexican-inspired version, showing just how adaptable this concept truly is.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Mississippi Chicken Recipe
- Unbeatable Tenderness: The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy, shredding easily with just two forks. Every bite is soft and succulent.
- Effortless Preparation: With just five ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy individuals and families. Simply “dump” the ingredients and let your slow cooker do the rest.
- Rich, Complex Flavor: The combination of ranch seasoning, gravy mix, pepperoncini, and butter creates a unique savory, tangy, and subtly spicy profile that’s both comforting and exciting.
- Incredibly Versatile: Enjoy it as a hearty sandwich, over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. It’s a dish that adapts to your cravings and pantry staples.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is a guaranteed hit with both adults and children, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings.
- Minimal Cleanup: Since everything cooks in one pot, cleanup is a breeze, saving you precious time after a delicious meal.
The 5 Essential Ingredients for Your Mississippi Chicken
The beauty of this Mississippi Chicken recipe lies in its minimalist yet impactful ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s signature flavor and texture:
- Chicken Breast: You’ll need approximately 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which usually equates to about 2 pounds. These cook down to be incredibly tender and easy to shred. If you prefer, boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even chicken tenders can be substituted for a slightly richer flavor and similar cooking time. While you can use fresh or frozen chicken breasts, we highly recommend thawing frozen chicken first to ensure even cooking and food safety. Thawing prevents excess water from diluting the rich flavors of the other ingredients and helps maintain the desired texture.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: A packet of dry Ranch Seasoning Mix is a cornerstone of this recipe, infusing the chicken with its iconic blend of herbs and spices, including dill, parsley, chives, garlic, and onion. This seasoning mix adds a tremendous amount of savory depth and a slightly tangy note that complements the other ingredients perfectly. For those who prefer to make things from scratch or control sodium levels, a homemade ranch dressing mix works wonderfully and allows for customization. The dry mix is ideal for crockpot cooking as it dissolves into the cooking juices, coating the chicken with flavor as it slowly simmers.
- Chicken Gravy Mix: Found typically in the spice or baking aisle of your grocery store, chicken gravy mix contributes a robust, umami richness and helps to create a luscious, thick sauce. This component ensures that the chicken remains incredibly moist and coated in a flavorful gravy. You can also successfully substitute turkey gravy mix or an au jus sauce mix for a slightly different, but equally delicious, flavor profile. The key is to use a dry mix that will meld with the other ingredients as it cooks.
- Pepperoncinis: These small, mild, and vibrant green Italian chili peppers are a non-negotiable ingredient for authentic Mississippi Chicken. They add a distinctive tangy, slightly briny, and subtly spicy kick that brightens the entire dish and cuts through the richness of the butter and gravy. Don’t worry about them making the dish overly hot; they provide more flavor than intense heat. If you absolutely cannot find pepperoncinis, banana peppers are the best substitute, offering a similar mild tanginess. Include a few tablespoons of the pepperoncini brine from the jar for an extra layer of flavor.
- Butter: A few tablespoons of butter are essential for adding luxurious richness and a silky texture to the sauce. It melts down slowly, basting the chicken and enhancing the overall mouthfeel of the dish. You can use either salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference and how much sodium you wish to add, but remember that the ranch and gravy mixes often contain salt, so unsalted butter gives you more control.
How to Make Mississippi Chicken
Making Mississippi Chicken in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Here’s how you can achieve this delicious meal:
- Prepare the Crock Pot. Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 2 pounds) evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker. Ensure they are arranged in a single layer if possible, or stacked without overcrowding, to allow for even cooking.
- Add the Seasonings. Sprinkle the entire packet of ranch seasoning mix and the packet of chicken gravy mix over the chicken breasts. Make sure to distribute the seasoning as evenly as possible, covering all sides of the chicken. A light rub can help ensure the flavors adhere well.
- Top with Pepperoncini and Butter. Distribute the 5 medium pepperoncini peppers over the chicken. For an extra layer of tangy flavor, you can also pour in about 2-3 tablespoons of the brine from the pepperoncini jar. Then, place the 3 tablespoons of butter (either whole or cut into a few pieces) directly on top of the chicken and seasonings. The butter will melt and meld beautifully with the other ingredients as it cooks.
- Cook. Secure the lid tightly on your slow cooker. Cook the chicken on the HIGH setting for approximately 4 hours, or on the LOW setting for 6-7 hours. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker’s model and the thickness of your chicken breasts. The chicken is ready when it is fork-tender and easily shreddable.
- Shred and Serve. Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked and easily shreds, carefully remove it from the crockpot and transfer it to a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into desired pieces. This process should be very easy due to the tenderness achieved from slow cooking. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, allowing it to soak up all the delicious, rich sauce. Stir well to coat all the chicken. Serve immediately as desired, perhaps over mashed potatoes, rice, or on a bun. Enjoy your homemade Mississippi Chicken!
Tips for the Perfect Mississippi Chicken Every Time
- Don’t Add Extra Liquid: Resist the urge to add water or broth to the crockpot. The chicken releases its own juices, and the butter and pepperoncini brine provide enough moisture to create a rich, flavorful sauce without diluting the intensity.
- Thaw Your Chicken: While technically you can cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker, it’s best to thaw it first for food safety and optimal results. Thawed chicken ensures even cooking and better absorption of flavors.
- Use Good Quality Ingredients: Since there are only a few ingredients, the quality of each really shines through. A good quality butter and fresh chicken breasts will make a noticeable difference.
- Adjust Pepperoncini to Taste: If you love a stronger tangy and slightly spicier kick, feel free to add a few more pepperoncinis or even a splash more of the brine. If you prefer it milder, stick to the recommended amount.
- Shredding Techniques: While two forks work perfectly, for a large batch, you can use a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed to shred the cooked chicken quickly and effortlessly. Just be careful not to over-shred it into a paste.
- Seasoning Balance: Taste the sauce after shredding the chicken and adjust seasonings if necessary. Given the ranch and gravy mixes are savory, you might not need much, if any, additional salt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! The Instant Pot is a fantastic alternative for a quicker cooking time. Add all the ingredients as directed for the slow cooker version to your Instant Pot. Seal the lid and set it to “Pressure Cook/Manual” for 8 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow it to “Natural Release” for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a Quick Release of any remaining pressure. Shred the chicken and stir it back into the flavorful sauce before serving.
Our go-to method for perfectly shredded chicken is using two forks. Simply hold the chicken with one fork and pull it apart with the other. This gives you nice, rustic shreds. If you’re dealing with a large quantity and don’t mind getting a little messy, using your hands (once the chicken has cooled slightly) is often the easiest and most effective way to get perfectly textured shredded chicken. Alternatively, for speed, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed can shred chicken in seconds.
Mississippi Chicken is a variation of the hugely popular Mississippi Pot Roast, which gained notoriety after a recipe created by a woman named Robin Chapman from Ripley, Mississippi, went viral in the early 2000s. She wanted to simplify her aunt’s traditional pot roast recipe, making it easier to prepare and slightly less spicy, replacing some ingredients with a packet of ranch seasoning and pepperoncinis. The chicken version adapts this beloved flavor profile to poultry, maintaining the ease and deliciousness that made the original so famous.
Yes, absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute for chicken breasts in this recipe. They tend to be even juicier and more forgiving if cooked slightly longer. The cooking time should remain similar, but always ensure the chicken is fork-tender before shredding.
If you prefer a spicier kick, you can certainly adjust the heat. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker, or include a few slices of jalapeño or serrano peppers along with the pepperoncinis. You can also serve the finished dish with a drizzle of hot sauce.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
Making a batch of Mississippi Chicken is excellent for meal prep or for enjoying delicious leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Refrigerator: Once your Mississippi Chicken has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze Mississippi Chicken. After it has cooled entirely, place it in an airtight freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
- Reheating: If frozen, transfer the container to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. To reheat in the microwave, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and warm on high for approximately 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until heated through. For oven reheating, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it tightly with foil to retain moisture, and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed.
- Leftovers: Reinvent Your Meal! Don’t let delicious leftovers go to waste. Repurpose your Mississippi Chicken into exciting new meals. It’s fantastic for making Chicken Tacos, savory Chicken Quesadillas, crispy Taquitos, or a hearty Burrito Bowl. You can also use it to top salads, make sliders, or incorporate it into a delicious soup or stew.
Mississippi Chicken Crockpot Recipe
The Carefree Kitchen
Pin
10 mins
6 hrs
6 hrs 10 mins
6
people
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- 1 1-ounce package ranch seasoning mix, (or 1½ tablespoons)
- 1 0.87-ounce package chicken gravy mix
- 5 medium pepperoncini
- 3 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a crockpot and add the ranch dressing mix and gravy mix, making sure it covers all sides of the chicken. Place the pepperoncini and butter on top of the chicken, then cover with a lid.
- Cook chicken on high for about 4 hours, or on low for 6-7 hours. Once chicken is easily shreddable, remove it from the crockpot and put into a bowl.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken and then return it to the crockpot to use as desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Reheating: if frozen, transfer to the fridge overnight to thaw. To reheat in the microwave, warm on high for about 2-3 minutes. Or, place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and reheat in a 350 degree oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Leftovers: Use leftovers to make tacos, quesadillas, taquitos, or a burrito bowl.
Nutrition
Calories:
184
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
1
g
|
Protein:
24
g
|
Fat:
9
g
|
Saturated Fat:
4
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
2
g
|
Trans Fat:
1
g
|
Cholesterol:
88
mg
|
Sodium:
196
mg
|
Potassium:
424
mg
|
Fiber:
1
g
|
Sugar:
1
g
|
Vitamin A:
212
IU
|
Vitamin C:
1
mg
|
Calcium:
10
mg
|
Iron:
1
mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
Main Course
American
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Explore More Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of slow cooker chicken, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of effortless recipes waiting to transform your dinner routine. Here are some more fantastic slow cooker chicken recipes from our collection that are just as simple and satisfying as this Mississippi Chicken:
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- Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken: Sweet and savory, great over rice.
- Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas: Flavorful and ready for a fiesta.
- White Chicken Chili: A comforting, lighter chili option.
- Crockpot Ranch Chicken: Another simple, flavor-packed dish using ranch.
- Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken: Zesty and vibrant, ideal for tacos.
- Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie: All the comfort of pie, without the fuss.
- Discover more of our Best Chicken Recipes for every occasion.
- Browse our full collection of Crock Pot Recipes for more slow cooking inspiration.
This Mississippi Chicken slow cooker recipe truly embodies the spirit of easy, hearty cooking. Its tender, juicy, and scrumptious chicken, infused with a unique blend of savory and tangy flavors, makes it perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or on a simple bun. It’s a true “dump-and-go” recipe that requires minimal effort, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you crave a comforting, home-cooked meal without the stress. Give it a try, and discover your new favorite slow cooker sensation!