Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is a delightful dish that is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. This recipe centers around tender chicken breasts that soak up the rich tastes of ranch dressing and au jus gravy, enhanced with the subtle heat from pepperoncini peppers. Cooking it in a Crock Pot ensures that every ingredient melds beautifully, allowing the chicken to cook slowly until it is perfectly tender and shred-able. This dish has quickly become a family favorite and is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe
There are countless reasons to love this Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken recipe. First and foremost is its simplicity; it requires minimal preparation and is virtually hands-off while cooking. The combination of ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy creates a savory sauce that is utterly delicious. You can customize the spice level by adding more or fewer pepperoncini peppers. Plus, the shredded chicken makes it versatile for various meals—served over rice, pasta, or even alongside mashed potatoes. It’s a one-pot wonder that delivers both convenience and mouthwatering flavors, making it a staple in many households.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers
- Salt and pepper to taste
These simple ingredients come together effortlessly, turning everyday chicken into a rich, flavorful dish. Each component plays a crucial role, from the savory ranch mix to the buttery richness and the tangy kick from the peppers, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
How to Make Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Directions
Making Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is as straightforward as it gets, making it perfect for any home cook.
- Start by placing the four boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your Crock Pot. Lay them flat at the bottom for even cooking.
- Next, sprinkle the ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken. This will infuse the meat with a creamy, savory flavor that sets the backbone for the dish.
- After that, add the packet of au jus gravy mix. This adds depth and richness, creating a wonderful sauce as the chicken cooks.
- Then, place half a cup of unsalted butter on top of the chicken and mix-ins. The butter will melt during cooking, creating a luxurious sauce that will keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Add the pepperoncini peppers on top, distributing them evenly. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the number of peppers or omit them entirely.
- Cover the Crock Pot and turn the heat to low for about 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 3-4 hours will work as well. During this time, the chicken will become fork-tender and infused with flavor.
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the Crock Pot. Mix it well with the sauce to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Serve the shredded chicken over your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. It’s a comforting meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
How to Serve Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
When it comes to serving your Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken, the possibilities are seemingly endless. You can serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the delicious gravy to soak into the potatoes for a comforting dinner. Alternatively, try serving it over a bed of fluffy rice, which absorbs all the tasty juices and gives you that perfect bite. Pasta is another fantastic option—mix in some noodles for a delightful twist and create a filling meal.
Don’t forget about garnishes! A sprinkle of fresh parsley can add a bright touch, or you can serve it with a side of steamed vegetables for a pop of color and nutrition. This dish is not only comforting but also flexible, meaning you can adapt it based on your family’s preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
To ensure that your Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the tastier the final dish. Look for good-quality ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix for the best flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Depending on your taste, you can increase or decrease the amount of pepperoncini peppers. If you’re unsure, start with a smaller quantity and add more if you like the heat.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Crock Pot: Make sure there’s enough space for the chicken to cook and the ingredients to meld properly. If you’re making a double batch, consider using a larger Crock Pot.
- Cook Evenly: Ensure the chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking. If you have larger pieces, cut them in half for consistent results.
- Leftover Gravy: Save any leftover gravy to use as a sauce for future meals or drizzle over vegetables for added flavor.
How to Store Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
Storing your Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is easy and will help keep meals ready to go for the week. First, allow the chicken to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Place the shredded chicken and gravy in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it can last for about 2-3 months. When you are ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variation of Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
Just because you have a favorite recipe doesn’t mean you can’t experiment! There are numerous ways to give your Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken a twist:
- Add Vegetables: For a more balanced meal, consider adding vegetables like chopped carrots, potatoes, or even corn to the crock pot. They’ll cook down while the chicken is becoming tender.
- Creamy Version: For a richer sauce, stir in some cream cheese or sour cream toward the end of cooking. This will give the gravy a creamier texture.
- BBQ Twist: Swap the ranch dressing mix for your favorite barbecue seasoning for a completely different flavor profile.
- Spicier Kick: If you enjoy more heat, incorporate some sliced jalapeños along with the pepperoncini peppers.
- Taco Style: Use taco seasoning in place of the ranch mix and serve the shredded chicken in tortillas for delicious tacos.
FAQ
What is Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken?
Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is a slow-cooked dish made with chicken breasts, ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers, all of which create a flavorful sauce.
How long does it take to cook Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken?
You can cook Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, ensuring the chicken is tender and easily shred-able.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to add an extra hour to the cooking time when using the low setting.
What can I serve with Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken?
This dish is versatile! You can serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. It also pairs well with steamed vegetables or a green salad.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months.
Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Ensure they are of similar size for even cooking.
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix Use high-quality for best flavor.
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix Look for a good brand for more depth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter Creates a luxurious sauce.
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers Adjust to taste for spice level.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the Crock Pot, laying them flat for even cooking.
- Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken to infuse with flavor.
- Add the au jus gravy mix for depth and richness in the sauce.
- Place the unsalted butter on top of the chicken and seasonings to melt during cooking.
- Add the pepperoncini peppers and distribute evenly.
Cooking
- Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken in the Crock Pot using two forks, mixing it well with the sauce.
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