Easy Mississippi Chicken
Hola! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls in love with slow-cooked comfort food, Mississippi Chicken is proof. This crockpot chicken recipe is the kind of meal you throw together in minutes and come back to later, greeted by irresistible aromas that make the whole house feel cozy.
With just five simple ingredients, this recipe transforms plain chicken breasts into juicy, flavorful shredded chicken that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
I’ve tested it countless times in my Orlando kitchen, and every bite feels like a hug at the dinner table. Mississippi Chicken is the definition of an easy crockpot dinner recipe.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Cuisine | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 4 hours | 4 hrs 5 mins | 6 | Easy | American | All year |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal effort: Just dump the ingredients in your crockpot, set it, and walk away. Dinner practically makes itself.
- Incredible flavor: Ranch, au jus, butter, and peppers combine to make the chicken rich, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Family-friendly: This dish has a balanced flavor that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a weeknight winner.
- Versatile serving options: Pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even stuff it in sandwiches for variety.
- Meal prep friendly: Mississippi Chicken stores and reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers or next-day lunches.
Mississippi Chicken in the Crockpot
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Mississippi Chicken is a simple, flavorful crockpot recipe made with just five ingredients. Perfect over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice, it’s a dump-and-go dinner you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 oz packet dry ranch dressing mix
- 1 oz packet dry au jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 5–6 jarred peperoncini peppers
Instructions
1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle both the ranch dressing mix and the packet of au jus gravy mix on top of the chicken.
3. Place the stick of butter on top, followed by the peperoncini peppers.
4. Cook on high heat for up to four hours or low heat for 6–8 hours.
5. Shred the cooked chicken with two forks and mix well.
6. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Notes
You can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for breasts.
Use banana peppers in place of peperoncini if needed.
Brown gravy mix can replace the au jus.
Stove top option: Simmer with 1 cup chicken broth for 4 hours, then shred.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 324
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 551mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 137mg
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 oz packet dry ranch dressing mix
- 1 oz packet dry au jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 5–6 jarred peperoncini peppers
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | Use fresh or thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor. |
| Ranch mix | Stick to dry seasoning packets, not liquid ranch dressing. Ranch dip mix works as a substitute. |
| Au jus mix | If unavailable, brown gravy mix can be used for a slightly deeper flavor. |
| Butter | Unsalted is best to control sodium, but salted butter can work if you prefer extra richness. |
| Peperoncini | Swap with banana peppers for a mild variation. Keep the brine for extra tang if you like it saucy. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the crockpot: Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker to prevent sticking.
- Layer the chicken: Place chicken breasts in an even layer on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Season generously: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken for maximum flavor.
- Add butter and peppers: Place the stick of butter on top of the chicken, then arrange the peperoncini peppers around it.
- Slow cook to perfection: Cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 6–8 hours. The chicken should be fork-tender.
- Shred and stir: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it with the buttery, tangy sauce.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, or stuff it inside sandwich buns for a hearty meal.
Helpful Tips
- Use a slow cooker liner for quick cleanup.
- Don’t skip the butter, as it helps create the sauce’s signature richness.
- Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer peppers depending on your spice tolerance.
- If your chicken seems dry, add 1/4 cup chicken broth to the crockpot before cooking.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Even cooking: Make sure the chicken pieces are similar in size to cook evenly.
- Keep the lid closed: Avoid lifting the lid too often, since it releases heat and slows cooking time.
- Rest before shredding: Let the chicken sit for 5 minutes before shredding, so it absorbs more juices.
- Double batch option: This recipe doubles easily, just ensure your crockpot is large enough.
Recipe Variations
- Mississippi Chicken with Thighs: Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, richer dish.
- Spicy Mississippi Chicken: Add extra peperoncini brine or sliced jalapeños for more heat.
- Cheesy Mississippi Chicken: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella before serving for a creamy twist.
- Mississippi Chicken Sandwiches: Pile shredded chicken onto toasted buns and top with melted provolone for an easy lunch.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
Mississippi Chicken is perfect for prepping in advance. Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mississippi Chicken over fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or steamed white rice. For a rustic presentation, keep it family-style in the crockpot and let everyone help themselves. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color.
Pairing Ideas
Pair this dish with roasted green beans or a simple side salad for freshness. For drinks, iced tea or lemonade balances the richness, while a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully. Garlic bread also makes a comforting side.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce. For a quicker option, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but thawing first is recommended for even cooking. If cooking from frozen, increase cook time by 1–2 hours.
What if I don’t have au jus mix? Brown gravy mix makes a good substitute, offering a slightly different flavor but still delicious.
Is this recipe spicy? No, it’s mild. The peperoncini add tang rather than heat, making it kid-friendly.
Can I make it without butter? Butter adds richness, but you can use olive oil for a lighter version. The flavor will be slightly different.
How do I thicken the sauce? After shredding, remove the chicken and whisk in a cornstarch slurry. Return the chicken once thickened.
Can I make this on the stovetop? Yes, simmer all ingredients with 1 cup chicken broth in a covered pot for about 4 hours.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely. Thighs will be more tender and flavorful, though slightly higher in fat.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | 324 | 32g | 3g | 19g | 1g | 1g |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
Mississippi Chicken is the ultimate easy crockpot dinner recipe, packed with flavor and perfect for busy nights. With only five ingredients and endless serving options, it’s bound to become a family favorite in your home too. Try it once, and you’ll keep coming back for more.
