Slow-Cooked Mississippi Chicken

This crockpot Mississippi chicken transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort. The magic happens when savory seasonings and butter melt together in the slow cooker, creating a rich sauce that infuses every bite of tender chicken.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic month when I needed reliable dinner solutions. My family now requests it at least twice a month, and guests always ask for the recipe when I serve it at gatherings.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts. Choose plump chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking
• 1 packet au jus gravy mix. This creates the savory backbone of flavor
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix. The herbs and tanginess balance the richness perfectly
• ½ cup salted butter. Creates an incredible silky texture in the sauce
• 6 peperoncini peppers. Adds mild heat and brightness that cuts through the richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Base

Place the chicken breasts in a single layer across the bottom of your slow cooker. Arranging them evenly ensures they all cook at the same rate and absorb flavors uniformly.

Season The Chicken

Sprinkle both the au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix evenly over all the chicken pieces. Make sure to distribute the seasoning so that each piece gets adequate coverage for consistent flavor throughout.

Add Richness

Place the entire stick of butter in the center of the slow cooker on top of the seasoned chicken. The butter will slowly melt during cooking, creating a luxurious sauce that infuses the meat.

Incorporate Brightness

Arrange the peperoncini peppers around the chicken. These peppers add a subtle tangy heat that balances the richness of the butter and seasonings while creating depth of flavor.

Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours until the chicken becomes incredibly tender. The low and slow method allows the flavors to develop fully while keeping the chicken moist.

Finish The Dish

Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the shredded meat is coated with the flavorful sauce before serving.

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The first time I made this Mississippi chicken my husband declared it our new favorite comfort food. The peperoncini peppers are actually my secret favorite ingredient here. They might seem unusual but they add just the right amount of brightness to balance the rich buttery sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This Mississippi chicken shines when served in several different ways. Pile it onto toasted brioche buns for incredible sandwiches topped with provolone cheese. For a heartier meal spoon it over mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles where the sauce becomes a gravy. It also works beautifully over rice or even stuffed into baked potatoes for a complete meal.

Ingredient Swaps

While this recipe is perfect as written you can make adjustments based on what you have. Boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay even more moist though you might want to reduce the butter to 4 tablespoons. If you cannot find au jus gravy mix substitute onion soup mix for a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile. For those sensitive to spice jarred banana peppers make a milder alternative to the peperoncini.

Make Ahead and Storage

Mississippi chicken is even better the next day after the flavors have had time to marry. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze portion the cooled chicken into freezer bags removing as much air as possible before sealing. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work excellently in this dish and many people prefer their richer flavor and moistness. If using thighs, consider reducing the butter to 1/4 cup since thighs have more natural fat.

→ Do I need to add water or broth to the crockpot?

No additional liquid is necessary. The chicken will release its own juices as it cooks, and combined with the melting butter, will create plenty of delicious sauce.

→ What can I serve with Mississippi chicken?

This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, add a simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli or a side salad.

→ Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?

Yes, this chicken freezes exceptionally well. Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently for best results.

→ How spicy is this dish with the peperoncini peppers?

The dish has a very mild tang rather than actual heat. Peperoncini peppers are quite mild (only 100-500 Scoville units) and contribute a subtle flavor dimension without making the dish spicy.

→ Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead?

Absolutely! Use the pressure cook setting for 15 minutes with a 10-minute natural release for chicken breasts. The ingredients remain the same, though you might want to add 1/4 cup chicken broth to help the pot come to pressure.