Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines the perfect blend of tangy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. This recipe is a variation of the popular Mississippi Pot Roast but uses chicken for a lighter version. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for an easy dinner solution or simply someone who enjoys the convenience of slow-cooked meals, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
In this article, we’ll guide you through every aspect of this recipe, from its ingredients to preparation and cooking methods. We’ll also answer common questions you may have about the dish and provide tips for serving and storing it. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
To make this flavorful Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken, you’ll need a handful of basic ingredients, all of which combine to create a delicious meal that’s juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish. Chicken breasts become tender and easily shreddable after slow cooking.
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix: This provides the dish with its herby, tangy flavor.
- 1 packet of au jus gravy mix: Adds a deep, savory richness to the chicken and sauce.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: The butter melts and mixes with the other ingredients to create a rich, flavorful sauce.
- 6-8 pepperoncini peppers: These peppers provide a tangy, slightly spicy kick without overwhelming the dish.
- 1/4 cup of pepperoncini juice: Adds additional tangy flavor, balancing the richness of the butter and seasoning.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Preparation Method:
This recipe is incredibly simple, making it perfect for busy days when you want to set it and forget it. With just a few minutes of prep time, your slow cooker will do all the work!
Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker
Start by preparing your slow cooker. Spray the bottom and sides with non-stick cooking spray or line it with a slow cooker liner to make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken Breasts
Place the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer. There’s no need to cut or season them yet, as the seasonings will be added on top.
Step 3: Add Seasoning
Sprinkle the contents of 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix and 1 packet of au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken breasts. These seasonings will infuse the chicken with savory, tangy flavors as it cooks.
Step 4: Add Butter and Peppers
Cut 1/2 cup of unsalted butter into smaller pieces and distribute them over the top of the chicken breasts. Place 6-8 pepperoncini peppers on top of the chicken and butter. For an extra kick, pour 1/4 cup of pepperoncini juice from the jar over everything.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Set your slow cooker to low and cook the chicken for 6-8 hours, or cook on high for 4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Step 6: Shred and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the buttery, flavorful sauce that’s formed during cooking. Serve the Mississippi Chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or inside sandwich rolls for a satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to stay even juicier than chicken breasts. The cooking time remains the same.
What is au jus gravy mix, and where can I find it?
Au jus gravy mix is a powdered seasoning that creates a rich, beefy sauce when mixed with liquid. You can find it in the soup or gravy aisle of most grocery stores. It’s essential for giving the Mississippi Chicken its savory depth of flavor.
How spicy are the pepperoncini peppers?
Pepperoncini peppers are mild in terms of heat, offering more tanginess than spiciness. If you enjoy spicier food, you can add extra peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the dish.
Can I make Mississippi Chicken in advance?
Yes! Mississippi Chicken is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can prepare it the day before and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked and shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! If you have a larger slow cooker, you can easily double the ingredients to feed a crowd or to have leftovers for later. Just make sure not to overfill the slow cooker, as this could affect the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions for Mississippi Chicken
One of the best things about Mississippi Chicken is its versatility. Here are a few ways you can serve this dish:
- Over Rice: The rich, buttery sauce pairs perfectly with fluffy white or brown rice.
- On Mashed Potatoes: Serve the shredded chicken on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty, comforting meal.
- In Sandwich Rolls: Pile the chicken onto soft rolls or buns for a quick and easy sandwich. Add a slice of cheese for extra flavor!
- With Vegetables: Serve the chicken alongside roasted or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
No matter how you serve it, Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken is sure to please.
Variations of Mississippi Chicken
While the classic version of this recipe is delicious, you can also try some of these variations to suit your taste or dietary preferences:
- Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken: Skip the mashed potatoes or rice and serve the chicken with a low-carb side like cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.
- Spicy Mississippi Chicken: Add more pepperoncini peppers, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the dish some extra heat.
- Mississippi Chicken Casserole: After shredding the chicken, mix it with cooked rice or noodles, pour it into a casserole dish, and bake for 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken is the perfect meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Its rich, savory flavor comes from a few simple ingredients, and it’s incredibly easy to make with minimal prep work. Whether you serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or in sandwiches, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.