There’s something magic about opening the door after a long day and smelling butter, tangy pepperoncini, and slow-cooked chicken that’s been falling apart in the crockpot all afternoon. Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is that kind of dinner ridiculously easy, absurdly flavorful, and the kind of meal that makes everyone quiet at the table because they’re too busy eating.
I first made this back in 2014 when my youngest had swim practice three nights a week and I needed something foolproof. The ranch seasoning and au jus mix do most of the heavy lifting, but it’s the stick of butter and jar of peppers that turn plain chicken breasts into something your family will ask for on repeat. After testing it probably twenty times over the years, I can tell you the secret is resisting the urge to stir just let it do its thing.
PrintEasy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Recipe You Must Try
Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is a simple and flavorful slow cooker meal that requires minimal prep and yields tender, juicy chicken. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners and uses classic ingredients like ranch seasoning and pepperoncini peppers.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: Servings 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
- 6 peperoncini peppers
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts evenly at the base of the slow cooker.
- Evenly distribute the au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix over the chicken.
- Dot the chicken with the stick of salted butter and arrange the peperoncini peppers on top.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook for 6 to 8 hours on low heat.
- After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken before serving.
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions
- Chicken thighs can be a very affordable option
- If I use chicken thighs then I’ll usually cut the butter in half just because there is more fat in chicken thighs
Nutrition
- Calories: 410kcal
- Sodium: 772mg
- Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 48g
Why You’ll Fall For This Recipe
This is the dinner I turn to when life gets loud and the calendar looks like a Tetris game. Five ingredients. Zero browning or sautéing. You dump everything in the crockpot before breakfast and come home to chicken so tender it shreds with a spoon.
What makes it unforgettable isn’t just the ease it’s that tangy-buttery sauce that forms while you’re away, thanks to the pepperoncini peppers mingling with ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix. My daughters request this more than tacos, and that’s saying something.
- Minimal prep: Literally five minutes of work, no chopping required
- Big flavor payoff: The butter melts into the seasonings and peppers, creating a rich, peppery gravy
- Weeknight hero: Perfect for swim practice nights, book club hosting, or when you just need a win
What Goes Into the Pot
Here’s what I love about Crockpot Mississippi Chicken every ingredient pulls its weight, and you probably have most of them in the pantry already.
| Ingredient | What It Does | Swap Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | Tender base that soaks up all the flavor | Chicken thighs (cut butter to ¼ cup) |
| Ranch dressing mix | Adds creamy, herby tang | Use homemade ranch blend if preferred |
| Au jus gravy mix | Gives savory depth and richness | Low-sodium option works great |
| Salted butter | Creates that silky, luscious sauce | Unsalted butter + pinch of salt |
| Pepperoncini peppers | Bright, tangy kick (not spicy!) | Banana peppers in a pinch |
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the pepperoncini. They’re mild and tangy, not hot they’re what makes the sauce sing.
How It All Comes Together
The beauty of this recipe is the order seasoning first, butter and peppers on top. As everything cooks, the butter melts down through the seasonings, and the chicken releases its own juices to create a gravy you’ll want to spoon over everything.
You don’t need to add broth or water. The chicken breasts will stay moist and tender as long as you resist the urge to peek or stir. Just set it, walk away, and let the slow cooker work its magic for 6 to 8 hours on low.
Note: If you’re home, give it a gentle shred with two forks around the 6-hour mark. It should fall apart easily that’s how you know it’s ready.
Timing and Cook Options
| Method | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Low (recommended) | 6–8 hours | Workday dinners, maximum tenderness |
| High | 3–4 hours | Shorter days, still juicy |
| Chicken thighs | 6–7 hours low | Extra flavor, reduce butter to ¼ cup |
Serving and Storing Like a Pro
I serve this over mashed potatoes so they soak up that buttery, tangy sauce, but it’s also amazing with rice, egg noodles, or piled onto a toasted hoagie roll. My youngest likes to add a little shredded cheddar on top not traditional, but it works.
Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth to bring the sauce back to life. You can also freeze it in portions for up to three months just thaw overnight and warm through.
| Storage | Duration | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 4 days | Store in airtight container with sauce |
| Freezer | 3 months | Portion into freezer bags, remove air |
| Reheating | Stovetop or microwave, add splash of liquid |
Pro Tip: Save a few pepperoncini peppers to chop and sprinkle on top when you serve adds a fresh pop of flavor and looks pretty too.
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FAQs ( Crockpot Mississippi Chicken )
How long should I cook this recipe?
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken shreds easily with a fork. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld perfectly. Check at the minimum time to prevent overcooking.
Can I use frozen chicken for this dish?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs directly in the slow cooker. Add an extra hour to the cooking time on low heat. The chicken will cook safely and thoroughly, though fresh chicken gives slightly better texture.
What makes this meal taste so tangy?
The tangy flavor comes from pepperoncini peppers and their juice, which creates the signature taste. Ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix add savory depth. The butter mellows everything into a rich, flavorful sauce.
Should I drain the pepperoncini juice?
Never drain the pepperoncini juice – it’s essential for the authentic flavor! Use about 1/4 cup of the juice along with the peppers themselves. This liquid creates the characteristic tangy taste that makes the dish special.
What are the best side dishes to serve?
Serve over white rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. Steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli balance the rich flavors perfectly. Crusty bread also works great for dipping.
Welcome This Recipe Into Your Weekly Rotation
You’ll love how this Crockpot Mississippi Chicken turns out fork-tender, buttery, and tangy enough to make everyone pause mid-bite. Six hours in the slow cooker and you’ve got a dinner that tastes like you fussed, even though you absolutely didn’t. It’s the kind of meal that earns you compliments without breaking a sweat.
Here’s a trick I learned from trial and error: if you want a thicker sauce, shred the chicken then let it sit on warm for another twenty minutes uncovered. Try it over garlic mashed potatoes, tossed with pasta, or tucked into slider buns with pickles. Leftovers freeze beautifully just reheat gently with a splash of broth and it tastes like you just made it fresh.
I’d love to know how this turns out in your kitchen did your family devour it like mine does? Snap a photo, share your favorite way to serve it, or tell me if this becomes your new weeknight standby. Save this one for a busy week when you need comfort without the chaos. Here’s to dinners that feel like a hug.
