Crockpot Mississippi Chicken
π Introduction
Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is a rich, tangy, and savory shredded chicken dish that has taken comfort food to a new level of simplicity and flavor. Made with a handful of ingredients and cooked low and slow, this Southern-inspired meal practically makes itself. Whether piled onto buns, served over mashed potatoes, or spooned onto rice, itβs hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy.
π Origin and Cultural Significance
The Mississippi-style dish gained popularity alongside its cousin, Mississippi Pot Roast, a viral recipe that originated from a home cook in the South. Both dishes share a flavor profile: tangy pepperoncini, a ranch seasoning packet, and a savory au jus or gravy mix. This slow-cooked style aligns perfectly with Southern hospitality and the culture of βset it and forget itβ meals that work well for busy families or Sunday dinners. Crockpot Mississippi Chicken adapts this beloved method to chicken, making it a lighter yet equally tasty alternative.
π§ Ingredients Quantity
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (or brown gravy mix)
- 6β8 pepperoncini peppers (plus a splash of juice, about 2 tbsp)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chicken broth (for more sauce or moisture)
π³ Optional Additions
- Cream cheese (add at the end for a creamier texture)
- Chopped onions or garlic (for more aromatic depth)
- Red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Shredded cheddar or provolone cheese (if making sandwiches)
- Potatoes or baby carrots (added into the crockpot to cook alongside)
β Tips for Success
- Use thighs if you prefer juicier meat β theyβre more forgiving and shred beautifully.
- Do not over-salt β the seasoning packets and butter already provide plenty.
- Shred and let it sit in the juices for 15β20 minutes before serving to soak up flavor.
- Low and slow is best β cook on LOW for 6β7 hours for the most tender results.
- Double the recipe for meal prep β it freezes well!
π Instructions
- Place chicken in the bottom of a crockpot.
- Sprinkle ranch mix and au jus mix evenly over the chicken.
- Top with pepperoncini peppers and dot with butter slices.
- Optional: Add a splash of pepperoncini juice or chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6β7 hours or HIGH for 3.5β4 hours.
- Shred chicken with two forks directly in the crockpot and stir to combine with the juices.
- Serve hot on buns, over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or as a low-carb bowl.
π Description
This dish is the epitome of juicy, tangy, melt-in-your-mouth comfort. The combination of buttery richness, zesty ranch herbs, savory gravy flavor, and the briny kick of pepperoncinis creates a crave-worthy balance. Each bite is tender and bold, with a Southern soul food essence thatβs hard to resist.
π§Ύ Nutritional Information (approximate per serving, assuming 6 servings)
- Calories: 365
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: <1g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fiber: 0g
π¬ Conclusion
Crockpot Mississippi Chicken is more than just a simple dump-and-go meal β it’s a flavorful, Southern-inspired dish that brings comfort, ease, and satisfaction to the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just meal prepping for the week, it never disappoints.
βοΈ Recommendation
Serve it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
- Toasted sandwich rolls with melty cheese
π± Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This dish proves that indulgence and healthfulness can go hand in hand. By using lean chicken breasts and customizing the amount of butter or seasoning, you can control the richness while still enjoying the bold flavors. Opting for whole ingredients and pairing with wholesome sides makes this Southern classic a balanced comfort dish that youβll return to time and again.