Savor the Southern Comfort: Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the irresistible flavors of the South with our Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken recipe. This hearty and comforting dish combines tender chicken breasts with savory au jus gravy, zesty ranch seasoning, and tangy pepperoncini peppers for a meal that’s bursting with flavor. Slow-cooked to perfection in your trusty crockpot, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Join us as we delve into the details of this Southern classic and learn how to bring a taste of Mississippi to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (1 oz.) package au jus gravy mix
- 1 (1 oz.) package dry ranch dressing mix
- 1/2 (16 oz.) jar pepperoncini peppers or hot banana peppers, drained
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste, then place them in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the au jus gravy mix and dry ranch dressing mix.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Arrange the drained pepperoncini peppers on top of the chicken.
- Cut the stick of butter into slices and place them evenly over the chicken and peppers.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks, then mix it with the cooking juices and peppers in the slow cooker.
- Serve the Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dishes.
Cook Notes and Variations
- For an extra kick of flavor, use hot banana peppers instead of pepperoncini peppers.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the cooking juices in the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
- Feel free to add additional seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to customize the flavor of the dish to your liking.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Keto Version:
- Replace the au jus gravy mix with a homemade keto-friendly gravy made from beef broth, butter, and xanthan gum as a thickener.
- Substitute the dry ranch dressing mix with a homemade keto-friendly ranch seasoning made from dried herbs and spices.
- Use hot banana peppers instead of pepperoncini peppers, as they typically have fewer carbs.
Low-Carb Version:
- Follow the keto version substitutions above, but also consider reducing the amount of butter used to lower the fat content.
- Serve the Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or potatoes to reduce the carb content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken breasts instead of boneless? A: Yes, bone-in chicken breasts can be used in this recipe, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and assemble the dish in the slow cooker insert the night before, then refrigerate it overnight. Simply place the insert back into the slow cooker and cook as directed the next day.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken? A: Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the South to your dinner table with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests on the weekend, this flavorful and satisfying meal is sure to please. With its tender chicken, savory gravy, and tangy peppers, it’s a dish that will leave everyone coming back for seconds. So dust off your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy the comforting taste of Mississippi in every bite!