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Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken is a simple, comforting dish that combines tender chicken with bold Southern flavors including ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pickled jalapeños. Perfect for busy days, it requires minimal prep and slow cooking to deliver juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken with a savory, slightly spicy buttery sauce. This versatile recipe pleases both kids and adults and pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a beloved family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 to 3 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts

Seasonings and Mixes

  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (approximately 1 oz)
  • 1 packet au jus gravy mix (approximately 0.87 oz)

Additional Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into slices or chunks
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced
  • Optional: freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs or breasts with a sprinkle of black pepper if using. Place the chicken evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. Add the Seasonings and Butter: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix directly over the chicken. Arrange slices or chunks of butter on top to slowly melt and infuse flavor during cooking.
  3. Toss in the Pickled Jalapeños: Evenly distribute the sliced pickled jalapeños over the chicken to impart a subtle spicy tang throughout the dish.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked.
  5. Shred and Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker with two forks or transfer to a plate for shredding. Stir well to coat the chicken in the buttery, flavorful sauce before serving.

Notes

  • Chicken choice matters: Dark meat stays moist longer during slow cooking, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
  • Don’t skip the butter: Butter is essential for that rich Southern comfort flavor and silky sauce texture.
  • Even distribution: Be sure to spread seasoning mixes and jalapeños evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
  • Low and slow is best: Slow cooking on low heat yields tender, juicy chicken rather than faster high-heat cooking.
  • Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and add salt or extra pepper as needed.
  • Variations: Add extra jalapeños or hot sauce for heat; substitute butter with coconut oil for dairy-free; stir in cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Slow cooker chicken, Mississippi chicken, Southern recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, crockpot chicken, shredded chicken, spicy chicken