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5-Ingredient Crockpot Mississippi Chicken

Tender shredded chicken slow cooked in a buttery ranch and pepperoncini sauce with just 5 ingredients for an easy, high-protein weeknight dinner and meal prep staple.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs thighs recommended for juicier result
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix 1 oz packet, use half if sensitive to sodium
  • 1 packet au jus gravy mix 1 oz packet
  • 0.25 cup butter cut into cubes, unsalted recommended
  • 6 pepperoncini peppers whole, plus 2 tablespoons of jar juice

Equipment

  • Slow cooker or crock pot (6 quart)
  • Two forks (for shredding)

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix evenly over the top of the chicken.
  3. Place the butter cubes on top of the seasoned chicken. Scatter the pepperoncini peppers around the pot and add approximately 2 tablespoons of the pepper jar juice. Do not add water or broth.
  4. Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or High for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken registers 165°F internally and shreds easily with a fork.
  5. Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to combine with the buttery cooking juices. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  6. Serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or on toasted brioche buns with melted provolone.

Notes

Storage: Store chicken and juices together in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Flavors deepen as it sits. Freezer: Freeze with cooking liquid for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Sodium tip: Use half packets of ranch and au jus seasoning on the first attempt and adjust to taste. Provolone melt: Transfer shredded chicken to an oven-safe dish, top with sliced provolone, and broil 2 to 3 minutes for a melted cheese topping. Do not cook from frozen chicken in the slow cooker.