Are you looking for a super easy weeknight dish that is so fantastic it is worthy of feeding company as well? These Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Thighs are incredible and so simple to throw together!
Cris Here.
If you haven’t heard, Mississippi is all the rage these days ;). So many people have told me about their love for the Mississippi Pot Roast (recipe coming soon) that we have also tried our hand using similar ingredients with other forms of protein and man oh man did it not disappoint.
Check out Mikey’s video about making them:
Chicken thighs were made for this dish. We love throwing boneless, skinless chicken thighs in our slow cooker because they almost always cook up so nicely. They have the perfect amount of fat to cook up nicely but not make the dish –whatever it may be– too greasy.
Speaking of fat… one of the things that make our Mississippi dishes (roasts, chicken and pork) a bit different from most is that we use 1/2 stick of butter instead of the standard full stick. We have tried it both ways and… gasp… actually prefer it with less butter. The dish is so full of flavor, you don’t miss that other half.
- 3 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 1 envelope Ranch Dressing Mix
- 1 envelope Au Jus Gravy Mix or Brown Gravy Mix
- ½ Stick of Butter (1/4 Cup)
- 6 Pepperoncinis
- Lay chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Sprinkle mixes on top.
- Slice butter and place evenly on top.
- Add peppers.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Slow Cooker Recommendations
We cooked these thighs up in our slow cooker that has a built in meat thermometer but you can also use a regular meat thermometer in your slow cooker at home if you aren’t in the market for a new crock pot. This particular meat thermometer model allows you to place the probe in the meat, close the crock lid and set an alarm for when it reaches the temperature you set on the thermometer. I highly recommend using a meat thermometer with this dish especially if you choose to substitute chicken breasts for the chicken thighs in this dish.
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Will have to try this. I love the roast with the same ingredients I’m sure the chicken will be just as wonderful. I also throw in fresh green beans and red potatoes when I cook the roast. My family says they are the best green beans because they fill the Au Jus/Ranch juices. Thanks for the alternative for the roast!
Shannon-
I LOVE that idea!!
Just a question. And I to, like the others love the Mississippi pot roast. My question, have you tried it with chicken breast yet? And do you think it would be as good as the thighs?
Thanks 🙂
Hi Linda!
I prefer thighs in the crock pot, however, you should be able to substitute breasts no problem… you just need to watch that you don’t overcook them and dry them out.
Enjoy!
The recipe sounds delicious and I want to try it out but I was curious if chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs? Not a big fan of thighs.
Thanks,
Pam
Hi Pam! While I prefer thighs in the crock pot, you should be able to substitute chicken breast just fine. Just make sure not to overcook the chicken breasts or they may become dry or chalky in texture. Enjoy!
I made this with 3 pounds of chicken breasts tonight. I cooked it on high for 4.5 hours and it was easy to shred. I use a meat thermometer too.
So glad I found you! Your site and pinterest pages are a lifesaver. Love cooking but work etc etc kinda dampened the fun and had to start eating quick n easy. Now I have enough recipes and ideas that I can eat real food again. Love the way they’re laid out, and the options. Thank you!
Oh Marion thank you so much for leaving that note! It just makes our day to know that the site is filling a need for folks out there. Thanks again for stopping by!
Sounds so good! I want to try this so bad! Is there anything you think could be substituted for the Pepperoncinis? I can’t eat those.
Hi Jess!
I don’t actually eat them (my husband does), but I do like the flavor they add to the gravy– it isn’t the same as eating them. You could leave them out completely if you are allergic or are worried that you will not enjoy the flavor they add. Either way, definitely try it… it is soo good!!
I will! I’m going to try it next week for my Sunday cook ahead meal. I may try a few Pepperoncinis to see how it works.
Where does the liquid come from…..the chicken fat t and butter? It doesn’t seem enough. Thank you!
Hi Ida!
Yep! The butter and chicken produce quite a bit of liquid. No additional liquid is needed. Enjoy!
You suggest using a meat thermometer but you don’t say what temp should I be aiming for to know it’s done?
Sorry about that Pat! Always cook chicken to at least an internal temp of 165. I usually cook mine to 170 and it is nice and tender without drying out.
what could I use as a substitute for the Au Jus mix? I’m allergic to beef and it has beef fat in it.
Hi Nancy! Are you able to use the “Brown Gravy” or “Mushroom Gravy” packets? I have used both of those before as substitutes.
Enjoy!
No, all of the brown gravies have beef fat or other beef products in them.
If you Google copycat recipes for envelope mixes, sub chicken bullion for beef.
I’ve done this simply because it is what I had on hand, and it works well 🙂
Sounds good and easy….but why not use an envelope of chicken gravy……would that work as well?
I’ll have to try it that way. Thanks.
Or Lipton onion soup mix is good
What should this be served with? Any suggestions would be helpful! Thanks!
i wanted to know what the approximate cook time would be if I were to cook it on High?
Hi Tina-
It all depends on your slow cooker. Mine will cook them up in about 2-3 hours. Enjoy!
I used chicken breast turned out great.
What could be substituted for the ranch dressing mix? My husband doesn’t like the taste of ranch dressing.
Sounds amazing! What sides would be best with this recipe?
how do you think it would be if I added cubed potatoes to this dish?
Hi Tina!
I think it would come out quite tasty!
Enjoy!
I added carrots, mushrooms and onions – and a bit of white wine – delicious!
I accidentally bought bone in chicken thighs. Do you think this will ruin the dish at all?
I need the answer to this also
I was just wondering what you would eat this with? Do you put it over something or serve it alone with a side dish? It sounds amazing either way I guess!
Hi Camilla-
We eat it on sandwiches, over rice or with a side of potatoes or veggies. It goes with just about anything. Enjoy!!
I have made the Mississippi roast several times and it’s always been a hit! I was so happy to see that you also think that using chicken thighs for this recipe would be awesome! Even the hubby who is sooo picky said the same thing while he was eating a huge plate of the roast, he said that he thought Chicken would be awesome to cook this way too!
Cheryl-
So glad you guys are enjoying it. We love these flavors on all different kinds of meat and poultry! Enjoy!!
I feel like such a dummy! Until I read this post, I never thought of using my corded probe thermometer (with the unit that sits on the counter) in the slow cooker. What a great idea!!
Thanks!
Hello. I am trying this dish tomorrow night and am super excited! I am cutting the recipe in half as I am only feeding two people. As I’m cutting the recipe in half will this effect the cook time in the crock pot? Or, should I still cook on low for 4-5 hours? Thanks! -Kate
Hi Kate!
Depending on the size of your crock and how fast it cooks, your dish could get done quicker… We always recommend that you watch a recipe closely when you first try it and adjust your time accordingly. Enjoy!
I love to make this beef dish, but can you use anything else besides using so much butter?
You could always use chicken broth instead. Enjoy!
Can you use bone-in chicken thighs?
in my opinion, bone in chicken thighs is best.. just remove skin so you don’t get so much fat.