Crave-Worthy Mississippi Chicken Lettuce Wraps
This recipe transforms the rich, slow-cooked magic of Mississippi chicken into a fresh, vibrant weeknight staple. Tender, juicy chicken soaked in a zesty blend of ranch, au jus, and pepperoncini is served in crisp lettuce cups for a perfect dance of warm and cool, rich and refreshing.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
- Two forks (for shredding)
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 2 tablespoons pepperoncini pepper brine from the jar
- 1 head of Butter lettuce or Iceberg or Romaine hearts
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour the pepperoncini brine over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and then the au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken.
- Place the entire stick of butter on top of the seasonings.
- Scatter the sliced pepperoncini peppers over everything. Do not stir.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
- Stir the shredded chicken to fully combine it with the sauce in the pot.
- Let the chicken rest in the sauce on the 'keep warm' setting for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- To serve, wash and dry the lettuce leaves. Spoon a generous amount of the warm Mississippi chicken filling into each lettuce cup.
Notes
Variations & Tips:
- For a richer sauce, stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- For deeper flavor, sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Use sturdy lettuce like Butter, Iceberg, or Romaine to prevent tearing.
- Do not skip the pepperoncini brine; it is crucial for the signature tangy flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Top with crispy fried onions, diced avocado, pickled red onions, or a drizzle of ranch dressing.
- For a richer sauce, stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- For deeper flavor, sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Use sturdy lettuce like Butter, Iceberg, or Romaine to prevent tearing.
- Do not skip the pepperoncini brine; it is crucial for the signature tangy flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Top with crispy fried onions, diced avocado, pickled red onions, or a drizzle of ranch dressing.