Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ounce dry ranch seasoning (1 packet)
- 1 ounce au jus gravy mix (1 packet)
Additional Ingredients
- ⅓ cup reserved pepperoncini juice
- ¼ cup salted butter (sliced into pats)
- 8 to 10 whole pepperoncini peppers
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray or line a 6 to 7-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray or a liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the dry ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix evenly over the chicken breasts for balanced flavor distribution.
- Add Liquid and Butter: Pour the reserved pepperoncini juice over the seasoned chicken. Then, place 2 to 3 pats of butter on each chicken breast to add richness and moisture.
- Add Pepperoncini Peppers: Place 2 to 3 whole pepperoncini peppers on top of each piece of chicken for tangy heat and additional flavor infusion.
- Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on low heat for 5 hours or on high heat for 3 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove Peppers and Shred Chicken: Remove the whole pepperoncini peppers and set them aside. Using two forks or tongs, shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker.
- Toss and Serve: Toss the shredded chicken in the cooking liquid to coat well with the flavorful juices, then serve hot with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Use the reserved pepperoncini juice from the jar – not just plain juice – as it adds essential tang and flavor.
- If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or serve with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the sauce.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adjust the number of pepperoncini peppers to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American