:: Cafe Rio Copycat Crockpot Chicken ::
Have you all had the opportunity to dine at a Cafe Rio? I know they’re not everywhere… which is unfortunate, because their food is so fresh and delicious! It’s the perfect place to take the kids! I love, love, love their chicken tacos topped with shredded lettuce and fresh pico de gallo! What about their homemade tortillas?! Oh my… talk about pure deliciousness!
We live about 45 minutes from the nearest Cafe Rio, so we are only able to go once or twice a month. On Pinterest I saw loads of copycat recipes for their famous chicken. I thought it was worth a shot to try to replicate the recipe for myself! {Of course none of us have that secret recipe… so we can only guess as to how they exactly make it.} This recipe is for crockpot chicken. It takes no more than 5 minutes to throw it all together, which makes it the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight. The main ingredients, besides the boneless skinless chicken breasts, are italian dressing, a ranch dressing packet, cumin, chili powder, minced garlic, and a little water! Super easy, right?
Your house will smell so delightful while the chicken is cooking all day! {That’s one of my favorite parts about a crockpot meal!} Once the meat is fully cooked, you can shred it by simply using two forks, or by pulsing {briefly} in a food processor. The meat comes out completely moist, and full of robust flavor!
The shredded chicken is perfect for salads, tacos, or burritos. It’s makes for a kid-friendly meal, as well! My kids liked it so much, that they were literally sneaking bites of the chicken {while I was shredding it}, straight out of the dish! {Success!}
You can top your tasty chicken with fresh ingredients such as, salsa, queso fresco cheese, cilantro, lime juice, shredded lettuce, chunks of tomatoes, and/or fresh avocado. The possibilities are endless… and all completely delicious! It truly is a perfect meal when everyone can customize it to their own liking! Enjoy!
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Serves: 6
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- ½ small bottle of zesty Italian dressing
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- ½ tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 {1 oz} package dry ranch dressing mix
- ½ cup water
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Place trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts into crockpot.
- Mix together the Italian dressing, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, ranch dressing packet, and water. Pour over the chicken.
- Place lid on the crockpot and cook chicken dish on low for 4-6 hours or on high 3-4 hours until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked throughout.
- Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred with a fork {or pulse in a food processor briefly}. Replace the chicken back in the slow cooker and mix with the juices!
- Serve the chicken in salads, burritos, or tacos. Top with ingredients such as, fresh cilantro, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, olives, avocado, queso fresco cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo, and/or creamy cilantro dressing. Enjoy!
GIVEAWAY:
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Kelly says
This looks amazingly delicious, ladies!! Thanks so much for sharing. Pinning. xo
Simply Happenstance says
Thanks so much, Kelly!!! xoxo
capturing joy with kristen duke says
Just pinned, excited to try it!
Simply Happenstance says
Thanks so much for pinning, Kristen! I do hope you’ll try it! Such an easy meal for a weeknight! Thanks for stopping by our blog! xoxo
Jamie says
We made this and it was delish!! I am so glad you shared it. You are absolutely right, it is an easy weeknight meal.
Simply Happenstance says
Yay, Jam! So glad that you already tried it! Did the kids like it, too?!! Such an easy recipe to have up your sleeve for a busy week! Love you, friend!! xoxo
Matt Robinson says
I think I could literally eat this every night of the week. And so many things I could include it in! My boys would love it too, huge time saver. And I guarantee you they would be picking at it as I shred it too. Love it, thanks!
Simply Happenstance says
Hey Matt! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting! We are so excited to learn of your blog! In fact, we linked it in our weekend lovelies for tomorrow! The chicken is sooo easy and delicious! Hope you’ll try it! Say “hello” to your gorgeous wife for us!
Kallie says
A friend of mine referred this recipe after I raved about her tacos all night long. My question is… Has anyone done this with a whole chicken? I have on in the freezer I want to spice up! Thanks!
Simply Happenstance says
Hi Kallie! So glad you’ve stopped by to comment! I personally haven’t tried it with a whole chicken, but I assume it would still turn out delicious! Please let me know if you make it! xo
Sara says
Can you use frozen Chicken breast? I usually make this (very tasty) recipe with fresh chicken, but i have some frozen chicken i want to use. Thanks!
Simply Happenstance says
Yes! I think that would still work perfectly! May just need a little more time in the crockpot! 😉
Kim Gayle says
We LOVE this recipe! It’s awesome with a salad. Thank you
Michelle says
Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker?