:: 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:
Just a reminder that our doTERRA essential oils giveaway is still live! {The giveaway closes on Friday, May 16th, 2014 at 8 p.m. pacific standard time.} Simply like/comment for your chance to win an essential oils introductory kit! Also, sign-up for the live webinar tomorrow morning {Friday, May 16th at 9 a.m.}, where our expert mommy, Kari, will answer common questions about using these natural gifts from the earth! Thanks, friends!
