Cafe Rio Copycat Crockpot Chicken

Cafe Rio Copycat Chicken:: 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? 

Easy Crockpot Chicken {Cafe Rio Copycat} #caferio #copycat #chicken 2Your 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!  [Read more…]

Healthy Quinoa Salad

 

Healthy Quinoa Salad Recipe {via Simply Happenstance} #wheatfree #quinoa #salad.jpg

 :: Healthy Quinoa Salad ::

I’m sure by now, most of you have tried quinoa {pronounced KEEN-wah}. This superfood {which was discovered by the Incas, three to four thousand years ago} is one of my personal favorites! Although it is usually thought of as a whole grain, it is actually a seed. It takes less time to cook than whole grains, and tastes amazing on its own! It is a wheat-free, gluten-free, and cholesterol-free food, making it the perfect side dish or main course for vegetarians, vegans, and others with special dietary concerns. Here are some interesting healthy facts about quinoa:

  • It is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids.
  • It contains almost twice as much fiber as most other grains. Fiber helps prevent heart disease by reducing high blood pressure and diabetes. It also lowers cholesterol and glucose levels. 
  • Quinoa contains lysine, which is essential to tissue growth and repair.
  • It is rich in magnesium, which helps to relax blood vessels and alleviate migraines. Additionally magnesium helps detoxify the body, provides energy, and helps with the formation of healthy bones and teeth. 
  • The gluten-free super seed is a good source of riboflavin {B2}, which is known to improve energy metabolism within the brain and muscle cells. 
  • Quinoa is rich in manganese {an antioxidant}. Manganese helps prevent damage of mitochondria during energy production and protects red blood cells from injury by free radicals. [Read more…]