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Cafe Rio Chicken Recipe

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4.4 from 2 reviews

This Cafe Rio Chicken Recipe features tender, flavorful shredded chicken slow-cooked in a zesty Italian dressing and a blend of spices. Perfect for adding to salads, burritos, or tacos, this easy slow cooker dish delivers a savory and tangy taste with minimal effort.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts

Marinade and Seasoning

  • 1 cup Zesty Italian Dressing
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tbsp ground cumin
  • 3 tbsp dry ranch dressing mix
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crockpot: Spray the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly inside the slow cooker.
  2. Mix the marinade: In a small bowl, combine the zesty Italian dressing, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, dry ranch dressing mix, and water. Stir until well blended to create a flavorful sauce.
  3. Cook the chicken: Pour the marinade mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, or on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  4. Shred the chicken: Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it gently to mix with the cooking juices.
  5. Serve: Serve the shredded chicken with your choice of salads, burritos, or tacos to enjoy a delicious and easy meal. ENJOY!

Notes

  • Using a slow cooker ensures the chicken remains juicy and absorbs all the flavors from the marinade.
  • For a thicker sauce, you can reduce the cooking liquid by cooking uncovered on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes after shredding the chicken.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade.
  • This recipe is versatile and can be used in various dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, burritos, or as a topping for salads.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free