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Cafe Rio Chicken – easy and delicious shredded chicken that tastes just like Cafe Rio. Great for salads, burritos, tacos, quesadillas and more!
We all know that I love Cafe Rio. It is a quick service Mexican restaurant that is one of my favorite spots to have lunch. I almost always get their taco salad with chicken, so I thought it was about time I recreated it at home! They are known for their Sweet Pork which is also super tender and juicy. So if you want to mix up Mexican night at home there are lots of options!
This is such a simple recipe to make and it is full of so much flavor. I made it in the Instant Pot, but the recipe is the same in the crock pot it will just take longer. The results are slightly tangy with that Mexican flare you expect. It is not spicy at all, so if you like things mild this is definitely for you!
What You’ll Need
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Chicken – I use boneless chicken breasts, but you could also use chicken thighs
- Italian Dressing
- Ranch Dressing Mix – you can use a store bought packet or Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix is great to have in your pantry
- Chili Powder
- Ground Cumin
- Garlic
Just 5 ingredients total and you get juicy shredded chicken you can use in a bunch of different recipes!
How to Make Cafe Rio Chicken
- Mix all of the ingredients for the sauce together and pour over chicken.
- If using the Instant Pot cook under high pressure for 12-17 minutes depending on if you are using fresh or frozen chicken.
- If you are using a slow cooker cook on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender and can be shredded.
You can easily make a double batch of this chicken and freeze some for later. It keeps very well in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can either freeze an entire batch in a freezer safe bag or portion out individual sized portions, so you can take out just enough to make lunch.
At Cafe Rio if you get the taco salad, my personal favorite the base is a large homemade flour tortilla that has a little cheese melted on it. Then you get rice, beans, chicken, and then top with lettuce, your favorite salsa, cheese, tortilla strips and then top with the famous Cafe Rio Dressing.
Or you can use it in a burrito, use it as filling for a quesadilla, or make a Cafe Rio Tostada or even use it in these Sour Cream Enchiladas. The possiblities are endless. This is such a versatile chicken recipe your family is going to love it!
More Mexican Recipes To Try
- Taco Stuffed Peppers
- Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
- Easy Chicken Fajitas
- Shrimp & Avocado Tostadas
- Southwest Baked Chicken
Cafe Rio Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 Tablespoon ground cumin
- 3 Tablespoons Ranch Dressing Mix
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Mix together the Italian dressing, garlic, chili powder, cumin, ranch dressing mix and water.3/4 cup Italian dressing, 3 cloves garlic, 1/2 Tablespoon chili powder, 1/2 Tablespoon ground cumin, 3 Tablespoons Ranch Dressing Mix, 1/2 cup water
- Place chicken in the Instant pot and pour the sauce over.2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Cook under high pressure for 12 minutes if using fresh chicken, 17 if using frozen chicken.
- Quick release the pressure and use forks to shred the chicken,
- Add back to the pot and mix with the sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I’m glad I don’t have to miss out anymore on this amazing chicken. So easy to make on Sunday and use throughout the week. Everyone gets to make their own customizable dish with it.
Oh my goodness! This looks so delicious and I can’t wait to make this later this week! Thanks!
This chicken looks incredibly delicious!! I can’t wait to try it!
My family would love this!! It looks SO GOOD!!
The flavor of this chicken is out of this world! so good!
This was perfectly tender and juicy; exactly what I was looking for for dinner last night! Delicious!
Can’t be at delicious dinner like this that can be used in so many dishes!
I live full time in an RV so I am limited on my kitchen appliances. I have neither a crock pot nor a instant pot. Is there a way to cook this on the stove or in the oven?
You could do it in the oven at a low temperature for a couple hours. I haven’t tested it, but I think 250º F for 2 hours might cook the chicken through and leave it tender enough to shred.
What kind of italian dressing do you use ?
I usually have olive garden in the house .
That will work – I usually use Wishbone, just because that is the brand that I buy. But I think any brand will give you similar flavor.
How do you think this would work with ground chicken breast?
I think it would be mushy from all the liquid You would definitely have to play with the amounts if you went that route.