Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken (Imitation)

Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken is slow-cooked to perfection with a blend of spices, perfect for salads, burritos, quesadillas or enchiladas!

Crockpot Chicken Shreds

Chicken made in a crockpot or slow cooker is an absolute game changer for busy families and meal preppers! It’s so convenient. Just throw the chicken in the crockpot with some delicious seasonings and let it slowly cook while you go about your day. By the time dinner comes around, you’ll have perfectly tender and juicy chicken that practically falls apart on its own.

It’s also incredibly versatile! Use it in tacos, salads, quesadillas, wraps, burritos. The possibilities are endless. If you’re preparing meals ahead, this chicken is great for portioning and storing in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes really well, for up to 3 months!

This recipe is inspired by one of our favorite local restaurants, Cafe Rio! The chicken is marinated in a rich flavor and always comes out moist. You should definitely try it!

Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken. Many people want to know which chicken is best for shredding. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs are the best. Chicken breasts are lean and easy to shred, making them perfect for light dishes like salads and wraps. Chicken thighs are a bit fattier, making them a rich, juicy shredded chicken that’s fantastic for tacos, casseroles, and hearty soups. Both cook up great in the Crockpot, so it really comes down to your preference!
• White vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar breaks down the chicken fibers, making the meat more tender and juicy. It also adds a subtle tartness that brightens the overall flavor of the chicken without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Zesty Italian Dressing (Dry). This seasoning mix is ​​full of herbs, spices, and tangy flavors that infuse the chicken while it cooks, creating a delicious, well-seasoned dish. The combination of garlic, onion, pepper flakes, and Italian herbs like oregano and basil adds a complex, delicious flavor to the chicken, elevating simple ground chicken to something special. It’s a convenient all-in-one seasoning that saves you time measuring out all the ingredients!
• Dry ranch dressing mixRanch dressing mix combines the flavors of buttermilk, garlic, onion, dill, and parsley for a creamy, herbal flavor that everyone loves.

How to Make Crockpot Shredded Chicken Cafe Rio Style

It only takes 3 steps to make this chicken!

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the vinegar, oil, savory Italian seasoning, chili powder, cumin, and dry ranch seasoning.
2. Spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray, then add the chicken. Pour the dressing mixture over the top.
3. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. When done, shred the chicken with a fork.

Tips for Shredding Chicken

A simple trick for shredding chicken is to let the chicken cool slightly after cooking. Place the chicken in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Shred the chicken using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Start on low speed and gradually increase to medium-high speed. The chicken will shred quickly and evenly in 1-2 minutes!

If you are wondering whether it is better to shred meat when it is hot or cold, the answer is that it is best when it is warm. It is harder to handle when it is hot, but it does not shred as well when it is cold. Let it cool slightly until it is comfortable to handle, then shred it for best results.

How to Make Cafe Rio Salad with Chicken

We love this chicken in so many recipes, but our favorite is Cafe Rio Salad! We love layering it on:

Then create layers.

• Lettuce
• pico or salsa
• Guacamole
• Coatza Cheese
• Cilantro Ranch Dressing
• Lime
• Tortilla Strips
• Fresh coriander

This is such a filling and delicious meal! Every time I make this, my family loves it!

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