Copycat Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken

I made this Copycat Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken recipe twice last week. I wasn’t planning to. In fact, I had an entirely different menu plan written out for the week, but it turns out the version of me who made the menu plan wasn’t coordinating with the real-life me who had to be running between practices every night. At least “menu-planning me” had stocked the freezer with chicken breasts, so I could easily adapt and make this super easy Copycat Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken that we used for burritos one night and quinoa bowls another night instead of the Baked Chicken Parmesan and Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Wild Rice Soup that “menu-planning me” thought I would be capable of. She is such a dreamer…

Truth is, I’m in denial that the stage of life I’m in is the most intense one I’ve had yet, as far as mental load goes. I’m still trying to force things to stay the same, but I’m realizing it’s time to fully embrace my slow cooker, grilling, and Instant Pot era. I mean, I was already a fan of those cooking methods, but now life is showing me that they are literally the only options I can handle on weeknights. Even skillet meals feel impossible because we are just in two many directions that hour before dinner. So buckle up, friends. You’re about to see a lot more slow cooker, Instant Pot, and grilling recipes.

I have a feeling I’m going to be adding this chicken to our weekly rotation. It’s got a great versatile flavor we can use in different ways, and it’s just so stinking easy to throw in the slow cooker. I can’t wait for you to give it a try!

More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

Step-by-Step Photos for How to Make Copycat Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken

Tips for How to Make Copycat Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken

Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
If you don’t have an Italian dressing packet, mix up my homemade version to keep on hand. You will need a tablespoon every time you make this recipe.
If you live near a Costco, it is more cost-effective to buy the large container of Ranch Mix instead of buying the individual packets.
You can use white vinegar in place of the apple cider vinegar, if you don’t have it on hand.
The lemon juice can be substituted for lime juice.
Use the meat for burritos, salads, tacos, quinoa bowls, nachos, or anything else you desire.

Chef’s Tools:

Copycat Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken

Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

4 hours

Total time

4 hours 5 mins

A recipe you can throw together and forget about. The flavorful meat is perfect for everything from burritos and salads to quinoa bowls and enchiladas. A great way to prep protein for the week, too.

Author: Slightly adapted from Lil' Luna

Recipe type: Chicken/Mexican/Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Serves: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp of Italian Seasoning Packet or my homemade version
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (can also use white vinegar)
2 tbsp olive oil or canola oil
1 tsp lemon juice, fresh or bottled (can use lime if you don't have lemon)
1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix or 3 tbsp if you have a large container
1 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
¾ cup water
pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Place the chicken into your slow cooker. You can use a slow cooker liner, if desired.
In a small mixing bowl, combine all the other ingredients except the water and whisk together.
Add the water and whisk again.
Next, pour the mixture over the chicken and put the lid on the slow cooker.
Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
When the chicken is done, it will easily shred with a fork.
Use the meat for burritos, salads, tacos, quinoa bowls, nachos, or anything else you desire.
Enjoy!