Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken (Copycat)

Our version of Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken is slow-cooked to perfection with a blend of savory spices perfect for a salad, burrito, quesadilla or enchiladas!

Crockpot Shredded Chicken

Crockpot or slow cooker shredded chicken is an absolute game-changer for busy families and meal preppers alike! It’s super convenient—you just toss the chicken in the crockpot with some delicious seasonings and let it cook low and slow while you go about your day. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ve got perfectly tender, juicy chicken that practically shreds itself.

It’s incredibly versatile, too! Use it for tacos, salads, quesadillas, wraps, burritos—the possibilities are endless. If you meal prep, this chicken is great to portion and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes really well and can be frozen for up to 3 months!

This recipe is inspired by one of our favorite local favorite restaurants – Cafe Rio! The seasonings on the chicken give it SO much flavor and it always turns out super moist. You have got to give it a try!

Ingredients for Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken

• Boneless Skinless Chicken. A lot of people want to know what cut of chicken is best for shredding. Boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs are your best bet. Chicken breasts are leaner and shred easily, making them perfect for lighter dishes like salads and wraps. Chicken thighs are slightly fattier, giving a richer, juicier shredded chicken that’s fantastic for tacos, casseroles, and hearty soups. Both cuts cook beautifully in the crockpot, and so it really is just your preference!
• White Vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar helps to break down the chicken fibers, making the meat extra tender and juicy. It also adds a subtle tanginess that brightens up the overall flavor profile of the chicken without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Zesty Italian Dressing (dry). This seasoning mix is packed with herbs, spices, and a tangy kick that permeates the chicken as it cooks, creating a savory, well-seasoned dish. The combination of garlic, onion, red pepper flakes, and Italian herbs like oregano and basil gives the chicken a complex and delicious taste that can elevate simple shredded chicken into something extraordinary. It’s a convenient, all-in-one seasoning that saves you time from measuring out all of the ingredients!
• Dry Ranch Dressing Mix. Ranch dressing mix combines the flavors of buttermilk, garlic, onion, dill, and parsley that adds a creamy, herby flavor that everyone loves.

How to Make Crockpot Shredded Chicken Cafe Rio Style

There are just 3 simple steps to make this chicken!

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

Tips for Shredding Chicken

An easy hack for shredding chicken is to cool the chicken slightly after it is cooked. Put the chicken into a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to shred the chicken. Start on low speed and gradually increase to medium-high speed. The chicken will shred quickly and evenly within a minute or two!

If you are wondering whether it is better to shred meat when its hot or cold, the answer is that its best to do it when its warm. It is harder to handle it while it’s scorching hot, but it doesn’t shred as easily when its cold. Allow it to cool slightly until it’s comfortable to handle, then proceed with shredding for best results.

How to Make Cafe Rio Salad with Chicken

We love this chicken for lots of recipes, but our very favorite is Cafe Rio Salad! We like to layer:

Then layer:

• Lettuce
• Pico or salsa
• Guacamole
• Cotja Cheese
• Cilantro Ranch Dressing
• Lime
• Tortilla Strips
• Fresh cilantro

Such a filling and delicious meal! Every time I make this, everyone in my family loves it!

Recipes We Love Adding This Chicken To