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Cafe Rio Slow Cooker Chicken and Cilantro Rice

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Cafe Rio Slow Cooker Chicken and Cilantro Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal featuring tender shredded chicken cooked in zesty seasonings and paired with fresh, herb-infused cilantro lime rice. It’s perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup zesty Italian dressing
  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix (dry)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • Optional: 1/2 cup green salsa or 1 can diced green chilies
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white or jasmine rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, ranch mix, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, lime juice, and green salsa or chilies (if using).
  3. Pour mixture over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
  4. Once cooked, shred chicken in the slow cooker and stir to coat in sauce. Let it sit on ‘warm’ for 15–20 minutes.
  5. For the rice: Heat olive oil or butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  6. Add rice and stir to coat. Toast for 2–3 minutes.
  7. Add chicken broth or water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  8. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
  9. Fluff rice with a fork and stir in lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt to taste.
  10. Serve shredded chicken over cilantro lime rice or use in tacos, burrito bowls, or salads.

Notes

For extra flavor, use green salsa or diced green chilies in the chicken mixture.Thighs stay juicier than breasts but both work well.Rice can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of water or broth.Add black beans, corn, or toppings like avocado and cheese for burrito bowls.To freeze, cool chicken and rice completely before storing in airtight containers.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/cafe-rio-slow-cooker-chicken-and-cilantro-rice/