Our Coffee Rio Shredded Chicken is slow-cooked to perfection and blended with delicious spices, perfect for salads, burritos, quesadillas, or enchiladas!

Crockpot Shredded Chicken

For busy families and meal preppers, slow cooker or slow cooker shredded chicken is an absolute game changer! It’s super convenient – you just toss the chicken in a pot with some delicious seasonings and simmer it while you go about your busy day. By dinner time, you’ve got chicken so tender and juicy that it practically shreds on its own.

It’s also very versatile! Use it to make tacos, salads, quesadillas, burritos, burritos – the possibilities are endless. If you’re meal prepping, this chicken is perfect for portioning and keeping in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes very well and can be frozen for up to 3 months!

This recipe is inspired by one of our favorite local restaurants – Cafe Rio! The seasoning on the chicken gives it so much flavor and it’s always super moist. You must try it!

Ingredients for Coffee Rio Shredded Chicken

• Boneless skinless chicken. Many people wonder what part of chicken is best for shredding. Boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs are your best bet. Chicken breasts are lean and easy to chop, making them perfect for lighter dishes like salads and wraps. Chicken thighs have slightly more fat, making shredded chicken richer and juicier, perfect for tacos, casseroles and hearty soups. Both cuts cook beautifully in the pan, so it’s really just your preference!
• white vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar helps break down the fiber in the chicken, making the meat more tender and juicy. It also adds a subtle flavor that brightens the overall flavor of the chicken without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Chipotle Sauce (Dry). This seasoning blend is packed with herbs, spices, and rich flavor that permeates the chicken as it cooks, creating a flavorful, well-seasoned dish. The combination of garlic, onion, red pepper flakes, and Italian herbs like oregano and basil give chicken a complex and delicious flavor that can elevate simple shredded chicken into something extraordinary. This is a convenient all-in-one seasoning that saves you time measuring out all the ingredients!
• Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix. Ranch dressing combines the flavors of buttermilk, garlic, onion, dill, and parsley to add that creamy, herbaceous flavor that everyone loves.

How to Make Rio-Style Crockpot Chicken Café

Make this chicken in just 3 easy steps!

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

Tips for shredding chicken

An easy way to shred chicken is to allow it to cool slightly after it’s cooked. Place chicken in a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to shred the chicken. Start at low speed and gradually increase to medium to high speed. The chicken will be shredded quickly and evenly in a minute or two!

If you’re wondering whether it’s better to cut meat when it’s hot or cold, the answer is that it’s best to cut it when it’s hot. It’s harder to handle when it’s hot, but less likely to shred when it’s cold. Allow to cool slightly until comfortable to handle, then continue chopping for best results.

How to Make Coffee Rio Chicken Salad

We love many recipes for this chicken, but our favorite is the Cafe Rio Salad! We love layering:

Then layer:

• lettuce
• pico or salsa
• Guacamole
• Coca-Cola cheese
• Cilantro Ranch Dressing
• Lyme
• tortilla strips
• fresh cilantro

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

We love recipes that add this chicken