Instant Pot Cafe Rio Chicken
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I hope you are all having a wonderful and safe 4th of July today! While I’m spending quality time with my family, I couldn’t wait to share this Instant Pot Cafe Rio Chicken recipe with you.
After getting the hang of my Instant Pot (pressure cooker) and using it a few times, I’ve been excited to convert some of my favorite slow cooker recipes into Instant Pot versions. This handy kitchen gadget has quickly become one of my go-to tools, and I wanted to bring the convenience and speed of the Instant Pot to some beloved recipes.
This Cafe Rio Chicken recipe is the first of many that I plan to convert, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. The beauty of using a pressure cooker is that it delivers the same tender and flavorful results as a slow cooker but in a fraction of the time. Imagine enjoying a dish that usually takes hours to cook in just under an hour! It’s a game-changer, especially for those moments when you realize you forgot to start dinner in the slow cooker.
So, whether you’re celebrating the holiday with a festive meal or simply looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, this Instant Pot Cafe Rio Chicken is sure to impress. Enjoy the convenience and mouthwatering flavors, and have a fantastic 4th of July
Ingredients to make Instant POt cafe rio shredded chicken Recipe
- BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS
- ZESTY ITALIAN DRESSING
- GARLIC
- RANCH DRESSING MIX PACKET
- WATER
- CHILI POWDER
- GROUND CUMIN
Instructions for Instant Pot café rio chicken
Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients until well combined. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the Instant Pot.
Set the Instant Pot: Place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the sealing valve is set to sealing. Use the manual setting and set the timer for 17 minutes.
Natural Release: Once the Instant Pot beeps, indicating that cooking is complete, allow pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can turn the pressure valve to vent and release the pressure manually. Ensure all pressure is released before opening the Instant Pot.
Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks.
Combine with Juices: Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot and stir to allow it to absorb the flavorful juices. Add more of the reserved liquid if needed to keep the chicken moist.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the shredded chicken in tacos, burritos, salads, quesadillas, or any other dish you desire. This recipe yields enough chicken for multiple meals, and the leftovers freeze well. Serves 8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this copycat cafe rio chicken recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure you add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well and may even add more moisture to the dish. The cooking time should be similar to that for chicken breasts.
How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?
Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, you can add a kick of spice by incorporating ingredients such as diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How do I reheat the chicken?
To reheat the chicken, you can use the microwave, stove, or oven. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. For the stove, heat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. If using the oven, cover the chicken with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
What can I serve with Instant Pot Cafe Rio Chicken?
Instant Pot Cafe Rio Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, salads, quesadillas, or even over rice. Pair it with your favorite sides such as black beans, Mexican rice, or a fresh salad.
For more recipes like this, try:
- Laura’s Version of Cafe Rio Sweet Pork
- Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
- Santa Fe Lime Rice
- Crock Pot Refried Beans
Instant Pot Cafe Rio Chicken
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup zesty italian dressing
- ½ Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 pkg ranch dressing mix
- ¼ cup of water
- ½ Tbsp chili powder
- ½ Tbsp ground cumin
Instructions
- Place chicken in the Instant Pot.
- In a bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients and pour over the chicken.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the sealing valve is turned to sealing. Use the manual setting and set for 17 minutes.
- Once the Instant Pot beeps that it is done cooking, allow the pressure to remove naturally for 15 minutes, or turn the pressure valve to venting and release the pressure and then open. I always turn the valve to venting even when I released the pressure naturally just to be safe that all the pressure has been removed before opening the Instant Pot.
- Remove chicken from Instant Pot and shred. Then place back into the Instant Pot and stir to allow to absorb the juices in the pot.
- Serve in tacos, burritos, salad, quesadillas, etc. I got two meals from this. I did tacos with some and quesadillas another time with the leftovers. This meat freezes well. Serves 8.
Nutrition
