I have been missing all the yummy restaurants that big towns have to offer. Let’s be honest, I’ve been missing a lot of things, hence Cafe Rio Recipes at home. It turned out great! Here are the recipes I used. Disclaimer, they are not the same thing, but when you’ve been feeling deprived they’re pretty darn good. And to be honest they’re good, regardless, just not the same thing.

Cafe Rio Chicken

• 4.5 lbs chicken {I slightly thawed in microwave to make it cook a little faster}
• 8 oz Italian Dressing
• 1 T chili powder
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 3 tsp minced garlic

* Cook on high in crockpot for 4-5 hours, shred and cook additional hour.

Tomatillo Dressing

* Blend in blender until smooth the following & chill for an hour.

• 1 packet of Buttermilk Ranch: prepared
• 1 large or 2 small-medium tomatillos
• 1/2 bunch cilantro
• 1/2 tsp minced garlic
• Juice from 1 lime (approx 2T)
• 1 jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped)

Cafe Rio Rice

* Mix together and add to rice cooker

• 1 1/2 Rice
• 3 Cups Water
• 4 tsp Minced Garlic
• 1 T Melted Butter
• 4 Chicken Bullion Cubes

* Blend and then add to rice cooker ingredients

• 1 Can Diced Green Chiles
• 1/2 Onion Diced
• 1/2 Bunch Cilantro

* Cook on white rice setting and fluff with a fork when finished.

Pico De Gallo

• 4 Roma Tomatoes
• 1 small onion (yellow)
• 2 stalks of green onion (individual stems)
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 T lime juice
• 1 jalapeño (seeded & chopped)
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• Fresh Salt & Pepper

* I use this chopper and it works incredible. Highly recommend it, but whatever you use, just make sure you chop things up finely, especially the jalapeño.

Topping Ideas

• Tortilla Strips
• Guacamole
• Sour Cream
• Cilantro
• Cheese

If you liked these Cafe Rio Recipes, don’t miss our Easy Chicken Burritos.