I have a new favorite meal!!!!!! This one takes the cake, it was sooooo good!!! Let me teach you how to make this knock-off Cafe Rio Chicken Salad, so you can enjoy it too!!
Cilantro Lime Rice
2 cups uncooked white rice
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
4 cups water
1/4 cup lime juice
1 Tbsp dried cilantro
Salt to taste
In a large pot on the stove top, heat the oil and slightly fry the rice in it. Then pour in the water and other ingredients. Cover and let it boil until the water is all absorbed and the rice is tender (add more water if necessary). Stir well and remove from heat.
This is the bottom layer of your salad.
The next layer is a can of Seasoned Black Beans. Drain it and heat it in a small pot on the stove.
Now for the chicken. I got the recipe from Mandy's Recipe Box, and I wouldn't change a thing. It was perfect!
Cafe Rio Chicken
2 lbs chicken breasts
1 cup zesty Italian dressing
1 packet ranch dressing mix (mixed with 1/2 cup water)
1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
1/2 Tbsp ground cumin
1/2 Tbsp chili powder
Place all ingredients in crock pot and cook on High 5-6 hours. Shred with fork.
Top the salad with romaine lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing. Voila!! A delicious homemade meal, healthier and less expensive than eating out at Cafe Rio/Costa Vida (which might I add are my very FAVORITE restaurants). Try it. Love it. Yum!!!
Cafe Rio Style Chicken Salad
Cilantro Lime rice
Seasoned Black beans
Cafe Rio style chicken
Romaine lettuce
Shredded cheddar cheese
Ranch dressing
Layer it, in that order. Try adding a tortilla, tortilla chips, salsa, avocado, whatever you want! Enjoy!!! :) :)
