Best Copycat Costa Vida Chicken
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I absolutely love Mexican food, especially the fresh, flavorful style often called Fresh Mex. Here in Utah, we’re lucky to have several places that serve it, and Costa Vida is definitely one of our favorites. I usually order the sweet pork or the raspberry chipotle chicken, but I had never tried their shredded chicken. When I came across a copycat version on Your Home Based Mom, I knew I had to give it a try—it looked far too easy and delicious to pass up.
I’m unsure how the taste compares to Costa Vida Chicken, but I loved it. It makes a lot, too. I was able to get just over two meals with this recipe. We did tacos one time, and then I put the rest in the freezer for another night.
With the leftovers, I made quesadillas one night for dinner (chicken, fresh cilantro, and cheese). Then, I still had enough to make taco salads a few times for lunch. I love it. It’s so easy and delicious. I also served the tacos and quesadillas with the Santa Barbara brand mango salsa from Costco. It goes really well with this chicken.
Ingredients to Make Costa Vida Copycat Chicken
- KRAFT ZESTY ITALIAN DRESSING (I USED KROGER BRAND)
- CHILI POWDER
- CUMIN
- GARLIC CLOVES
- BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST
How to Make Costa Vida Chicken
Place chicken breasts in the crock pot. Pour the Italian dressing over the chicken. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, and garlic evenly over the top. Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on high for 4 hours.
After 4 hours, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crock pot. Stir the shredded chicken to mix it well with the sauce. Cook the shredded chicken for an additional hour on high to let the flavors meld together.
Serve the tender Costa Vida chicken over rice, in tacos, on nachos, or as a filling for burritos and enchiladas. This recipe makes a large batch, so you can halve it or freeze the leftovers for another meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless, fresh chicken thigh meat instead of breasts. They may require slightly less cooking time, so check for doneness earlier.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then let it naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before shredding the chicken.
Can I use homemade Italian dressing?
Absolutely! Homemade Italian dressing will work well and can add a personal touch to the recipe.
How do I shred the chicken?
After cooking, use two forks to pull the chicken apart. You can also use a hand mixer on low speed to shred the chicken quickly and easily.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this recipe makes a large batch, so you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Copycat Costa Vida Chicken
- Use chicken thighs for more flavor. Chicken breasts work great, but thighs stay juicier and shred beautifully.
- Don’t overcook. Cook just until the chicken reaches 165°F. Overcooking can make it dry.
- Shred while warm. Chicken shreds much easier when it’s still warm. Use two forks or a hand mixer for quick shredding.
- Let it sit in the sauce. After shredding, return the chicken to the cooking juices and let it soak for 10–15 minutes. This helps it absorb even more flavor.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Costa Vida Chicken
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 oz bottle Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing (I used Kroger brand)
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 Tbsp cumin
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 5 skinless boneless chicken breast
Instructions
- Cook all together in a crock pot on high for 4 hours, shred meat and cook 1 additional hour. (This recipe makes a lot so you can do have or freeze the leftovers for another meal)
