Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe For Busy Days

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker chicken burrito bowl promises a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Mexican-inspired flavors meld together in this effortless one-pot wonder.

Tender chicken mingles with fragrant spices, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Forget complicated meal prep – this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Colorful ingredients transform a simple dish into a feast for the eyes and palate.

Protein-packed and incredibly satisfying, you’ll find yourself craving this comforting meal time and again.

Let’s turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tricks to Boost Your Chicken Burrito Bowl Game

• Prevent Rice Sticking: Stir the rice occasionally during cooking to avoid clumping and ensure even cooking throughout the slow cooker.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the chili powder and spices according to your heat preference, adding more or less to suit your taste buds.
• Meal Prep Magic: This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for preparing ahead and enjoying quick, delicious meals later.
• Boost Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken breasts with turkey, pork, or plant-based protein like tofu for a versatile protein option.
• Dietary Flexibility: Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free salsa and checking that all seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Store and Reheat Chicken Burrito Bowls with Ease

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled burrito bowl contents to freezer-safe containers, where they'll maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Warm individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent dryness.
• Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth, stirring occasionally to restore moisture and prevent burning.

Pairings for Your Chicken Burrito Bowl

• Blend fresh cilantro, tequila, lime juice, and agave for a vibrant drink that complements the burrito bowl's herbal and citrus notes.
• Choose a crisp Corona or Modelo Especial to cut through the rich, spicy flavors of the chicken and balance the meal's hearty profile.
• Mix fresh lime, cucumber, and a touch of mint for a light, cooling beverage that echoes the dish's bright southwestern ingredients.
• Create a white wine sangria with tropical fruits like mango and pineapple to add a sweet and acidic counterpoint to the savory chicken bowl.

Creative Takes on Chicken Burrito Bowls

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Bowl: Replace rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version. Use the same spices and cooking method, swapping rice for cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates.
• Vegetarian Protein Bowl: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative. Maintain identical spice blend and cooking technique for a meatless protein-packed meal.
• Gluten-Free Option: Confirm all ingredients are gluten-free certified. Use tamari instead of traditional salsa and verify spice blends have no wheat-based additives.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and include a dash of cayenne pepper for heat lovers. Incorporate additional hot sauce when serving for extra kick.

Chicken Burrito Bowl FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level is mild to moderate. You can control the heat by choosing a mild or hot salsa, or adding extra chili powder for more kick.

• Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

• What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is recommended, but you can also use brown rice. Just adjust cooking time as brown rice typically takes longer to cook.

• Do I need to pre-cook the rice?

No, the rice cooks directly in the slow cooker with the chicken and other ingredients, absorbing all the delicious flavors.

All About Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

• Minimal prep work means you can toss ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, making meal preparation a breeze.
• Perfect for busy families or working professionals who want a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Easily adapt toppings and seasonings to suit individual tastes, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike.
• Uses affordable, readily available ingredients that can feed a family or provide multiple servings for meal prep, stretching your grocery budget without compromising on taste.

What You’ll Need for a Chicken Burrito Bowl

• Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, providing lean and tender meat that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
• Black Beans: Hearty protein source that adds texture and richness to the burrito bowl.

• Corn: Sweet and crunchy vegetable that brings color and freshness to the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy ingredient that adds moisture and tangy flavor.
• Salsa: Pre-mixed flavor booster with zesty and spicy notes.
• Lime Juice: Bright citrus element that adds a tangy and fresh kick.

• Chili Powder: Warm and slightly spicy seasoning that gives depth to the dish.
• Cumin: Earthy and smoky spice that enhances the Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Convenient way to add savory garlic flavor.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle onion taste without chopping fresh onions.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a rich, smoky dimension to the overall taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance other flavors.

• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that keeps the chicken moist and adds extra flavor.
• Uncooked Rice: Absorbs the cooking liquid and becomes a hearty base for the burrito bowl.

• Cheese: Creamy and melty topping that adds richness.
• Avocado: Smooth and buttery addition for extra texture.
• Sour Cream: Cool and tangy garnish.
• Fresh Cilant.

How to Build a Chicken Burrito Bowl in the Slow Cooker

Step 1: Prepare The Slow Cooker Magic

• Chicken breasts
• Black beans
• Corn
• Diced tomatoes
• Salsa
• Chicken broth

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything.

Cover and let the slow cooker work its wonder on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes meltingly tender.

Step 2: Transform Into A Complete Meal

Shred the chicken using two forks, pulling it apart into delicate strands.

Stir uncooked rice directly into the flavorful liquid.

Return shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.

Cook on HIGH for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent rice from sticking.

Step 3: Create Your Dream Bowl

Scoop the steaming mixture into bowls.

• Shredded cheese
• Creamy avocado
• Cool sour cream
• Fresh chopped cilantro

Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal straight from the slow cooker!

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Southwestern Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl brings zesty Mexican-inspired flavors directly to your dinner table. Tender chicken, black beans, and aromatic spices combine effortlessly, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Beans and Vegetables:

• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 ounces / 285 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 jalapenos

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
• 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice (uncooked)

Toppings:

• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• 1 avocado or guacamole
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Tortilla chips or strips

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Instructions

1. Arrange chicken breasts at the base of the slow cooker, creating a foundational layer for the burrito bowl.
2. Cascade black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa over the chicken, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
3. Generously dust the mixture with a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to infuse deep, robust flavors.
4. Drizzle fresh lime juice across the surface to brighten and enhance the overall taste profile.
5. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the ingredients to simmer and meld on LOW setting for 6-7 hours or HIGH setting for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes effortlessly shreddable.
6. Carefully extract the chicken and transform it into tender, bite-sized pieces using two forks, separating the meat into delicate strands.
7. Introduce uncooked rice directly into the slow cooker’s liquid-rich environment, then reintegrate the shredded chicken throughout the mixture.
8. Continue cooking on HIGH for 30-40 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent rice from adhering to the cooker’s bottom and ensuring uniform cooking.
9. Transfer the aromatic mixture into serving bowls, creating a vibrant canvas for personalized toppings.
10. Embellish with optional garnishes like melted cheese, creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, and fresh cilantro to elevate the dish’s complexity and visual appeal.

Notes

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and easy shredding in the slow cooker.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.
• Replace white rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version that’s equally delicious and nutritious.
• If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and reduce the cooking time, mixing it in during the final rice-cooking stage.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) / 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg