The Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is the perfect solution for busy days when you want a delicious, hearty, and healthy meal with minimal effort. Tender chicken cooked in a flavorful blend of spices, combined with rice, beans, and fresh toppings, creates a satisfying meal that’s full of flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a family dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, and the slow cooker does all the work for you. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful as it simmers in the slow cooker, and once everything is cooked, all you have to do is assemble your bowls. With protein-packed chicken, nutrient-rich beans, and plenty of fresh ingredients, this dish is both satisfying and healthy.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

• 1 cup salsa (your preferred variety)

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup chicken broth or water

• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)

• Toppings (optional): sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, avocado, lime wedges, diced tomatoes

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.

2. Add the black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chicken broth (or water) on top of the chicken.

3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.

5. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the beans, corn, and sauce.

6. Serve the chicken mixture over a bed of cooked rice, and top with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, cilantro, avocado, lime wedges, or diced tomatoes.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 3-7 hours (depending on slow cooker settings)

• Total Time: 3-7 hours (plus 10 minutes for prep)

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use extra beans (black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans) and a variety of veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for a hearty, meat-free version.

• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños, a bit of hot sauce, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb version, swap out regular rice for cauliflower rice.

• Toppings: Customize the toppings based on your preferences! Consider adding guacamole, shredded lettuce, or a sprinkle of taco seasoning for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken burrito bowl mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or on the stovetop over medium heat for about 5 minutes. If the mixture is dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to moisten it.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low, or cook for 4-5 hours on high.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture in the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate it. Then, simply reheat it and serve with the rice and toppings.

3. What can I use instead of chicken broth?

If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use water or vegetable broth. For added flavor, consider using a bouillon cube or concentrate.

4. Can I add cheese to the slow cooker?

While it’s best to add cheese after cooking, you can sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the chicken mixture just before serving. Let it melt on top for extra creaminess.

5. Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use ground chicken in place of the chicken breasts. Cook it separately in a pan, then add it to the slow cooker with the beans, corn, and salsa.

6. Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?

Yes! To make this in an Instant Pot, combine all the ingredients and cook on the “Poultry” setting for 15 minutes. Shred the chicken and serve as directed.

7. What rice should I use for this recipe?

You can use white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Cook the rice separately, and serve the chicken mixture over the top.

8. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, if you prefer heat, you can add chopped jalapeños, chili flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the slow cooker. Adjust to your spice preference.

9. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to serve.

10. What toppings go best with this dish?

Toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges are classic choices. You can also add diced tomatoes or pickled onions for extra freshness.

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is the ultimate easy, flavorful meal that comes together with minimal effort. Tender, shredded chicken cooked with beans, corn, and spices makes for a hearty, customizable dish that’s perfect for busy days. Whether you keep it simple with a few toppings or go all out with your favorites, this dish is sure to become a weekly staple. Plus, it’s great for meal prep and leftovers, making it a win in every way!

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