Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker chicken burrito bowl brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Tender chicken simmers alongside zesty seasonings, creating layers of incredible flavor.

Mexican-inspired ingredients dance together, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Weeknight dinners just became incredibly exciting with this simple yet delicious solution.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for busy individuals craving something special.

Rich, hearty ingredients combine effortlessly in your trusty slow cooker.

You’ll want to grab a fork and dive right into this delectable combination of textures and tastes.

Prepare to experience a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your home kitchen.

How To Store Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Safely

• Refrigerate leftover burrito bowl in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Keep the mixture sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture from affecting the texture.
• Separate any fresh toppings like avocado or cilantro before storing to avoid soggy ingredients.
• When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for convenient meal prep, lasting up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the best flavor and consistency.

What To Eat With Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

• Fiesta Flavor Companions: Pair this vibrant burrito bowl with a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Corona, which cuts through the rich, spicy flavors and refreshes the palate.
• Zesty Sidekick Selection: Complement the dish with a tangy mango salsa or fresh pico de gallo to enhance the brightness and add a cool, fresh contrast to the warm, hearty bowl.
• Creamy Cool Balance: Add a dollop of homemade guacamole or lime-infused sour cream to provide a creamy, cooling element that mellows the dish's spiciness and adds luxurious texture.
• Southwest Drink Fusion: Try a spicy margarita with a chili-salt rim to mirror the bowl's robust southwestern flavors, creating a harmonious and exciting taste experience.

Fun Tweaks For Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

• Spicy Southwest Spin: Amp up the heat by adding diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, and a splash of hot sauce to the slow cooker. Replace regular salsa with a fiery chipotle salsa for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute. Add extra beans like kidney or pinto beans for more protein and texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Mediterranean Fusion Bowl: Replace traditional Mexican spices with oregano, basil, and za'atar. Add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and diced cucumber. Swap black beans for garbanzo beans for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Lean Green Machine: Incorporate more vegetables by adding chopped spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers to the slow cooker. Use brown rice for added nutrition and whole grain benefits. Top with fresh arugula and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Top Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker. Just add about 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild flavor from the spices. If you want more heat, add extra chili powder or include diced jalapeños when cooking. You can always adjust the spice level to your preference.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This chicken burrito bowl is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your salsa and chicken broth are certified gluten-free to be sure.

• What if I don't have all the spices?

No worries! You can use a pre-mixed taco seasoning as a quick substitute. It will still give your dish plenty of delicious flavor without needing multiple individual spices.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Makes Mealtime Easy

• Effortless One-Pot Wonder: This slow cooker chicken burrito bowl simplifies meal preparation by combining all ingredients in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and reducing cooking stress.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: The recipe offers incredible flexibility with toppings, allowing each person to personalize their bowl with cheese, avocado, sour cream, or cilantro according to their taste preferences.
• Time-Saving Meal Solution: With just 6-7 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high, this hands-off recipe provides a delicious, nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with protein, vegetables, and bold Mexican-inspired flavors, this burrito bowl appeals to both kids and adults, making dinnertime enjoyable and stress-free.

Everything That Goes In Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and easily shreddable in the slow cooker, perfect for a hearty burrito bowl.
• Black Beans: Protein-rich legume that adds texture and nutritional value, best when using canned or pre-cooked beans.
• Corn: Sweet and crisp vegetable that provides a burst of color and freshness, frozen or canned corn works well.
• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy base that adds moisture and tangy flavor, canned tomatoes are convenient and consistent.

• Chili Powder: Warm and slightly spicy blend that gives depth to the dish, choose a high-quality blend for best results.
• Cumin: Earthy spice that provides authentic Mexican-inspired flavor, ground cumin works best.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Convenient seasonings that add savory undertones without chopping fresh ingredients.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoky and rich spice that adds complexity to the overall flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing the other flavors.
• Lime Juice: Bright and citrusy acid that helps tenderize the chicken and adds freshness.

• Uncooked Rice: White or brown rice that absorbs the flavors and cooks directly in the slow cooker.
• Salsa: Adds zesty flavor and additional moisture, choose your preferred heat level.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid for cooking and adds extra flavor to the dish, low-sodium broth recommended.

Step-By-Step Guide For Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base

• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Diced tomatoes
• Zesty salsa
• Chicken broth

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Finish with a bright squeeze of fresh lime juice. Cover and let the slow cooker work its magic on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken becomes mouthwateringly tender.

Step 2: Transform and Combine

Carefully remove the chicken and use two forks to shred it into delectable pieces. Stir uncooked rice directly into the flavorful liquid, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 30-40 minutes, giving occasional stirs to prevent any rice from sticking to the bottom.

Step 3: Create Your Perfect Bowl

• Melted cheese
• Creamy avocado slices
• Dollop of sour cream
• Freshly chopped cilantro
• Optional extras like sliced jalapeños or crushed tortilla chips

Pro Tips To Boost Flavor In Chicken Burrito Bowl

• Prevent Dry Chicken: Use chicken breasts with some fat content and avoid overcooking to maintain moisture and tenderness.
• Smart Rice Timing: Add rice during the last 30-40 minutes of cooking to prevent mushy texture and ensure perfect consistency.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and spices according to personal heat preferences, using mild or hot salsa for desired intensity.
• Make It Meal Prep Friendly: Store individual portions in sealed containers for up to 4 days, keeping toppings separate to maintain freshness.
• Dietary Swap Options: Replace chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for vegetarian version, and use cauliflower rice for low-carb alternative.

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 6-7 hours
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mexican-inspired slow cooker chicken burrito bowl delivers a flavor-packed meal that simplifies dinner with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction. Layers of tender chicken, hearty rice, and zesty toppings create a delicious one-pot wonder you can easily customize for a crowd-pleasing dinner.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 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 / 283 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)

Spices and Liquids:

• 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)
• Avocado or guacamole
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Diced tomatoes
• Jalapenos
• Tortilla chips or strips

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the foundational layer by nestling chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a protein-rich base.
2. Cascade black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa over the chicken, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
3. Generously dust the layers with a vibrant blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for a robust flavor profile.
4. Drizzle fresh lime juice across the ingredients to infuse a bright, citrusy undertone.
5. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the mixture to simmer gently on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken becomes fork-tenderly succulent.
6. Extract the chicken and delicately pull it apart using two forks, transforming it into delectable, tender strands.
7. Introduce uncooked rice directly into the simmering liquid, stirring to integrate the grains thoroughly.
8. Reintegrate the shredded chicken into the rice mixture, ensuring even distribution.
9. Cover and continue cooking on HIGH for 30-40 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent rice from adhering to the cooker’s bottom.
10. Once rice reaches perfect tenderness, transfer the burrito bowl contents into serving vessels.
11. Embellish with optional garnishes like melted cheese, creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, and fresh cilantro sprigs.
12. Serve immediately and savor the harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Notes

• Chicken Selection Matters: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and easily shreddable meat, ensuring a perfect texture in your burrito bowl.
• Spice Customization: Adjust the spice blend to your taste preferences by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder and cumin, creating a personalized flavor profile.
• Rice Pro Tip: Rinse the uncooked rice before adding to the slow cooker to remove excess starch and prevent clumping, resulting in perfectly fluffy rice.
• Dietary Modifications: Make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free salsa and checking that all seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg