Slow Cooker (Crockpot) Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls are a quick, easy, and flavorful way to prepare a healthy and satisfying meal with minimal effort. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to cook in a slow cooker or crockpot, which allows the chicken and vegetables to become tender and infused with all the delicious seasonings. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd with minimal stress.

Packed with seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, and a variety of fresh toppings, these burrito bowls offer all the flavors you love in a burrito without the need for tortilla wraps. With the help of your trusty slow cooker, this meal comes together effortlessly, and you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a bowl with rice, wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb option, or with your favorite toppings, these chicken burrito bowls are a versatile and family-friendly dish that will become a regular on your dinner menu.

This guide takes you through each step of the process, provides helpful tips for making the most of your slow cooker, and suggests some fun variations to try. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls

• Easy and Hands-Off: The slow cooker does all the work for you! Simply add the ingredients, set it, and forget it. In a few hours, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to serve.
• Flavorful and Tender Chicken: The chicken cooks slowly in a flavorful mixture of spices and broth, resulting in perfectly tender, juicy chicken that shreds easily with a fork.
• Healthy and Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs. Whether you want to add more vegetables, switch to brown rice, or make it dairy-free, this recipe can easily be customized to fit your preferences.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These burrito bowls are great for meal prep. The chicken and toppings can be stored separately and assembled throughout the week for easy lunches or dinners.
• Perfect for a Crowd: If you’re hosting a party, gathering, or feeding a large family, this recipe is ideal. You can easily scale it up or down depending on how many people you’re serving.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (if cooking on low)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high in the slow cooker
• Servings: Approximately 6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 400-450 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and toppings.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Fat: 8-12g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 7-9g
• Sugar: 5-6g

Ingredients

For the Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained (or use frozen corn)
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• Fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa (optional)

Special Equipment

While making Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls is fairly simple, a few pieces of equipment will help ensure everything goes smoothly:

1. Slow Cooker (Crockpot): This is the key tool for this recipe. A 6-quart slow cooker works best for this amount of ingredients, but you can scale it up or down depending on your needs.
2. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements for the spices, broth, and other ingredients will help balance the flavors of the dish.
3. Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: You’ll need a good knife to chop the onion, dice the tomatoes, and slice the avocado (if using).
4. Large Spoon or Tongs: For stirring the ingredients once they’re in the slow cooker and for shredding the chicken when it’s done.
5. Rice Cooker (Optional): If you want perfectly cooked rice every time, a rice cooker can be a great tool. You can also prepare your rice on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe bowl.
6. Serving Bowls and Spoons: Once the chicken is cooked and shredded, you’ll need bowls to assemble your burrito bowls. A large spoon will help with serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), and the taco seasoning. This will give the chicken a flavorful base as it cooks in the slow cooker.

Next, dice the onion and prepare any additional ingredients you’d like to add to the slow cooker, such as the black beans, corn, and diced green chilies.

2. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Once the chicken is seasoned, place it in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, black beans, corn, and green chilies on top of the chicken. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients. This broth will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks, keeping the chicken moist and juicy.

3. Set the Slow Cooker

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for about 3 hours. If you’re short on time, the high setting works well, but for more tender chicken, the low setting is ideal.

4. Shred the Chicken

Once the cooking time is up, use tongs or a fork to remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Shred the chicken by pulling it apart with the tongs or fork—this should be easy, as the chicken will be tender and fall apart easily.

Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it into the broth and vegetables. This will help the chicken absorb the flavors from the liquid and spices.

5. Prepare the Rice

While the chicken is cooking, prepare your rice. If you’re using white or brown rice, cook it according to the package instructions. For a low-carb option, you can use cauliflower rice, which cooks quickly and makes for a great substitute for regular rice.

Once the rice is cooked, set it aside for serving.

6. Assemble the Burrito Bowls

To assemble the burrito bowls, start by placing a scoop of rice in the bottom of each bowl. Top with a generous serving of the slow-cooked chicken and vegetable mixture. From there, you can add your favorite toppings such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, and any other toppings you love.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls

• Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor: While chicken breasts are a popular choice for this recipe, using chicken thighs will result in even more flavorful, tender meat. The added fat from the thighs keeps the chicken juicy throughout the cooking process.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: If you’re making a larger batch, avoid overcrowding the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken has enough space to cook properly.
• Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you prefer a spicier burrito bowl, you can add jalapeños or extra chili powder. You can also experiment with other seasonings such as onion powder, cayenne pepper, or even a squeeze of lime juice for added zest.
• Prepare Your Toppings Ahead of Time: To save time, chop your fresh toppings (like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado) while the chicken is cooking. This way, you can assemble the bowls quickly once the chicken is done.
• Check the Chicken for Doneness: If you’re unsure if the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should be 165°F (75°C) when it’s done.

Variations of Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls

• Slow Cooker Beef Burrito Bowls: If you prefer beef, you can easily swap the chicken for a cut of beef such as chuck roast or ground beef. Cook it in the same way, shredding it once it’s tender.
• Vegetarian Burrito Bowls: Skip the chicken and use extra beans, vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes, and a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. You can also add extra grains like quinoa for more texture.
• Spicy Chicken Burrito Bowls: For a spicier kick, add fresh jalapeños or hot sauce to the slow cooker. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or chipotle chili powder for a smoky heat.
• Low-Carb Burrito Bowls: For a keto or low-carb version, skip the rice and opt for cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or lettuce wraps instead. These options still provide a satisfying base without the extra carbs.
• Mango Salsa Chicken Burrito Bowls: Add a tropical twist by topping your burrito bowls with a fresh mango salsa. Combine diced mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for a fresh, sweet, and tangy addition.

Storage and Shelf Life

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls are great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’re storing the chicken mixture and rice separately, it will help maintain the texture of both components.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and vegetable mixture for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool the mixture before freezing, and store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the mixture overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pan or the microwave.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls

• Tortilla Chips: A side of crunchy tortilla chips is perfect for scooping up the burrito bowl mixture or serving as a crunchy garnish.
• Guacamole: Add a rich and creamy guacamole to your burrito bowls for an extra layer of flavor. It pairs wonderfully with the seasoned chicken and rice.
• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Serve a side of grilled corn on the cob coated with cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime for a perfect side dish that complements the flavors of the burrito bowls.
• Fresh Salsa: A zesty, fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice is the perfect accompaniment to this dish. It adds freshness and a burst of flavor.
• Mexican Rice: Serve your burrito bowls with a side of Mexican rice for an authentic touch. The tomato-based rice pairs well with the seasoned chicken and adds more flavor to the meal.

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Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls are a delicious and easy way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic burrito without the hassle of wrapping tortillas. With tender chicken, a variety of fresh toppings, and customizable ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal with minimal effort. Whether you prefer a traditional version or want to experiment with new toppings and ingredients, this recipe is versatile and sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy!