Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls are the perfect solution for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. With just ten minutes of prep work, you can set your slow cooker and let it do all the work. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and customizable to suit any palate, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prep. You’ll love how easy it is to create a delicious dinner that requires minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: You only need ten minutes to prepare this dish before letting your slow cooker take over.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of spices, salsa, and beans creates a deliciously hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Toppings: Personalize each bowl with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, or hot sauce for added flavor.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe serves eight people, making it perfect for families or gatherings with friends.
- Easy Clean-Up: One-pot cooking means less mess in the kitchen, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large mixing bowl
- Forks or shredders (for shredding chicken)
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is the heart of your recipe. It allows you to cook low and slow for tender chicken without constant supervision.
- Large mixing bowl: Perfect for shredding chicken after cooking; it keeps things organized and avoids spills.
- Forks or shredders: Essential for easily shredding cooked chicken into tender pieces.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls, gather the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Base
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 (16 oz) jar salsa
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
For Seasoning
- 1 tsp chipotle chile powder (or regular chile powder)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground oregano
- 1 tsp table salt
- 1 tsp finely ground black pepper
For Serving
- 2 cups instant rice (such as Minute Rice)
- 8 oz shredded Colby-Jack cheese
- Optional garnishes: sour cream, olives, avocado, hot sauce, cilantro, green onion
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Ingredients
Add the diced onion, salsa, black beans, diced tomatoes, diced green chiles, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the chipotle chile powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Cook Chicken
Cover and set your slow cooker to cook on low for 4 hours.
Step 4: Shred Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them in a large bowl. Use two forks or shredders to shred the chicken while keeping the lid on the slow cooker to retain heat.
Step 5: Combine Rice
Return shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Add in instant rice and stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 6: Cook Rice
Cover and cook for an additional 45 minutes or until rice is tender. Remember to taste it to check its doneness!
Step 7: Melt Cheese
Top with shredded Colby-Jack cheese. Cover again and let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted.
Step 8: Serve
Scoop into bowls and add your favorite toppings like sour cream or avocado before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls is an enjoyable experience that allows everyone to customize their meal. This dish is versatile and can be garnished with a variety of toppings to suit different tastes. Here are some ideas on how to serve it up.
Classic Garnishes
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture and balances the spices.
- Shredded Lettuce: Fresh lettuce provides a crunchy contrast to the warm ingredients.
- Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add brightness and freshness with every bite.
Flavor Boosters
- Hot Sauce: For those who love spice, drizzle hot sauce over the top for an extra kick.
- Chopped Cilantro: This herb enhances the flavor profile with its fresh, zesty taste.
- Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado brings richness and pairs well with the flavors in the bowl.
Additional Toppings
- Black Olives: Sliced olives add a briny note that complements the other ingredients.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide a mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance the overall flavor and texture of your dish.
- seasoning: Don’t hesitate to adjust spices according to your preference. More chipotle or paprika can elevate the dish.
- Use quality salsa: A good jar of salsa makes a significant difference in flavor. Opt for one with fresh ingredients.
- Let it rest: After cooking, allow the dish to sit for 10 minutes before serving. This helps meld the flavors together.
- Monitor rice cooking time: Different brands of instant rice may require slight adjustments in cooking time. Always taste for doneness.
- Experiment with toppings: Try different combinations of garnishes each time for variety and fun!
- Store leftovers properly: Keep any remaining burrito bowls in an airtight container in the fridge for easy reheating later.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement this hearty dish.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy Mexican rice seasoned with spices adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are perfect for scooping and provide additional protein.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn offers sweetness that balances the spices of your burrito bowl.
- Guacamole: Homemade or store-bought guacamole brings creaminess and fresh avocado goodness.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for an excellent appetizer or side.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers add color and nutrition when grilled lightly.
- Tortilla Wraps: Soft tortillas allow you to turn leftover burrito bowls into delicious wraps for lunch tomorrow.
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad dressed with lime vinaigrette can cleanse the palate between bites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls, there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the chicken: Slow cooking chicken too long can result in dry, tough meat. Stick to the recommended cooking time for tender chicken.
- Ignoring seasoning: Not adjusting the spices can make your dish bland. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving for a flavor boost.
- Using regular rice: Regular rice may not cook properly in the slow cooker. Always opt for instant rice or adjust cooking times if using regular rice.
- Skipping garnishes: Missing out on fresh toppings can take away from the dish’s appeal. Add garnishes like sour cream or cilantro for extra flavor and color.
- Not shredding chicken properly: Failing to shred the chicken well can lead to uneven flavors in your dish. Use two forks to ensure it’s shredded finely and mixed well.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- item Keep in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
- item Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
- item Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
- item Best consumed within 2–3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for 20–30 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, stirring halfway through until hot (about 2-3 minutes).
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth if necessary, stirring occasionally until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls?
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls include shredded chicken, beans, tomatoes, salsa, and spices cooked together with rice and topped with cheese.
Can I customize my Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or corn or switch up the toppings according to your taste preferences.
How do I make Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls spicier?
To increase spice levels, add more chipotle chile powder or include jalapeños among your ingredients.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be aware that cooking time may need adjustment.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls are a comforting and versatile meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. With simple ingredients and endless customization options, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Give it a try and enjoy a hearty dinner that everyone will love!
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls are the ultimate solution for busy weeknights and meal prepping. With just ten minutes of prep, this one-pot dish combines tender shredded chicken, black beans, and zesty salsa, creating a hearty and flavorful meal that everyone will love. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—customize your burrito bowls with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, or hot sauce. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these delicious bowls are sure to become a go-to in your meal rotation.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 (16 oz) jar salsa
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp chipotle chile powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground oregano
- 1 tsp table salt
- 1 tsp finely ground black pepper
- 2 cups instant rice
- 8 oz shredded Colby-Jack cheese
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Add diced onion, salsa, black beans, diced tomatoes, green chiles, chicken broth, and spices.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Shred chicken in a large bowl using forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in instant rice.
- Cook an additional 45 minutes until rice is tender.
- Top with cheese and let melt for 3–5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours + 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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