🎉 Introduction
Nothing beats a burrito bowl for a hearty, customizable, and satisfying meal. This Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl brings all the flavors of your favorite restaurant-style burrito bowl into a hands-off, family-friendly recipe.
With tender shredded chicken, smoky spices, black beans, corn, salsa, and cilantro-lime rice, this dish is both nourishing and delicious. Topped with creamy avocado and fresh herbs, it’s a perfect meal prep option that’s as good for lunch as it is for dinner.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- 6-quart slow cooker (Crockpot)
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Forks (for shredding chicken)
- Rice cooker or pot (for cooking rice)
🛒 Ingredients
Chicken & Base
- 2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 16 oz salsa, chunky
- ½ cup chicken broth
Vegetables & Legumes
- 1 (16 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups frozen sweet corn
- 3 small avocados, diced (for topping)
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Seasoning
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Dressing & Grains
- ⅓ cup Briannas cilantro lime dressing (optional for drizzling)
- 4 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Season with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Add salsa, chicken broth, black beans, and corn. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.
Step 4: Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then return to the slow cooker. Stir to combine with sauce and veggies.
Step 5: Prepare rice while the chicken finishes cooking.
Step 6: Assemble burrito bowls: add a base of rice, top with shredded chicken mixture, then garnish with avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Step 7: Drizzle with Briannas cilantro lime dressing before serving, if desired.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6–8 portions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Total Time: About 6 hours 20 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze chicken mixture (without avocado or rice) for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if needed.
🥄 Variations
- Protein Swap: Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, or try shredded turkey or beef.
- Grain Options: Swap rice for quinoa, cauliflower rice, or farro.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
- Vegan Option: Skip chicken and double the beans and corn.
- Topping Ideas: Add shredded cheese, sour cream, or pickled red onions.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase cooking time by 1–2 hours.
2. Can I make this recipe without salsa?
You can replace it with canned tomatoes and extra seasoning.
3. Do I have to shred the chicken?
No, you can cube it, but shredded chicken blends better with the sauce.
4. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes, just reduce the cooking time to 1–2 hours.
5. What kind of rice works best?
Cilantro-lime rice is perfect, but plain white or brown rice works too.
6. Can I make this spicier?
Yes, add hot salsa or diced jalapeños.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough.
8. Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?
Yes, drain it before adding.
9. Can I prep this the night before?
Yes, add everything except beans and corn to the slow cooker insert, refrigerate, then start cooking the next day.
10. What sides go well with this burrito bowl?
Tortilla chips, guacamole, or a fresh salad.
🏁 Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is a hands-off, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. With tender shredded chicken, smoky spices, beans, corn, and fresh toppings, it’s a hearty dish that everyone will love. Build your bowl just the way you like and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.
Chicken Burrito Bowl (Slow Cooker) – Easy, Flavorful, and Meal-Prep Friendly
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Notes
Yes, but increase cooking time by 1–2 hours. 2. Can I make this recipe without salsa?
You can replace it with canned tomatoes and extra seasoning. 3. Do I have to shred the chicken?
No, you can cube it, but shredded chicken blends better with the sauce. 4. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes, just reduce the cooking time to 1–2 hours. 5. What kind of rice works best?
Cilantro-lime rice is perfect, but plain white or brown rice works too. 6. Can I make this spicier?
Yes, add hot salsa or diced jalapeños. 7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough. 8. Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?
Yes, drain it before adding. 9. Can I prep this the night before?
Yes, add everything except beans and corn to the slow cooker insert, refrigerate, then start cooking the next day. 10. What sides go well with this burrito bowl?
Tortilla chips, guacamole, or a fresh salad. 🏁 Conclusion This Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is a hands-off, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. With tender shredded chicken, smoky spices, beans, corn, and fresh toppings, it’s a hearty dish that everyone will love. Build your bowl just the way you like and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.
