Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: the slow cooker chicken burrito bowl! It’s one of those meals that just sings with flavor and takes almost zero effort. I love coming home after a long day and being greeted by the warm, delectable smell wafting through the house. It feels like a big, cozy hug! A few weeks ago, I had some friends over for game night, and I whipped this up. Everyone was so impressed, and honestly, it felt like I was serving a gourmet meal when all I did was toss everything in the slow cooker that morning! You can customize it with your favorite toppings, and it’s perfect for sharing. Seriously, who doesn’t love a delicious, hearty bowl of goodness that you can just scoop and serve? Trust me, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
- 2 lbs chicken breast (boneless and skinless)
- 1 cup brown rice (uncooked)
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained (about 15 oz)
- 1 can corn, drained (about 15 oz)
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite kind for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (adds a warm earthiness)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (for a little kick)
- Salt to taste (don’t be shy, but adjust to your preference!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend work beautifully)
- 1 avocado, sliced (for that creamy touch)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (adds a pop of freshness)
How to Prepare the Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
- First things first, grab your slow cooker and place the chicken breast right at the bottom. It’s the star of the show, after all!
- Now, add in the uncooked brown rice, rinsed black beans, and drained corn. This is where the magic begins as the flavors all come together.
- Next, pour in that delicious salsa. I like to use a zesty one to really amp up the flavor! Then sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, and salt. Give everything a good stir to combine all those lovely ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You don’t need to preheat; just let it do its thing while you go about your day!
- When the time is up, carefully shred the chicken with two forks right in the slow cooker. It should be tender and fall apart easily!
- Finally, serve it hot, and don’t forget to top each bowl with shredded cheese, creamy avocado slices, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that final touch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day!
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices, chicken, and salsa creates a deliciously rich flavor that everyone will adore.
- Customizable: Make it your own by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the spices to suit your taste.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients, it’s a nutritious meal you can feel good about.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Great for leftovers, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week!
- Family-Friendly: Kids love it, and it’s a fantastic way to get everyone excited about dinner.
Tips for Success
To really nail this slow cooker chicken burrito bowl, here are my top tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to match your taste buds. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños to the mix. Also, keep an eye on the cooking time; if you’re cooking on high, check at the 3-hour mark to avoid drying out the chicken.
For a beautiful presentation, serve the burrito bowl in colorful dishes and let everyone add their own toppings. It creates a fun, interactive meal! And trust me, a squeeze of fresh lime over the top can elevate the flavors even more. Oh, and if you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers for easy meals throughout the week. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Variations of the Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
One of the best things about this slow cooker chicken burrito bowl is how easily you can mix it up! If you want to change up the beans, try kidney beans or pinto beans instead of black beans for a different flavor profile. You could also toss in some diced bell peppers or zucchini for added veggies—just chop them up and throw them in with the rest of the ingredients.
Feeling adventurous? Swap the brown rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter twist! And when it comes to toppings, the sky’s the limit! How about some sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess? Or maybe some pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick? You can even go for a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips on top for that satisfying crunch. These variations make it easy to keep this meal exciting every time you make it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your slow cooker chicken burrito bowl is super simple! Just let it cool down a bit, then transfer it to airtight containers. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 4-5 days, so you can enjoy those delicious flavors all week long!
When you’re ready to reheat, you can pop it in the microwave for a quick meal. Just make sure to cover it to prevent splatters and stir halfway through to heat evenly. If you prefer, you can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep everything nice and juicy.
And here’s a little tip: if you’re worried about the rice getting mushy, you can reheat the chicken separately and serve it over freshly cooked rice. This way, you’ll maintain that perfect texture! Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
Nutritional Information
When you’re diving into a bowl of this slow cooker chicken burrito goodness, you might be curious about the nutritional side! Each serving gives you approximately 450 calories, with 15g of fat, 35g of protein, and 58g of carbs. Plus, you get a nice boost of fiber with about 10g per bowl! Just keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s a wholesome, hearty meal packed with nutrients to fuel your day!
FAQ Section
How long does it take to cook in the slow cooker?
If you’re cooking on low, it’ll take about 6-8 hours. On high, you’re looking at around 3-4 hours. Just make sure to check the chicken for tenderness!
Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! You can toss frozen chicken breasts into the slow cooker, but you’ll need to extend the cooking time by about an hour on low.
What can I substitute for brown rice?
You can swap in quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Just keep an eye on the cooking times since those can vary!
What toppings do you recommend?
I love topping mine with shredded cheese, avocado, and fresh cilantro, but you can also add sour cream, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Just replace the chicken with a mix of beans and add extra veggies for heartiness. It’ll still be delicious!
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl: 5 Flavorful Variations
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious slow cooker chicken burrito bowl, perfect for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 can black beans, rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken in the slow cooker.
- Add brown rice, black beans, corn, salsa, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks before serving.
- Top with cheese, avocado, and cilantro.
Notes
- Serve with tortilla chips for added crunch.
- Adjust spices according to your taste.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken burrito bowl