Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is a simple and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy days. With tender, shredded chicken, hearty beans, rice, and a zesty blend of spices, this dish is packed with Mexican-inspired flavors and requires minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Hands-Off – Let the slow cooker do all the work.
- Meal-Prep Friendly – Great for leftovers and meal prep.
- Packed with Flavor – A delicious mix of spices, beans, and chicken.
- Customizable – Add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- Black beans, drained and rinsed
- Corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- Chicken broth
- Uncooked long-grain rice
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, chopped
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Lime juice (optional, for freshness)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker – Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Add Ingredients – Pour in the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, onion, garlic, and seasonings.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred Chicken – Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
- Add Rice – Stir in the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Cover and cook for another 30-40 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Finish & Serve – Stir everything well, squeeze in lime juice, and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high), plus 30-40 minutes for rice
- Total Time: Up to 8 hours
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add diced jalapeños or more chili powder.
- Low-Carb Option – Skip the rice and serve with cauliflower rice.
- Cheesy Twist – Stir in shredded cheese before serving.
- Different Protein – Swap chicken for beef, turkey, or tofu.
- Vegetarian Option – Use vegetable broth and add extra beans or tofu.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating – Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freezing – Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, but add it at the beginning since it takes longer to cook.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, then quick release and stir in cooked rice.
Can I add extra veggies?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach make great additions.
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, but add it at the end just before serving.
How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
Add it toward the end of cooking and check frequently.
What toppings go well with this dish?
Sour cream, avocado, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips are great options.
Can I skip the beans?
Yes! Replace with extra veggies or omit them entirely.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by an hour.
How can I make this dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, just avoid cheese toppings.
What’s the best way to serve it?
Serve in bowls, wrapped in tortillas, or as a salad topping.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is a delicious, hearty meal that’s easy to make and full of bold flavors. Perfect for meal prep or a family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy a stress-free, tasty meal!
PrintSlow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours
- Total Time: ~7 hours
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is packed with tender shredded chicken, beans, rice, and bold Mexican flavors. It’s an easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s perfect for meal prep or a family dinner!
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with green chilies for extra spice)
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite variety)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Rice (Added Later):
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
- Toppings (Optional):
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Sliced jalapeños
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker – Add chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, salsa, chicken broth, and all the seasonings to the slow cooker. Stir to mix.
- Cook the chicken – Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
- Shred the chicken – Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Cook the rice – Stir in uncooked rice and chicken broth or water. Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Serve – Scoop into bowls and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
- Want it spicier? Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or use a spicy salsa.
- Use pre-cooked rice – If using pre-cooked rice, stir it in just before serving instead of adding it to the slow cooker.
- Make it creamy – Stir in ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese before serving for a creamy twist.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~350
- Sugar: ~6g
- Sodium: ~750mg
- Fat: ~6g
- Saturated Fat: ~1g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fiber: ~7g
- Protein: ~28g
- Cholesterol: ~50mg
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