Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe

🌯 Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls

A healthy, hands-off meal packed with flavor! Just toss everything into your slow cooker, go about your day, and come home to a warm, satisfying dinner. Full of lean protein, veggies, rice, and beans—this bowl is like a burrito without the wrap!

✅ Why You’ll Love It

• Set it and forget it: Dump-and-go style meal
• Nutritious: High in protein, fiber, and whole grains
• Meal prep hero: Makes enough for days
• Toppings galore: Totally customizable

🍴 What You’ll Need

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup uncooked brown rice (or white rice – see tips)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot—your choice)
• 1¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 1 tbsp homemade mix)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheese
• Avocado or guacamole
• Fresh cilantro
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Lime wedges
• Chopped lettuce or tomatoes
• Hot sauce or jalapeños

🥣 How to Make It

Step 1: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

In this order:

1. Chicken
2. Rice
3. Black beans
4. Corn
5. Diced tomatoes
6. Salsa
7. Chicken broth
8. Taco seasoning + a little salt and pepper

Gently stir the top layer so rice is submerged in liquid (don’t stir too deep or rice may stick).

Step 2: Cook It

• Low for 6–7 hours
• High for 3–4 hours

✅ It’s done when:

• Chicken is fully cooked
• Rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Step 3: Shred Chicken & Stir

Remove chicken with tongs, shred it using two forks, then mix it back into the slow cooker with everything else.

Step 4: Serve

Scoop into bowls and top with your favorites!
(See topping ideas below.)

🧀 Topping Ideas

• Cheesy – Cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso fresco
• Creamy – Sour cream, Greek yogurt, avocado, guac
• Crunchy – Lettuce, diced onion, chopped tomatoes
• Spicy – Jalapeños, hot sauce, chipotle crema
• Fresh – Cilantro, lime juice, green onions

🔁 Variations & Tips

💡 Rice Tips:

• Brown rice works best—it holds up during slow cooking.
• White rice? Use long-grain and check early to avoid mushiness.
• Worried about texture? Cook rice separately and mix in at the end.

🍗 Protein Swaps:

• Chicken thighs (juicier)
• Shredded beef or pork
• Plant-based meats (add near the end)
• Vegetarian? Use tofu or more beans

🍚 Grain Swaps:

• Quinoa (cook separately)
• Cauliflower rice (add fresh when serving)

🧊 Storage & Meal Prep

Fridge:

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

Freeze base (without toppings) for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• Microwave: 2–3 minutes
• Stovetop: Add splash of water or broth and heat through

Meal Prep Tips:

• Use compartment meal prep containers
• Pack toppings separately (especially fresh ones)
• Add avocado/guac just before eating

❓ FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just make sure it cooks through. Add 1 extra hour on LOW.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker and add 30–60 min to the cook time.

Too spicy or too mild?

• Mild: Use mild salsa, skip jalapeños
• Spicy: Add hot sauce or cayenne to the mix

✅ Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls are:

• Perfect for busy weeknights
• Super customizable
• Family- and freezer-friendly
• Full of flavor with minimal effort

Once you try this, it’ll become part of your regular rotation. Healthy eating doesn’t get easier (or tastier) than this!