Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s hearty, flavorful, and nearly effortless, these Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls are the answer. Imagine tender shredded chicken simmered with black beans, tomatoes, and spices, all coming together into a warm, comforting meal that practically cooks itself. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility pile everything over rice, add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a customizable dinner that pleases the whole family. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry crowd, this slow cooker recipe makes dinner time both easy and exciting.

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Ingredients

For the Slow Cooker

• 2 lb. chicken breast
• 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed
• ½ cup corn kernels
• 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes (do not drain)
• 1 green chile or jalapeño pepper, diced
• ½ red onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Sea salt, to taste
• ½ tsp cracked pepper

For the Burrito Bowls / Toppings

• 2 cups cooked rice (frozen rice works in a pinch)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lime wedges
• 1 Roma tomato, diced
• Romaine lettuce, chopped
• Shredded cheese
• Fresh cilantro

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken base
   Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle with cumin, chili powder, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add veggies and beans
   Layer the diced green chile, onion, garlic, tomatoes (with juice), and rinsed black beans over the chicken. Stir lightly to combine the seasonings with the vegetables and beans.
3. Cook slowly for maximum flavor
   Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld together, giving you a rich and savory base.
4. Shred the chicken
   Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts. Shred with two forks on a cutting board, or shred directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken back into the mixture to soak up the juices.
5. Assemble your burrito bowls
   In serving bowls, add a layer of cooked rice, then top with the shredded chicken mixture. Pile on your favorite extras like avocado, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and cilantro. A squeeze of fresh lime juice takes it over the top!
6. Serve and store
   Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Simply reheat and serve for a quick meal anytime.

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About the Recipe

Why You’ll Love It

These Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls check all the boxes: they’re easy, flavorful, nutritious, and endlessly adaptable. With minimal prep, you can let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you go about your day. The result? A dish that tastes like it came from your favorite Mexican restaurant, but without the price tag or hassle.

Variations and Serving Ideas

• Burrito Bar Style: Hosting friends or family? Keep the chicken warm in the slow cooker and set out a toppings bar with rice, tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and cheese. Everyone builds their own perfect bowl.
• Taco Twist: Spoon the shredded chicken mixture into taco shells or tortillas for an easy variation.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice, shredded lettuce, or in lettuce wraps.
• Quesadillas or Nachos: Use leftovers as filling for quesadillas or layer over tortilla chips for hearty nachos.

Helpful Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: While the slow cooker is forgiving, too much time can dry out the chicken. Stick to 4–6 hours on low.
• Use Frozen Chicken in a Pinch: Forgot to thaw your chicken? Many slow cooker recipes allow for frozen chicken, though you may need to add an extra hour of cook time.
• Boost the Flavor: Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky kick.

Nutrition Insights

This recipe is balanced and nourishing. Each serving provides about 32g of protein, 25g of carbohydrates, and only 4g of fat. The addition of beans and corn boosts fiber, while toppings like avocado and cheese add healthy fats and extra flavor. It’s a meal that satisfies without feeling heavy.

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Conclusion

Dinner doesn’t have to be stressful, and these Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls prove it. With a handful of wholesome ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a meal that’s both satisfying and customizable. Whether you enjoy it as a rice bowl, taco filling, or party-friendly burrito bar, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try this week, and don’t forget to share your own topping creations you might just inspire someone else’s next favorite dinner!