Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is an amazing way to enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal effort. This dish brings together tender chicken, zesty seasonings, and a variety of toppings to create a wholesome and satisfying bowl that everyone will love. Whether you are looking for a weeknight dinner solution or a meal prep idea for the week ahead, this burrito bowl is the perfect choice. Just set it and forget it! With all the flavors and textures packed into one bowl, you won’t believe how easy it is to whip up a delicious meal that tastes like your favorite burrito, but better.
As you take that first bite, the succulent chicken, spices, and fresh toppings will dance delightfully on your palate. The all-in-one approach means you can customize each bowl to suit your family’s preferences. This recipe is not only flavorful but also packed with good-for-you ingredients. In this guide, you’ll discover why this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is a must-try recipe, along with tips on how to make it as well as serving suggestions to make your meal a standout.
Now let’s dig deeper into what makes this recipe incredible, from its wholesome ingredients to how simple it is to prepare. Get ready to take your meal planning to the next level with a dish that is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons you will fall head over heels for the Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl. Here are the highlights:
1. Easy Preparation: Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and let it do the work for you.
2. Dynamic Flavor Profile: The combination of spices and toppings creates an explosion of taste that is out of this world.
3. Healthy Ingredients: This recipe includes lean protein, fresh vegetables, and nutrient-rich beans, making it a satisfying yet healthy option.
4. Customizable: You can tailor each burrito bowl with different toppings or substitutions to cater to everyone’s tastes.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch, portion it out, and enjoy it throughout the week.
6. Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love building their burrito bowls with their favorite toppings.
With these factors, it’s easy to see why this recipe has become a household favorite. The joy of creating a meal that not only tastes incredible but also brings the family together makes it all worthwhile!

Preparation and Cooking Time

The Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is not just simple; it’s also convenient, allowing you to focus on other tasks while it cooks. Here’s a breakdown of the time needed to prepare and cook this delightful dish:
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
– Serving Time: 5-10 minutes (to assemble the bowls with toppings)
This makes the total time commitment a mere few minutes of your day, with plenty of time to spare!

Ingredients

– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 small onion, diced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
– Lime wedges, for serving
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, salsa, jalapeños

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating the Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is a breeze with these simple step-by-step instructions:
1. Prepare Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add Vegetables: Layer in the diced bell pepper and onion over the chicken.
3. Mix Beans and Corn: Add the drained black beans and corn on top of the vegetables.
4. Pour Diced Tomatoes: Add the can of diced tomatoes (with juices) into the slow cooker.
5. Season: Sprinkle the taco seasoning, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder over the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth evenly over all the ingredients.
7. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.
8. Shred Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker.
9. Combine: Stir everything together to mix well, incorporating all the flavors.
10. Serve with Rice/Quinoa: Serve the shredded chicken mixture over prepared rice or quinoa.
These straightforward steps make it effortless to create a mouthwatering meal that your family will adore.

How to Serve

The fun doesn’t stop with just preparing your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl. The way you serve it can elevate the entire dining experience. Here are some serving ideas to make your burrito bowl stand out:
1. Use a Beautiful Bowl: Choose a large bowl that shows off the colorful ingredients. Presentation can add a delightful touch to the meal.
2. Customize Your Bowls: Let everyone build their burrito bowl by setting out toppings like shredded cheese, sliced avocado, sour cream, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and salsa.
3. Offer Lime Wedges: Provide lime wedges on the side to add a zesty kick to each bowl.
4. Pair with Tortilla Chips: Add a crunchy element to the meal by serving it with tortilla chips on the side.
5. Create a Buffet Style Setup: Allow everyone to mix and match their favorites, making meal time interactive and fun.
By focusing on presentation and customization, you will ensure that your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl becomes a hit during meal time, leaving everyone satisfied and excited for leftovers!

Additional Tips

– Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken for the best flavor in your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl.
– Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of taco seasoning or adjust with a low-spice alternative.
– Experiment with Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices, such as chipotle powder, for a smoky flavor.
– Use Bone-In Chicken: For even richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts.
– Serve with Fresh Sides: Pair your burrito bowl with a side of Mexican-style corn salad for a refreshing contrast.

Recipe Variation

You can easily modify the Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl to fit your taste preferences. Here are some variations:
1. Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with a variety of vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers, or use tofu for protein.
2. Different Proteins: Try substituting chicken with ground turkey, beef, or shredded pork for a different flavor profile.
3. Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to amp up the heat.
4. Southwestern Flair: Incorporate black olives and diced green chiles for an added southwestern kick.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Keep the Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 4-5 days.
– Freezing: You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate the rice or quinoa to prevent mushiness when reheating.

Special Equipment

To make your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl, you will need:
– Slow Cooker: A reliable slow cooker is essential for even cooking.
– Mixing Spoon: Use a spoon for mixing the ingredients before cooking.
– Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out ingredients accurately.
– Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure you increase the cooking time to allow it to thaw and cook thoroughly.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and easily shreds with a fork.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely! You can prep your ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Combine them in the slow cooker in the morning before cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free taco seasoning, this dish is safe for gluten-free diets.

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that brings flavor and convenience together. Perfect for busy weeks or laid-back family dinners, it offers a satisfying way to enjoy delicious, healthy ingredients in one easy dish. You can easily customize it to meet your family’s preferences while still enjoying the delightful flavors that will keep everyone coming back for seconds!

Print