Lazy Day Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity and bold flavors, and these mouthwatering slow cooker chicken burrito bowls deliver every single time.

Packed with zesty seasonings and tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth, this recipe turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

The magic happens effortlessly in your slow cooker, infusing each bite with rich, vibrant Mexican-inspired spices.

Tender shredded chicken nestles perfectly among fluffy rice, creating a hearty and satisfying dish that comes together with minimal effort.

Colorful toppings like fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, and tangy salsa add layers of texture and brightness to every serving.

You’ll love how these burrito bowls transform dinnertime from mundane to magnificent with just a few simple ingredients.

This recipe promises a delicious adventure that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 41 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients for Chicken Burrito Bowls in the Crockpot

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that absorbs spices beautifully, choose fresh cuts with minimal fat for best texture and flavor.

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy brightness, opt for no-salt-added varieties for better control of sodium levels.
• Chicken Broth: Creates rich cooking liquid, low-sodium versions allow you to adjust seasoning precisely.
• Chili Powder: Delivers warm, earthy heat that defines the Mexican-inspired profile.
• Salt: Amplifies overall taste, use sparingly and adjust to personal preference.
• Ground Cumin: Introduces deep, smoky undertones characteristic of authentic burrito flavors.

• Black Beans: Provides plant-based protein and creamy texture, rinse thoroughly to reduce sodium.
• Brown Rice: Offers nutty whole grain base with additional fiber and nutrients.
• Frozen Corn Kernels: Brings sweet crunch and vibrant color to the dish.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy richness and melty appeal.
• Chopped Cilantro: Introduces fresh, herbal notes.
• Sour Cream: Provides cool, tangy contrast.
• Diced Avocado: Contributes smooth, buttery texture.
• Salsa: Offers zesty, fresh vegetable flavors.
• Hot Sauce: Allows personalized heat adjustment.
• Diced Green Onions: Delivers mild, sharp onion accent.
• Shredded Lettuce: Adds crisp, refreshing element.

Slow Cooker Tools for Burrito Bowl Building

• Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the burrito bowl base. A 2 ½- to 3 ½-quart size works perfectly.
• Two Forks: Ideal for shredding the cooked chicken into tender, bite-sized pieces.
• Measuring Spoons: Necessary for accurately portioning chili powder, salt, and cumin.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and ensuring even cooking throughout the slow cooker.
• Cutting Board: Helpful for any minimal prep work needed before adding ingredients.

Cooking Mexican-Inspired Chicken Bowls with Ease

• Slow Cooker Base

Place chicken into the slow cooker with zesty tomatoes, savory broth, and classic southwestern spices. Make sure the chicken is completely submerged in liquid for maximum flavor absorption. Let everything simmer gently for several hours until the meat becomes incredibly tender.

• Rice and Veggie Fusion

Introduce hearty beans, fluffy rice, and sweet corn kernels into the cooking mixture. Continue slow cooking, allowing the grains to soak up all the delicious surrounding flavors. Gently stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

• Final Texture and Seasoning

Check the rice’s softness and evaluate the overall liquid consistency. If needed, remove the lid and let excess moisture evaporate. Tenderly break apart the chicken using two forks, blending it seamlessly with the rice and vegetables. Taste and sprinkle additional seasonings to create your perfect burrito bowl experience.

Ideas for Rice, Bean, and Topping Additions

• Sprinkle fresh cilantro or squeeze lime juice just before serving to brighten the entire dish and add a zesty punch.
• Swap chili powder with chipotle powder or add diced jalapeños for a more intense, smoky heat that transforms the flavor profile.
• Replace chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even plant-based crumbles for a versatile meal that suits different dietary preferences.
• Set out bowls of diced avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions so everyone can customize their burrito bowl exactly how they like it.
• This recipe stores beautifully in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for quick lunches or busy weeknight dinners.

Serving Chicken Burrito Bowls Like a Buffet

• Zesty Taco Night Extravaganza: Transform your burrito bowl into a fun interactive dinner where everyone builds their own plate with fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and shredded cheese.
• Meal Prep Champion: Package individual portions in sealed containers for quick grab-and-go lunches during busy workdays, keeping ingredients separate to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
• Flavor Boosting Companions: Serve alongside garnishes such as lime wedges, spicy salsa, tangy sour cream, or crispy tortilla chips to elevate the overall dining experience and add exciting texture contrasts.
• Hearty Family Feast: Present the chicken burrito bowl as a centerpiece dish for family gatherings, allowing guests to scoop generous portions and customize their plates with additional seasonings and condiments.

Packing Burrito Bowls for Meal Prep Days

• Batch Cooking Magic: Whip up multiple servings in one go, storing extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals that save time and energy.
• Refrigerator Ready Containers: Keep sealed bowls fresh for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety by storing in glass or sturdy plastic containers.
• Freezer Friendly Option: Transfer cooled burrito bowl mixture into freezer-safe containers, which stay delicious for up to 2 months when properly sealed and labeled.
• Reheating Rescue Technique: Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then warm gently in microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture and restore original texture.

Effortless Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 41 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Home cooks adore this slow cooker chicken burrito bowls recipe for its simple preparation and bold Mexican-inspired flavors. Hearty layers of seasoned chicken, black beans, rice, and zesty toppings create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 to 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or a mix
• 1 cup uncooked brown rice
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, plus more as needed
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• shredded cheese
• chopped cilantro
• sour cream
• diced avocado
• salsa
• hot sauce
• diced green onions
• shredded lettuce

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Instructions

1. Preparing Base: Layer chicken breasts in slow cooker, completely covering with diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, kosher salt, and ground cumin.
2. Initial Slow Cooking: Set slow cooker to low temperature, allowing chicken to become tender and absorb seasonings for 3-4 hours, maintaining consistent liquid levels.
3. Enhancing Mixture: Gently fold black beans, long-grain white rice, and sweet corn kernels into the chicken mixture, ensuring even distribution.
4. Final Cooking Stage: Continue cooking on low temperature for additional 3-4 hours, monitoring rice consistency and preventing potential sticking or uneven cooking.
5. Liquid Reduction: If rice remains firm with excess liquid, remove lid and increase temperature to high, allowing liquid to evaporate and concentrate flavors.
6. Texture Development: Meticulously shred chicken breasts using two forks, integrating protein thoroughly throughout rice and vegetable blend.
7. Flavor Calibration: Taste and refine seasonings, potentially adjusting chili powder, salt, or cumin to optimize overall flavor profile.
8. Serving Presentation: Transfer steaming mixture into individual serving bowls, elegantly garnishing with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or shredded cheese for enhanced culinary experience.

Notes

• Slow Cooker Size Matters: Choose a 2.5 to 3.5-quart slow cooker to ensure proper ingredient coverage and optimal cooking results.
• Liquid Level Check: Monitor liquid throughout cooking to prevent drying out and maintain tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice.
• Rice Texture Tip: Watch rice carefully during final cooking hours to avoid mushy or undercooked grains, stirring occasionally for even consistency.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Taste and adjust seasonings at the end to personalize the burrito bowl’s flavor profile, ensuring a delicious final dish.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg