Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl: 5 Stars

Hey there, food lovers! Anna here, and if there’s one thing I adore, it’s making everyday cooking feel like a joyful adventure, especially when it involves chicken. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m all about sharing simple, flavorful chicken recipes that make life easier and tastier. You know, the kind of meals that taste like you spent hours on them, but really, your slow cooker did most of the heavy lifting? That’s exactly what we’ve got today with this amazing Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl. It’s seriously a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you just want something hearty and delicious without all the fuss!

I started this blog because I truly believe good food brings people together, and chicken is just so versatile, right? From comforting family dinners to quick lunches, it always delivers. This Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe captures that perfectly – it’s packed with flavor, super satisfying, and makes meal prep a breeze. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on repeat!

Gathering Your Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

Alright, let’s get down to business and gather up everything you need for this fantastic Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl! It’s all about simplicity here, so no need to stress. You’ll start with about 2 to 2.5 pounds of skinless, boneless chicken breast – that’s the star of the show. Then, grab a 16-ounce jar of your favorite chunky salsa; it adds so much flavor and moisture. For that amazing tangy kick, you’ll need 1/3 cup of BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing, plus a little extra for drizzling later, because who doesn’t love extra dressing?

We’re also going to add 1/2 cup of chicken broth for good measure, and a little spice blend that makes all the difference: 1/2 teaspoon each of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. While all that magic happens in the slow cooker, get your bowl components ready. You’ll need about 4 cups of cooked rice – white, brown, whatever you like! Then, we’ve got 2 cups of frozen sweet corn and one 16-ounce can of low-sodium black beans, just make sure to rinse and drain those beans. For freshness, you’ll want 3 small ripe avocados, pitted and diced, 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped, and one lime, cut into wedges for that final squeeze of brightness. Easy peasy!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

Preparing and Cooking the Chicken

Okay, let’s get this chicken cooking because it’s super simple! First thing’s first, grab your slow cooker. Toss in those chicken breasts – all 2 to 2.5 pounds of them. Now, pour over that 16 ounces of chunky salsa, the 1/3 cup of BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing, and the 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Sprinkle in your spices: the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Give it a little stir just to make sure everything is coated nicely. Pop the lid on and let it cook on high for about 4 hours. Trust me, your kitchen will start smelling amazing! Once it’s done, carefully take the chicken out and shred it using two forks. Let that shredded chicken sit in the juices for about 10 minutes – this is key to keeping it super moist and tender. Taste it and add a little salt if you think it needs it. Easy, right?

Assembling Your Delicious Burrito Bowls

Now for the fun part – building your perfect bowl! While the chicken was doing its thing, hopefully, you got your rice cooked, corn and beans heated up, avocados diced, and that lime cut into wedges. So, grab your bowls! Start with a nice base of that fluffy cooked rice. Then, pile on a generous scoop of that wonderfully tender, shredded chicken. Next, add your colorful toppings: a sprinkle of the sweet corn and those hearty black beans. Don’t forget those creamy, diced avocados – they add such a lovely richness!

To finish it all off, sprinkle on some fresh, chopped cilantro for that burst of freshness. Pop a lime wedge on the side so you can squeeze that bright, zesty juice right over everything. And for the grand finale? Drizzle a little extra BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing over the top. It just ties all those amazing flavors together. Look at that beauty! It’s a complete, satisfying meal that looks as good as it tastes.

Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

Want to make sure your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is absolutely perfect every time? I’ve got a few little secrets that really make a difference! First off, don’t skimp on the salsa – a good quality, chunky salsa really adds depth. And that BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing? It’s a game-changer, but if you can’t find it, a good store-bought cilantro lime vinaigrette works too, though you might want to add a little extra lime juice to brighten it up. When shredding the chicken, really let it rest in those juices for those 10 minutes. It makes all the difference in keeping it super moist and tender, not dry at all!

For presentation, try to layer everything nicely in the bowl. It makes it feel so much more special, like you’re at your favorite taqueria! And don’t forget that final squeeze of lime – it really wakes up all the flavors. If you’re prepping these for the week, keep the avocado separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent browning. A little bit of care goes a long way to making this easy crockpot bowl a total win!

Delicious Variations for Your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

While this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe is fantastic just as it is, it’s also super adaptable! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some diced bell peppers or onions to the slow cooker with the chicken. They’ll soften up beautifully and add another layer of flavor. For a little extra heat, toss in a jalapeño (seeds removed if you don’t want it too spicy!) or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices. And don’t stop at the basics for toppings! Think about adding some crunchy tortilla strips, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or even some pickled red onions for a tangy bite. It’s all about making your Mexican shredded chicken bowl uniquely yours!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

Got questions about whipping up this amazing Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl? I’ve got you covered! It’s all about making things easy and delicious.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a great choice for the slow cooker because they stay incredibly moist and tender. If you use thighs, you might want to cook them for about 5-6 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high, just to make sure they’re cooked through and super easy to shred. The flavor will be just as wonderful in your crockpot chicken burrito bowl!

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl for meal prep?

Meal prep perfection! For the best results, I like to store the components separately if I’m prepping for a few days. Keep the shredded chicken, rice, corn, and beans in their own airtight containers. Then, just before serving, assemble your bowl and add the fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the avocado from turning brown. If you’re in a real rush, you can assemble the whole bowl, but just add the avocado right before you eat. Reheat the chicken, rice, corn, and beans gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

What other toppings can I add to my Mexican shredded chicken bowl?

Oh, the topping possibilities are endless for a Mexican shredded chicken bowl! Beyond the avocado and cilantro, think about adding some shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend), a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for creaminess, some pickled red onions for a tangy crunch, or even some crumbled cotija cheese if you’re feeling fancy. A little pico de gallo or some hot sauce can also add a nice kick!

Enjoying Your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

Once you’ve got your beautiful Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl all assembled, it’s time for the best part – digging in! That first bite is always so satisfying, with the tender chicken, fluffy rice, and all those fresh, vibrant toppings. It’s a complete meal in one bowl, so you often don’t need much else. But if you’re feeling it, a side of tortilla chips is always a good idea for scooping up any extra juices. And to drink? A cold agua fresca or even just some ice water with a squeeze of lime really complements those Mexican-inspired flavors perfectly. It’s just pure, simple comfort food that makes you feel good!

For more recipe inspiration, check out my Pinterest page!

Nutritional Estimate for Your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

Just a little heads-up, the nutritional info for this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on the specific brands you use, like the salsa or that yummy BRIANNAS dressing, and even the exact size of your avocados. But generally, you’re looking at around 650 calories per serving, with about 45g of protein to keep you full and satisfied. Enjoy!

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