Hey there! Anna Kowalska here. You know, my kitchen is all about sharing recipes that just work, especially when life gets super busy. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share my Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl with you. It’s become a total lifesaver for my family, and I just know you’ll love it too. It’s packed with flavor, super easy to throw together, and tastes like you spent hours on it!
Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is a Weeknight Hero
Seriously, this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is my secret weapon for those crazy weeknights. It means I can get a delicious, healthy meal on the table without all the fuss. The best part? My whole family devours it! It’s:
- So Easy: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Flavor-Packed: The chicken comes out so tender and juicy, seasoned perfectly.
- Customizable: Everyone can build their own bowl with their favorite toppings.
- Family-Approved: It’s a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed!
Sharing recipes like this, that bring smiles to the table, is what my cooking is all about!
Gathering Your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Ingredients
Getting everything ready is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl. Make sure you’ve got everything prepped before you start cooking the chicken; it makes assembly a breeze!
Chicken and Seasonings for Your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
We’re using 2 to 2.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. For the seasoning, it’s a simple mix of half a teaspoon each of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. That little combo packs a punch!
The Flavor Base: Salsa and Dressing
You’ll need a 16-ounce jar of chunky salsa – any kind you love works great. And the absolute star for that creamy, zesty finish? A third of a cup of BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing, plus extra for drizzling. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Essential Grains, Beans, and Corn
We need about 4 cups of cooked rice – white, brown, whatever you prefer. Then, grab a 16-ounce can of low-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained, and 2 cups of frozen sweet corn. Just give them a quick warm-up.
Fresh Toppings for Your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
For freshness, you’ll want 3 ripe avocados, diced, a quarter cup of chopped fresh cilantro, and a lime cut into wedges for squeezing. These little touches make all the difference!
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Step-by-Step Guide to Your Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
Alright, let’s get this amazing Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl cooking! It really is as simple as it sounds, and the results are just fantastic. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal ready in no time.
Preparing the Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Base
First things first, get your slow cooker ready. You’re going to toss in your chicken breasts, that whole jar of chunky salsa, the BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing, and the chicken broth. Then, sprinkle in that chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Give it all a gentle stir, just to make sure the chicken is coated. Pop the lid on, set it to high, and let it work its magic for about 4 hours. That’s it for the slow cooker part!
Assembling Your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
Once the chicken is done and has had its little rest, it’s time to shred it. I usually just use two forks for this, and it comes apart so easily! While the chicken is resting, get all your other components ready. Cook up your rice, warm your corn and beans (a quick zap in the microwave or a few minutes on the stovetop works perfectly), dice up those ripe avocados, and cut your lime into wedges. Now, grab your bowls and start layering! A nice base of rice, then pile on that shredded chicken, followed by the corn and black beans. Don’t forget to add those creamy avocado chunks!
The Finishing Touches for Your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
This is where we make it truly special! Sprinkle a generous amount of fresh cilantro over everything. Pop a lime wedge on the side for squeezing over the top – that little bit of citrus brightens everything up. And the grand finale? A good drizzle of that BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing right over the top. It’s the perfect creamy, zesty finish!
Tips for an Unforgettable Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
You know, making this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is pretty foolproof, but a few little tricks can really make it shine. First off, when you shred that chicken, let it sit in the cooking liquid for about 10 minutes after it’s done. It makes it SO much easier to shred and keeps it extra moist. Don’t worry if you don’t have BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing; a good quality store-bought salsa verde or even a simple lime vinaigrette can work in a pinch, though the Brianna’s is really special!
Also, I like to prep my toppings while the chicken is cooking. Chop your cilantro, dice your avocados, and get your rice and beans ready. It makes assembly a breeze when dinner time rolls around. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some sautéed onions or bell peppers to the mix for extra flavor and texture. Oh, and a tiny pinch of salt can make all the difference if your salsa isn’t very salty!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
Got questions about my famous Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl? I’ve got answers! This recipe is so versatile, and people often ask about making little tweaks or just how to store leftovers.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are fantastic in the slow cooker because they stay incredibly moist. Just use the same amount, about 2 to 2.5 pounds, and cook them for the same 4 hours on high. They might shred up even easier!
Q: What other toppings would be great for this burrito bowl?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Besides the avocado, cilantro, and lime, try adding some shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack are great!), a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, some pickled jalapeños for a kick, or even some crunchy tortilla strips. Grilled corn salsa is also amazing.
Q: How long does the cooked chicken for the burrito bowl last in the fridge?
The shredded chicken, once cooled, should last for about 3 to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I love making a big batch because the leftovers are perfect for quick lunches or another dinner later in the week!
Q: Can I make this recipe spicier?
You bet! If you like things with a bit more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño (seeds and all!) right into the slow cooker with the chicken. Using a spicier salsa will also amp up the heat.
Understanding the Nutrition of Your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
Now, let’s talk about what goes into making this delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl. While every kitchen and exact ingredient can make numbers vary just a bit, here’s a good estimate of what you’re looking at per serving. It’s a pretty balanced meal, which is always a win in my book! Each bowl generally comes in around 645 calories, with about 21 grams of fat, 56 grams of protein, and 64 grams of carbohydrates. It’s packed with goodness, and you can always adjust toppings to fit your needs. Enjoy!
PrintAmazing Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Anna Kowalska shares her Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl, a family-favorite recipe perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender, seasoned chicken with fresh toppings for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 2–2.5 lbs skinless boneless chicken breast
- 16 oz chunky salsa
- 1/3 cup BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing + more as drizzle
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups frozen sweet corn
- 1 16oz canned black beans, low sodium
- 3 small avocados
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime
Instructions
- Add all “Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken” ingredients to slow cooker. Set on high and cook for 4 hours.
- Shred chicken. Let it sit for 10 more minutes.
- Prepare the other ingredients – cook rice, heat up frozen corn and black beans, chop cilantro, dice avocados, cut lime into wedges.
- Assemble bowls by adding rice, chicken, corn, black beans, and diced avocados to each bowl. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Drizzle with BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Optional: Add salt to taste if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 645kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 409mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 56g
- Cholesterol: 90mg