Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls: The Ultimate Weeknight Meal Prep
Transform your dinner routine with these incredibly Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls. Designed for the busy individual or family, this recipe simplifies meal prep while delivering maximum flavor and nutrition. Each bowl is generously packed with lean protein, vibrant fresh toppings, and a perfectly balanced, homemade cumin and chili powder taco seasoning that truly elevates the taste. These customizable burrito bowls are not just a family favorite; they’re poised to become your new go-to dinner solution. The best part? You’ll only need about 15 minutes of hands-on prep time before your slow cooker takes over the rest!
Slow cooker recipes are a fantastic way to reclaim time in your busy schedule without sacrificing delicious, home-cooked meals. If you love the convenience, be sure to explore more of my slow cooker creations like the Slow Cooker Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches and Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes for your next easy dinner inspiration.
Say hello to your new favorite homemade burrito bowl! This recipe was inspired by the popular restaurant-style burrito bowls, but with the added convenience and wholesome goodness of a home-cooked meal. In my opinion, these slow cooker chicken bowls are even better than takeout. Simply toss all the main ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, set it, and forget about it until dinnertime. It’s truly that easy and incredibly delicious!
I love serving these versatile burrito bowls with a variety of Mexican-inspired side dishes. Some fantastic pairings include Baked Loaded Queso for a cheesy delight, or fluffy Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice to complete the authentic experience. You can also pair them with your favorite chips and salsa, or a simple green salad for a lighter option.
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- đź›’ Key Ingredients: Boneless skinless chicken breasts, Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), black beans, and corn form the hearty base of this dish, seasoned to perfection with homemade spices.
- 🍽️ Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 generous servings, making it perfect for family dinners or for meal prepping healthy lunches for the week. You can easily adjust the ingredient quantities to serve more or fewer people.
- 👩‍🍳 Difficulty: Easy! If you can operate a slow cooker, you can master this recipe. It’s ideal for beginners and seasoned cooks alike who appreciate minimal effort for maximum flavor.
- 🧊 Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly: This recipe is a meal prepper’s dream. You can cook a large batch of the flavorful chicken mixture, use half for immediate meals, and freeze the remaining half for future dinners. Simply place the cooled chicken into a large freezer bag or airtight container, label it, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why You’ll Love These Family Favorite Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls!
I absolutely adore this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between ease and incredible flavor. The “set it and forget it” nature of slow cooking means you can get dinner cooking with minimal fuss, leaving you more time for other activities. The true star here is the homemade taco seasoning. Unlike store-bought packets that often contain additives and excessive sodium, our blend of minimal seasonings and fresh ingredients creates a vibrant, authentic flavor that truly enhances the chicken and vegetables in these burrito bowls. You’ll taste the difference!
This super simple dinner is guaranteed to be a hit with the entire family. Its customizable nature ensures everyone can create a bowl exactly to their liking, making picky eaters happy and meal times stress-free. From a healthy weeknight dinner to an easy option for entertaining, these slow cooker chicken burrito bowls are a versatile crowd-pleaser that fits perfectly into any lifestyle.
Looking for more hands-off meal ideas? Don’t miss this collection of 6 Slow-Cooker Chicken Recipes For Easy Weeknight Meals – perfect for busy evenings!
Customizable Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
One of the best aspects of these chicken burrito bowls is their flexibility. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand:
- Chicken: While boneless, skinless chicken breast is recommended for its lean protein and easy shreddability, feel free to substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor and even more tender results. For a different protein, consider using ground turkey or lean ground beef, or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option.
- Beans: If black beans aren’t your favorite, pinto beans or kidney beans would work wonderfully, too.
- Spices: Adjust the chili powder and cumin to your taste. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker.
- Vegetables: Don’t limit yourself to just corn and Rotel! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers (any color), zucchini, or even a handful of spinach during the last hour of cooking for added nutrients and color.
Transform Your Bowl: Delicious Additions and Toppings
These slow cooker chicken burrito bowls are designed to be a canvas for your culinary creativity! While they are fantastic served as a bowl over rice, you can easily transform the filling into other exciting meals.
Beyond the Bowl: Burritos, Tacos, and More!
If you prefer a classic wrap, simply spoon the flavorful chicken mixture into large burrito tortillas, add your favorite toppings, fold in the sides, and roll everything up for simple, satisfying chicken burritos. This versatile filling also makes excellent tacos, quesadilla fillings, or even a topping for nachos!
Elevate Your Bowl with Fresh Toppings:
The right toppings can turn a great meal into an extraordinary one. Set up a “burrito bowl bar” for your family or guests, allowing everyone to customize their creation. Here are some ideas:
- Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note that is essential to Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Green Onion: Thinly sliced green onions offer a mild oniony crunch and vibrant color.
- Pico de Gallo or Fresh Salsa: For a burst of fresh tomato, onion, and jalapeño flavor, homemade pico de gallo or your favorite store-bought salsa is a must.
- Romaine Lettuce: Shredded romaine provides a crisp, refreshing element and a nice textural contrast.
- Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or a healthier alternative like plain Greek yogurt adds a creamy coolness that balances the spices.
- Diced Cherry Tomatoes: Small, sweet cherry tomatoes diced up bring freshness and a slight tang.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend cheese melts beautifully into the warm chicken.
- Avocado Slices or Guacamole: Creamy avocado or a generous scoop of homemade guacamole adds healthy fats and a luxurious texture.
- Fresh Corn, Corn Salsa, or Roasted Corn: Whether fresh, from a can, or lightly roasted, corn adds sweetness and a pop of texture.
- Pickled Red Onions: For a tangy, slightly sweet kick and beautiful color.
- Jalapeños: Freshly sliced or pickled jalapeños for those who enjoy extra heat.
- Hot Sauce: A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce to personalize the spice level.
Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
You don’t need a pantry full of exotic items to create incredibly flavorful burrito bowls. With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, you can build a meal packed with freshness and robust taste:
- Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook down perfectly in the slow cooker and are incredibly easy to shred, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- Homemade Seasoning Blend: This is where the magic happens! You’ll need pantry staples like chili powder, cumin, black pepper, salt, dried oregano, and minced garlic. This blend creates a much fresher, more vibrant flavor profile than pre-packaged taco seasoning and allows you to control the sodium and spice levels.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is key! It adds a bright, zesty acidity that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients, bringing all the flavors into harmony. Always use fresh if you can for the best results.
- Canned Goods for Convenience: To keep this recipe truly simple, we rely on canned Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies for a subtle kick), canned black beans (drained and rinsed thoroughly), and canned corn (drained). These pantry staples save time without compromising on flavor or quality.
- Onion: Diced red onion adds a beautiful pop of color and a mild, slightly sweet, and tangy crunch to the finished dish. It contributes to the “rainbow of food” for these delicious chicken rice bowls.
My Pro Tips
Recipe Tips for Perfect Burrito Bowls
- Drain and Rinse Properly: For the freshest flavor and to reduce excess sodium, always be sure to thoroughly drain and rinse your canned corn and black beans before adding them to the slow cooker. This simple step makes a big difference.
- Effortless Shredding: Once the chicken is cooked through, use a hand mixer on low speed directly in the slow cooker to shred the chicken quickly and evenly. It’s a game-changer for shredding large amounts of chicken in seconds! Alternatively, two forks work perfectly well.
- Create a Toppings Bar: To make dinner interactive and ensure everyone is happy, lay out all your desired toppings in separate bowls. This “build-your-own-bowl” approach lets everyone customize their meal and caters to different dietary preferences or picky eaters.
- Avoid Overfilling: Don’t fill your slow cooker more than two-thirds full to ensure even cooking and prevent spills.
- Resist Peeking: Opening the lid during cooking releases heat and can significantly extend the cooking time. Try to keep the lid on until the specified cooking time is almost complete.
- Slow Cooker Liners: For super easy cleanup, consider using slow cooker liners. They save scrubbing time after dinner!
How To Make Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls: Step-by-Step
Making these flavorful chicken burrito bowls couldn’t be simpler. Just follow these easy steps:
Step 1. Combine Ingredients: To your slow cooker, add all of the main ingredients: the boneless skinless chicken breasts, chili powder, cumin, pepper, salt, dried oregano, minced garlic, lime juice, Rotel, drained and rinsed black beans, and drained corn. Stir everything together gently to ensure the chicken is coated and all ingredients are well combined.
Step 2. Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid tightly on your slow cooker. Cook the mixture on the LOW setting for 6 hours, or alternatively, on the HIGH setting for 4-5 hours. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is easily shreddable.
Step 3. Shred and Serve: Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender, remove the lid. Using two forks (or a hand mixer for speed), shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, allowing it to absorb all the wonderful cooking juices and flavors. Serve the shredded chicken and bean mixture in bowls over rice, and let everyone top it with their favorite burrito bowl additions!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
Fridge: Place any leftover slow cooker chicken mixture into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezer: This recipe is fantastic for batch cooking! If you’d like to make a big batch, use half for immediate meals and freeze the other half. Place the cooled second half into a large freezer bag or freezer-safe container, remove as much air as possible, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
No, for food safety reasons, you should always thaw chicken completely before cooking it in a slow cooker. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker can keep the meat in the “danger zone” temperature range for too long, promoting bacterial growth. Always ensure chicken is fully thawed before adding it.
The best toppings are truly a matter of personal preference! Some popular and delicious options include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado or guacamole, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), shredded cheese, salsa, and jalapeños. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it!
Absolutely! To add more heat, you can increase the amount of chili powder, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, include a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper with the initial ingredients, or simply finish your bowl with a generous drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
These bowls are incredibly versatile. They are delicious served over a bed of white or brown rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even quinoa. Alongside, you could offer tortilla chips, a simple green salad, or some of our other recommended sides like Baked Loaded Queso or Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice.
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Omit the chicken and instead add extra cans of black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas. You could also include chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrients. The seasoning blend will still provide a fantastic base flavor.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Instructions
This recipe is perfect for busy families and meal prep enthusiasts, as it stores and reheats beautifully.
- Store: Once completely cooled, transfer the cooked chicken mixture to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it ideal for grabbing quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Freeze: For longer storage, place the cooled chicken mixture into a freezer-safe bag or container. Ensure you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remember to label with the date!
- Thaw: If frozen, thaw the chicken mixture overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. For larger batches, you can place the mixture in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly hot. You can also reheat gently on the stovetop in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too dry.
Explore More Delicious Burrito Bowl Recipes:
Beef
Beefy Burrito Bowls
Chicken
Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken Bowls
Chicken
Loaded Rice Burrito Bowls
Oven Baked
Sheet Pan Burrito Bowls
If you loved these Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls and they became a hit in your home, make sure to tag me on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking! I’d love to see your creations and hear how much you enjoyed the recipe. Your feedback inspires me to create more delicious and easy meals for you!
Recommended sides, delicious desserts, or similar recipes to complement this one:
- 👉 Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet: Another quick and flavorful main dish.
- 👉 Simple Ground Beef Tacos: For another family-friendly Mexican night.
- 👉 Slow Cooker Mexican Pasta: A comforting and easy pasta dish with a Mexican twist.
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
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Equipment
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger recommended)
IngredientsÂ
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 lime, juiced (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 10 oz can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed thoroughly
- 15 oz can corn, drained
- 2 tbs minced garlic
- 1 medium red onion, diced
Optional toppings for serving:
- Cooked white or brown rice (for serving)
- Shredded romaine lettuce
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Diced fresh tomatoes or pico de gallo
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
InstructionsÂ
- To your slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, chili powder, cumin, pepper, salt, dried oregano, minced garlic, lime juice, Rotel, drained and rinsed black beans, and drained corn. Stir everything together gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the chicken is coated.
- Place the lid on top and cook on LOW for 6 hours OR on HIGH for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks or a hand mixer on low speed. Serve the flavorful chicken and bean mixture in a bowl over your chosen base (like rice or lettuce) and top with your favorite burrito bowl toppings.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only. It may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.