Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe

Burrito bowls have become a staple for health-conscious food lovers and busy families alike. They offer all the satisfying flavors of a traditional burrito—without the tortilla. With lean chicken, fiber-rich beans, fresh vegetables, and rice, these bowls strike a balance between comfort and nutrition. Best of all, this version is made in the slow cooker, meaning you can set it, forget it, and come home to a delicious, ready-to-serve meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Easy to Make

Everything goes into the slow cooker—no babysitting required.

✅ Healthy & Nutritious

Packed with lean protein, whole grains, and veggies.

✅ Great for Meal Prep

One batch makes multiple servings and stores beautifully.

✅ Customizable

Endless topping and flavor variations.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Dice the onion, mince garlic, rinse the beans and corn, and measure out all your spices and rice.

Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Add the following to your slow cooker in this order:

1. Chicken breasts/thighs

2. Olive oil, garlic, diced onion

3. Uncooked rice

4. Beans, corn, diced tomatoes

5. Chicken broth

6. Lime juice

7. Spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper)

Give the top layer a light stir (don’t mix down to the bottom, or the rice may stick).

Step 3: Cook

Cover and cook on:

• High for 3.5 to 4 hours

• Low for 6 to 7 hours

Make sure the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is tender, remove it with tongs and shred with two forks. Return it to the slow cooker and stir everything together.

Step 5: Serve

Scoop into bowls and top with your favorite burrito toppings (see Section 5). Serve warm.

Burrito Bowl Toppings & Variations

Popular Topping Ideas

• Cheese: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso fresco

• Creamy Elements: Sour cream, Greek yogurt, avocado, or guacamole

• Fresh Crunch: Diced red onion, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes

• Heat: Jalapeños, hot sauce, chipotle crema

• Herbs: Fresh cilantro or green onions

• Acid: Squeeze of lime or splash of vinegar-based hot sauce

Grain Alternatives

• Quinoa

• Cauliflower rice (add separately, don’t cook in the slow cooker)

• White jasmine or basmati rice

Protein Alternatives

• Shredded beef

• Pulled pork

• Plant-based meat (add toward the end of cooking)

Spice Level Control

• For mild: omit green chilies and jalapeños

• For spicy: double the chili powder or add cayenne pepper

Storage, Reheating & Freezing

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Let the cooked burrito bowl base cool completely.

• Freeze in airtight freezer containers for up to 3 months.

• Avoid freezing with fresh toppings like lettuce or sour cream.

Reheating

• Microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes until hot.

• For larger batches, reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.

Meal Prep Guide

These slow cooker burrito bowls are perfect for weekly meal prep. Here’s how to do it:

Batch Cook

• Double the recipe if your slow cooker is large enough.

• Use multiple 1- or 2-compartment meal prep containers.

Pre-Pack Toppings

• Store toppings separately to keep them fresh.

• Guacamole and avocado are best added fresh each day.

Lunch or Dinner

• Great for grab-and-go lunches or hearty dinners throughout the week.

• Pair with a small salad or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but ensure it cooks thoroughly. Add 1 extra hour to the cook time on low.

Will the rice overcook?

If overcooked, rice may get mushy. To avoid this, use long-grain rice and avoid stirring it deep into the liquid. You can also cook rice separately and add at the end.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace chicken with an extra can of beans or use tofu, tempeh, or jackfruit added halfway through cooking.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes. Thighs tend to be juicier and are more forgiving in a slow cooker.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough (6-quart minimum). Extend the cooking time by about 30–60 minutes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy, flavorful, healthy, and budget-friendly, these Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls are your new go-to. They’re ideal for:

• Busy weeknights

• Family dinners

• Meal prep for the workweek

• Feeding a hungry crowd without a ton of work

Customizable and crowd-pleasing, these bowls take minimal effort to prepare and deliver maximum flavor in every bite. Whether you’re following a healthy eating plan or simply want something filling and delicious, you’ll come back to this recipe time and again.