Crock Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

The crock pot, also known as a slow cooker, is one of the most versatile tools in the kitchen. It allows you to create delicious, hands-off meals that are perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends. A standout dish in this category is the Crock Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl, which combines the rich flavors of seasoned chicken, tender rice, beans, corn, and a medley of spices.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this one-pot wonder is a game-changer. Each bite delivers the comforting warmth of a burrito bowl, but with the ease of slow cooking. Top it with fresh garnishes like avocado, cheese, or sour cream for a personalized meal packed with flavor and nutrition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Set It and Forget It: Minimal effort with maximum flavor.
2. Customizable: Adjust spice levels, toppings, and sides to suit your preferences.
3. Meal Prep-Friendly: Makes a large batch perfect for leftovers.
4. Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant vegetables.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop Vegetables: Dice the onion and mince the garlic for a base layer of flavor.
2. Rinse Beans and Corn: Drain and rinse the black beans. Drain the corn if using canned.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Crock Pot

1. Start with Chicken: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot.
2. Add Vegetables and Beans: Layer the onion, garlic, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and green chiles over the chicken.
3. Pour in Rice and Broth: Sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly over the top, then pour in the chicken broth.
4. Season: Add cumin, paprika, chili powder, coriander, salt, and pepper. Drizzle olive oil on top.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Burrito Bowl

1. Set the Crock Pot: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
2. Stir Occasionally: If possible, stir halfway through to ensure even cooking and prevent rice from sticking to the edges.
3. Check Doneness: Once the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C), remove it from the crock pot.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

1. Shred with Forks: Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Return to Crock Pot: Place the shredded chicken back into the crock pot and stir to combine with the rice and vegetables.

Step 5: Serve

1. Scoop and Garnish: Serve the chicken burrito bowl mixture in bowls.
2. Add Toppings: Top with shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, and tortilla chips if desired.

Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls

1. Use the Right Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe. Avoid instant rice, which may become mushy.
2. Don’t Overcook: Cooking too long can dry out the chicken. Check for doneness as cooking times may vary with different slow cookers.
3. Adjust Liquids: If the mixture seems dry, add more chicken broth in small increments.
4. Add Heat: For a spicier version, include jalapeños or use hot diced green chiles.

Variations

1. Protein Swaps: Substitute chicken with ground beef, turkey, or pork.
2. Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use extra beans or diced sweet potatoes.
3. Add Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
4. Cheesy Twist: Stir in cream cheese or queso for extra creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

• With Tortillas: Wrap the mixture in warm flour tortillas for burritos.
• As a Salad: Serve over a bed of lettuce for a burrito bowl salad.
• With Chips: Use tortilla chips for scooping like nachos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White?

Yes, but brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Adjust accordingly to prevent undercooked rice.

How Can I Prevent the Rice from Sticking?

Stir occasionally during cooking and ensure the rice is fully submerged in liquid.

Can I Make This Dish Spicy?

Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or jalapeños to increase the heat level.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe is the ultimate fusion of convenience and flavor. By combining tender shredded chicken, seasoned rice, and vibrant toppings, it delivers a hearty, customizable meal the whole family will love. Whether served for dinner, packed for lunch, or saved as leftovers, this dish is guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Gather your toppings, scoop up a bowl, and savor the flavors of a classic burrito bowl—made effortlessly in your crock pot!

Yield: 6

Crock Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

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The crock pot, also known as a slow cooker, is one of the most versatile tools in the kitchen. It allows you to create delicious, hands-off meals that are perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends. A standout dish in this category is the Crock Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl, which combines the rich flavors of seasoned chicken, tender rice, beans, corn, and a medley of spices.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 2 hours

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained if canned
• 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or spicy, based on preference)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, green onions, jalapeños

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

1. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your crock pot.
2. Sprinkle with the taco seasoning, ensuring it coats the chicken evenly.

2. Add the Base Ingredients

1. Add the salsa, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and chicken broth over the chicken.
2. Stir gently to combine, but keep the chicken submerged in the liquid.

3. Cook the Chicken

1. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
2. Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove it from the crock pot and shred it with two forks.

4. Add the Rice

1. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot.
2. Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring it is evenly distributed in the liquid.
3. Cover and cook for an additional 30-45 minutes on high, or until the rice is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.

5. Finish and Serve

1. Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and let it melt.
2. Serve the chicken burrito mixture in bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Notes

• Rice Tips: For a softer texture, rinse the rice before adding to the crock pot.
• Add Heat: Include diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo, or use a spicy salsa for extra kick.
• Make It Creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese after cooking for added richness.
• Leftover Magic: Use leftovers as filling for burritos, tacos, or quesadillas.