Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
Imagine walking into your kitchen, the air rich with the warm, inviting scents of spices mingling together, hinting at the delicious meal waiting for you. The Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is a hearty dish that captures the essence of comfort food while remaining incredibly simple to prepare. This versatile but satisfying recipe is a favorite for busy weeknights, serving as an enticing meal the whole family will adore. With tender chicken, fluffy brown rice, and zesty salsa, it’s a dish that delivers nostalgia with each bite, making it a delicious meal worth sharing.
Are You Ready for a Flavor Explosion?
Have you ever had a moment when comfort food takes you back to your childhood? Maybe it’s the smell of a warm burrito, filled to the brim with your favorite ingredients, that brings cherished memories flooding back.
How often do you crave that satisfying, vibrant burst of flavors that make your senses dance? Does a simple meal often feel inadequate as you sag into the evening, yearning for something special?
With our Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl, you can indulge in a delightful meal that’s both filling and admirable, making every bite a celebration in itself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Effortless Preparation: The best part about this dish? It’s as easy as throwing everything into the slow cooker.
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Healthy and Wholesome: With ingredients like black beans and brown rice, you’re feeding your body nourishing fuel while enjoying delectable flavors.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or weekend get-togethers, everyone will rejoice over this meal.
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Minimal Ingredients: You won’t need a long grocery list! Most pantry staples make up this dish.
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Kid-Friendly: The mild spices and customizable toppings ensure that picky eaters won’t turn their noses up.
Dive into this culinary experience that will bring joy not just to your plate, but to your heart.
Ingredients
To whip up your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl, you’ll need just a handful of delightful ingredients that will dance together in your slow cooker to create magic:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
This combination of ingredients will create a vibrant and colorful dish that not only pleases the palate but also is a feast for the eyes.
Timing
When it comes to timing, the Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl never disappoints. You can set it and forget it, basking in the rich aromas wafting through your home. Cooking on low will take about 6-7 hours, offering you that slow, tender experience. If you’re in a rush, cooking on high for 3-4 hours works beautifully as well.
Combine indulgence with practicality as you let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, delivering a meal that’s luxuriously cooked without labor.
Step-by-Step
Let’s dive into the delicious process of creating this mouthwatering meal:
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Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, allowing them to set the foundation for this flavor bomb.
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Sprinkle the chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Each spice adds its unique character, inviting you to dive into comfort.
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Add the uncooked brown rice, ensuring even distribution. It will soak up all the tantalizing flavors as it cooks!
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Pour in the black beans, corn, salsa, and chicken broth evenly over the seasoned chicken.
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Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic—cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
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About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. The chicken should pull apart with ease, revealing its tender and succulent texture.
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Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, swirling everything together until well combined.
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If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture, then cover for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is gooey and melted, cascading over the flavorful base.
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Serve the burrito bowl mixture in bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to elevate the flavor.
Prepare for a dish that oozes flavor and warmth, inviting everyone to gather around and indulge!
Nutritional Information
While indulging in the Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl, you can feel good about what you’re eating. With approximately 400 calories per serving (without added cheese), it delivers protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. This hearty meal hits the spot without compromising your wellness goals.
Remember that an occasional indulgence is a sweet part of life, and this dish elegantly embraces that idea!
Healthier Alternatives
Making this dish lighter while keeping it flavorful? Absolutely! Here are a few alternatives:
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Low-Sugar: Make sure your salsa doesn’t contain added sugars.
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Dairy-Free: Consider omitting the cheese or using a dairy-free alternative.
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Whole Grain: Use quinoa instead of brown rice for a protein boost.
These alternatives will help you customize the dish to make it a healthier option without sacrificing taste!
Serving Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is perfect on its own, but don’t hesitate to get creative!
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Pair it with a side of crispy tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast.
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Set up a mini toppings bar with diced avocado, sour cream, and jalapeños for added fun.
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For gatherings, why not use it as a filling for burritos or tacos?
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Enjoy it alongside a refreshing salad for an invigorating meal.
You can even crown it with a scoop of ice cream afterward for the perfect indulgent ending!
Common Mistakes
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Overbaking: Cooking too long can make chicken dry. Monitor the time for perfect texture.
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Texture Issues: Ensure even distribution of ingredients to avoid mushy or crunchy bites.
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Messes: Use a slow cooker liner for an easy cleanup.
Follow these tips, and this dish will deliver delightful consistency and minimized stress!
Storing Tips
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (or you’re prepping for the week), here’s how to store them:
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Freezing Portions: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
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Reheating Instructions: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through.
Every bite of this meal is worth saving!
Tempting to Bake It ASAP
The Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is a hearty, satisfying meal that promises a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether for a busy weeknight or a cozy gathering, it serves up comfort and joy in a bowl. Dive into this culinary experience today and fill not just your stomach but your heart with unforgettable flavors and feelings!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
- Yes! Just extend the cooking time to ensure they reach a safe temperature.
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Can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Absolutely! Substitute chicken with firm tofu or more beans.
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How do I adjust spice levels for kids?
- Opt for mild salsa and reduce chili powder to avoid overwhelming flavors.
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Can I use any kind of beans?
- Certainly, black beans or pinto beans work beautifully in this recipe.
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Is it possible to cook this on the stovetop?
- Yes! Just simmer the mixture in a pot, covered, until the chicken is cooked and rice is tender.
Whip this up today and experience the magic!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A hearty dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy brown rice, and zesty salsa – perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the uncooked brown rice, ensuring even distribution.
- Pour in the black beans, corn, salsa, and chicken broth evenly over the seasoned chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken breasts and shred them.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix everything together.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture; cover for an additional 10 minutes until melted.
- Serve the burrito bowl mixture in bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Notes
Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. Can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
