The Ultimate Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker Mexican chicken burrito bowl brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Layers of zesty flavors promise an effortless meal that sparks excitement.

Tender chicken mingles with vibrant spices, creating a delightful one-pot wonder.

Colorful ingredients dance together, promising a feast that feels like a culinary adventure.

Nutrition meets convenience in this simple yet satisfying dish.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for you and anyone lucky enough to share this meal.

Scoop up these incredible flavors and let your taste buds celebrate!

Why You’ll Love the Mexican Chicken Burrito Bowl

• Dump all ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, making meal preparation incredibly simple and stress-free.
• Perfect for customizing with various toppings, accommodating different taste preferences and dietary needs with ease.
• Packed with vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, creating a crowd-pleasing dinner everyone will enjoy.
• Using a single cooking vessel means less dishwashing and more time relaxing after a delicious meal.

Ingredients List for Mexican Chicken Burrito Bowl

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy base for the Mexican-style dish.

• Black Beans, Corn, Bell Pepper, Onion: Hearty and colorful additions for texture and flavor.

• Garlic, Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Warm and spicy flavor enhancers.

• Salsa, Chicken Broth: Flavorful and moisture-providing base.

• Rice: Fluffy foundation for the burrito bowl.

• Shredded Cheese, Avocado, Sour Cream, Cilantro, Lime Juice: Fresh and creamy finishing touches.

Cooking Guide for Mexican Chicken Burrito Bowl

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker Surface

Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or lightly coat with olive oil to ensure nothing sticks during cooking.

Step 2: Layer Flavor-Packed Ingredients

Nestle chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.

• Chunky salsa
• Savory chicken broth

• Black beans
• Sweet corn kernels
• Colorful bell peppers
• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoky paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Blend Ingredients Thoroughly

Gently mix all ingredients in the slow cooker to distribute seasonings and create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and let the slow cooker work its magic on low heat for 4-6 hours.

The chicken will become incredibly tender and infused with delicious Mexican-inspired flavors.

Step 5: Transform Chicken into Shredded Goodness

Remove chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to pull apart into tender, juicy shreds.

Return the shredded chicken back to the cooking liquid and stir to combine.

Step 6: Build Irresistible Burrito Bowls

• Spooning fluffy rice into serving bowls.
• Topping with the saucy Mexican chicken mixture.

Burrito Bowl Tips You Shouldn’t Skip

• Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil to ensure easy cleanup and stop ingredients from clinging to the sides.
• Gently stir all ingredients to distribute spices evenly, creating a harmonious blend of Mexican-inspired tastes in every bite.
• Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours to guarantee super soft, easily shreddable chicken that absorbs all the delicious salsa and spice flavors.
• Top with various garnishes like fresh avocado, tangy sour cream, or zesty cilantro to personalize your burrito bowl and add extra texture and freshness.
• This recipe can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.

Keep Your Burrito Bowl Fresh for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Separate chicken mixture from rice to maintain freshness and prevent soggy texture.
• Transfer cooled chicken mixture to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Place chicken mixture in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm chicken mixture in skillet over medium heat. Add small amount of broth or water to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.

What Goes Well with a Mexican Chicken Burrito Bowl

• Pair Fresh Margaritas: Zesty lime and tequila cocktail perfectly complements the spicy Mexican chicken, cutting through the richness with bright citrus notes.
• Create Crisp Slaw Side: Prepare a light cabbage and jalapeño slaw with cilantro and lime dressing to add refreshing crunch and balance the hearty burrito bowl.
• Serve Corn Tortilla Chips: Homemade or restaurant-style tortilla chips provide delightful texture and extra Mexican-inspired crunch to scoop up the flavorful chicken mixture.
• Select Mexican Cerveza: Choose a light, crisp Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to enhance the dish's spices and provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm chicken.

Easy Variations for Your Burrito Bowl

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or jackfruit for a plant-based version that maintains the original flavor profile.
• Cauliflower Rice Base: Substitute traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly alternative that adds extra nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free salsa and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Lovers Edition: Add diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce to intensify the heat and create a more intense flavor experience.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild spice from chili powder and cumin. If you want more heat, add diced jalapeños or use a spicier salsa. For less spice, choose a mild salsa and reduce the chili powder.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your salsa, chicken broth, and any additional toppings are certified gluten-free.

• What if I don't have all the spices?

No worries! You can use a pre-mixed taco seasoning blend as a quick substitute for the individual spices. This will still provide great flavor to your chicken.

Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spice-packed slow cooker Mexican chicken burrito bowl delivers restaurant-quality comfort straight to home kitchens. Tender chicken, zesty seasonings, and colorful ingredients combine for an effortless meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound boneless (skinless) chicken breasts
• 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 bell pepper (diced)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 cup salsa (your favorite variety)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice (for serving)
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Grease the slow cooker insert lightly to prevent ingredients from sticking, ensuring easy cleanup and smooth food release.
2. Layer chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a foundation for the robust Mexican-inspired dish.
3. Pour salsa and chicken broth over the chicken, then scatter black beans, corn, bell peppers, onions, and garlic across the surface.
4. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly to distribute the aromatic spices throughout the mixture.
5. Gently fold ingredients together, ensuring spices and vegetables coat the chicken thoroughly without disrupting the base layer.
6. Cover and slow cook at low temperature (195°F) for 4-6 hours, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to become fork-tender.
7. Extract chicken and use two forks to shred meat into delicate, bite-sized pieces, maintaining its juicy texture.
8. Reintroduce shredded chicken into the slow cooker, mixing with accumulated cooking liquids and vegetables.
9. Construct burrito bowls by placing fluffy rice as the base, then generously ladle the Mexican chicken mixture on top.
10. Garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a zesty lime juice squeeze.

Notes

• Swap chicken with plant-based alternatives like tofu or jackfruit for a vegetarian version that maintains the zesty Mexican flavor profile.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium salsa and chicken broth, which helps control salt intake without compromising taste.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding jalapeños for extra heat or reducing for milder preferences.
• Meal prep friendly by storing cooked mixture in airtight containers for up to 4 days, making quick weeknight dinners effortless.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg