This Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is super easy and full of flavor! Just toss chicken, beans, rice, and spices into your crockpot and let it do the work. Yum!
You won’t believe how nice it is to come home to a hot meal that’s ready to eat. I love loading mine up with cheese and avocado. It’s like a fiesta in a bowl! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. If you prefer, you can substitute them with chicken thighs for a bit more flavor and tenderness. Or, use tofu for a vegetarian option!
Black Beans: Canned black beans save time and are full of protein. You can swap them for pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas if you want a different texture.
Corn: Canned corn is convenient and sweet, but frozen corn can also be used. Fresh corn works well too when it’s in season—just cut it off the cob!
Diced Tomatoes: The canned diced tomatoes with green chilies add zest and richness. If you’re sensitive to spice, use plain diced tomatoes instead, and add bell peppers for some color.
Taco Seasoning: A packet of taco seasoning is easy, but you can make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. This gives you control over the spice level!
How Can I Get the Chicken to Shred Easily?
Shredding chicken may seem tricky, but it’s simple if you follow these steps. Cooking the chicken thoroughly is key. Here’s how to make it easy:
- Place your chicken breasts in the slow cooker at the bottom—this helps them cook evenly.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- When it’s time to shred, use two forks to pull the chicken apart gently. If it’s cooked well, it will fall apart easily!
- After shredding, stir the chicken back into the pot so it absorbs all the delicious flavors.
Give it a little time after shredding to enhance the taste. I recommend letting it sit for an additional 10-15 minutes with the lid on before serving!
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
Optional Ingredients for Serving:
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Avocado or guacamole
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 10 minutes to prepare this dish, plus 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low for cooking in the slow cooker. It’s a perfect meal to set in the morning and have ready for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Layer the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will ensure they cook perfectly and stay juicy.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a separate mixing bowl, stir together the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, and chicken broth. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
3. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Pour the bean and vegetable mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure all the chicken is covered with the mixture for maximum flavor.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your slow cooker with the lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. This is a great way to get all those flavors mixed in!
6. Combine and Let Sit:
Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and give it a good stir to mix with the other ingredients. Let it sit for an additional 10-15 minutes with the lid on to absorb all those delicious flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
For a complete meal, serve the burrito bowl over cooked rice if you’d like. Top it off with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and avocado or guacamole if you prefer. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful chicken burrito bowl!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to increase the cooking time; it may take about 1-2 hours longer. It’s best to cook on low to ensure the chicken thaws and cooks evenly without drying out.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or even water. For added flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice or a teaspoon of soy sauce to the water.
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. For longer storage, you can freeze the mixture for up to 3 months; just let it cool completely before freezing!
Can I Make This Burrito Bowl Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with an additional can of black beans or another protein like tofu or tempeh. You may also want to add some veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra texture and flavor!
