Name: Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 420 min
Total time: 435 min
Ingredients: 2.5 to 3 lb boneless (skinless chicken breasts or thighs); 1 cup salsa; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1 can (14 oz black beans, drained and rinsed); 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade mix; 1 cup chicken broth; Juice of 1 lime; Salt and black pepper (to taste); Cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro lime rice); Shredded lettuce; Diced tomatoes; Sliced avocado or guacamole; Shredded cheese; Sour cream or Greek yogurt; Chopped cilantro; Lime wedges

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Experience the ease and vibrant flavors of Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowls, a perfect blend of tender shredded chicken infused with Mexican-inspired spices served over a bed of fluffy rice. This comforting dish effortlessly combines wholesome ingredients, creating a satisfying, nutritious meal ideal for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends.

With minimal prep and maximum flavor, slow cooking allows the chicken to absorb every bit of the zesty salsa and seasoning, while the black beans and corn add texture and color. Customize with your favorite fresh toppings for a bowl that’s both colorful and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-off slow cooking delivers juicy, tender chicken infused with bold Mexican flavors.
Versatile and customizable with your favorite toppings for endless variety.
Perfect for meal prep and easy leftovers, making dinner stress-free.

Ingredients

Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Approximately 2.5–3 pounds of meat, providing tender, juicy protein perfect for shredding.
Salsa: One cup of your preferred salsa adds a bright, tangy, and mildly spicy base.
Corn kernels: One cup of fresh or frozen corn adds natural sweetness and texture contrast.
Black beans: One 14-ounce can, drained and rinsed to bring hearty earthiness and fiber.
Taco seasoning: One packet or homemade mix for authentic Mexican spices enhancing the flavor complexity.
Chicken broth: One cup adds moisture and richness, ensuring the chicken stays juicy during cooking.
Lime juice: Fresh juice of one lime gives a bright citrusy lift that balances the spices.
Salt and black pepper: To taste, seasoning the chicken perfectly and enhancing all the dish’s flavors.
Cooked rice: White, brown, or cilantro lime rice serves as the ideal fluffy base for the bowls.
Shredded lettuce: Adds a crisp, fresh texture that lightens the bowl.
Diced tomatoes: Juicy and vibrant, they contribute fresh acidity and color.
Avocado or guacamole: Creamy, buttery richness complements the spiced chicken beautifully.
Shredded cheese: Adds melty, savory goodness and a slight tang.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: For a cooling, creamy element enhancing each bite.
Chopped cilantro: Fresh herbaceous aroma and flavor to finish the dish.
Lime wedges: Additional citrus to squeeze over bowls for brightness.

Instructions

Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Place the boneless chicken in the slow cooker, then add salsa, corn, black beans, taco seasoning, chicken broth, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Gently stir to distribute the seasonings evenly, ensuring every piece of chicken will absorb the delicious flavors.
Slow Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook the mixture on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. This slow cooking breaks down the meat fibers, resulting in juicy, tender chicken that’s easy to shred and infused with vibrant Mexican spices.
Shred Chicken Thoroughly: Remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well to coat it in the flavorful juices, keeping the meat moist and evenly seasoned throughout.
Assemble the Burrito Bowls: Divide cooked rice among your serving bowls, then top with the warm, shredded chicken mixture. Customize each bowl with your preferred toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro to create a colorful and balanced meal.

You Must Know

Adjust the spice level by adding diced jalapeños or using a hotter salsa if you prefer more heat.
Mix in chipotle mayo or queso for a creamy, smoky twist that adds depth to the bowls.
This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days; reheat gently to keep the chicken tender.
For meal prep, pack components separately to keep toppings fresh and maintain texture.

Storage Tips

Store leftover burrito bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep fresh toppings like avocado and lettuce separate until ready to serve to prevent wilting and browning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bowls with warmed tortillas or crispy tortilla chips for a contrasting texture. A side of fresh pico de gallo or Mexican street corn also complements the meal perfectly, adding even more authentic flavors.

Professional Tips

Use chicken thighs for more flavorful and moist results, though breasts work well if preferred leaner.
Customize your taco seasoning to control sodium and spice balance to your taste.
For extra texture, add diced bell peppers or onions to the crockpot along with other ingredients.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase the cooking time slightly to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.
What kind of rice works best for these burrito bowls?: White, brown, or cilantro lime rice all work well—choose based on your flavor preference and dietary needs.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?: To make it vegan, substitute the chicken with jackfruit or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How spicy is this dish?: The spice level is mild by default but can be adjusted by using spicier salsa or adding jalapeños.
Can this be cooked on a stovetop instead of a crockpot?: Yes, simmer all ingredients in a covered pot on low heat until the chicken is tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Is it possible to freeze leftovers?: Yes, burrito bowl components can be frozen separately for up to 3 months, but fresh toppings should be added after thawing.