Simplify your week with these delicious and healthy crockpot chicken burrito bowls, perfect for easy meal prep and quick dinners.
This recipe is designed for busy individuals and families who want to enjoy flavorful, wholesome meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get ready to discover how simple it can be to create a satisfying and customizable meal that everyone will love, whether you’re planning ahead for lunches or need a stress-free dinner solution.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
- Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Simplify your week with these delicious and healthy crockpot chicken burrito bowls, perfect for easy meal prep and quick dinners. This recipe is designed for busy individuals and families who want to enjoy flavorful, wholesome meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to discover how simple it can be to create a satisfying and customizable meal that everyone will love, whether you’re planning ahead for lunches or need a stress-free dinner solution.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures they cook thoroughly and absorb all the delicious flavors.
2. Add the rinsed and drained black beans, drained corn, undrained diced tomatoes, undrained diced green chiles, and chopped onion (if using) over the chicken. Spread them out to distribute the ingredients.
3. Sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning mix evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker. This will infuse all the components with a rich, savory flavor.
4. Pour the chicken broth over everything in the crockpot. The liquid helps to keep the chicken moist and creates a saucy base for your bowls.
5. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded with a fork when done.
6. Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the bean and corn mixture.
7. Serve the chicken and bean mixture warm over cooked rice. Set out your favorite toppings for everyone to customize their own burrito bowl.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-8 hours
- Category: main dish
- Method: slow cooker
- Cuisine: mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito bowl
Keywords: chicken, burrito bowls, crockpot, slow cooker, meal prep, easy, healthy, weeknight, mexican, customizable
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This crockpot chicken burrito bowl recipe is a true lifesaver for anyone juggling a busy schedule. It’s incredibly forgiving, requiring minimal hands-on time, which means you can set it and forget it while your slow cooker does all the hard work. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something hearty and healthy without a lot of fuss, or for meal prepping a week’s worth of lunches. It’s also highly customizable, making it a fantastic option for families with varying tastes or dietary needs. You can easily adjust the spice level or add different toppings to please everyone at the table.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for these burrito bowls is straightforward and uses common pantry staples. You’ll find that most items are readily available at any grocery store, making this a convenient choice for last-minute meal planning.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, undrained
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, salsa, lime wedges
For simple substitutions, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a slightly richer flavor. If you don’t have canned corn, frozen corn works just as well; simply add it frozen to the crockpot. For a spicier kick, choose a “hot” taco seasoning mix or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a low-sodium or mild taco seasoning. Vegetable broth can be used in place of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly base if you swap the chicken for plant-based protein like extra beans or lentils.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
This recipe is a champion for efficiency, offering a fantastic return on your minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 10 minutes (on high) to 8 hours 10 minutes (on low)
The beauty of the slow cooker is that the cook time is flexible, allowing you to choose the setting that best fits your day.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating these flavorful chicken burrito bowls in your crockpot is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a delicious and easy meal.
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures they cook thoroughly and absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Add the rinsed and drained black beans, drained corn, undrained diced tomatoes, undrained diced green chiles, and chopped onion (if using) over the chicken. Spread them out to distribute the ingredients.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning mix evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker. This will infuse all the components with a rich, savory flavor.
- Pour the chicken broth over everything in the crockpot. The liquid helps to keep the chicken moist and creates a saucy base for your bowls.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded with a fork when done.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the bean and corn mixture.
- Serve the chicken and bean mixture warm over cooked rice. Set out your favorite toppings for everyone to customize their own burrito bowl.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
These crockpot chicken burrito bowls are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for any family or occasion. For a kid-friendly twist, you can serve the chicken and bean mixture in small tortillas or as a quesadilla filling with some melted cheese. Offer mild salsa and a dollop of sour cream as toppings to keep things mellow for younger palates.
For a party or buffet, set up a “burrito bowl bar” with various toppings in separate dishes. Think shredded lettuce, diced bell peppers, pickled jalapeños, crumbled tortilla chips, and different salsas. This allows guests to build their perfect bowl. You can also serve the mixture over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro right before serving. A dollop of guacamole or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can also elevate the experience.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even with a simple recipe like this, a few common mistakes can impact your final dish. One frequent slip-up is overcooking the chicken. While slow cookers are forgiving, leaving the chicken in for too long on high can sometimes make it a bit dry. To avoid this, check for doneness around the shorter end of the cooking window (e.g., 3 hours on high) and shred it as soon as it’s tender.
Another mistake is not rinsing the black beans. Rinsing canned beans helps remove excess sodium and improves their texture, preventing the dish from becoming too salty or having a metallic taste. Also, make sure your slow cooker is adequately filled but not overfilled; typically, it should be between half and two-thirds full for optimal cooking. Lastly, don’t forget to stir the shredded chicken back into the mixture. This allows it to soak up all the flavorful juices and ensures every bite is delicious.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
These crockpot chicken burrito bowls are fantastic for meal prep, making your weeknights much easier. To store leftovers, allow the chicken and bean mixture to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store the cooked rice separately if possible, or portion out individual bowls with rice for quick grab-and-go meals.
For freezing, the chicken and bean mixture freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. When reheating, you can warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. If reheating a larger batch on the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. The texture holds up very well, making it an ideal make-ahead meal.
Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, you may need to increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours on either high or low to ensure the chicken cooks through completely. It’s always best to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning mix?
You can make your own taco seasoning blend using common spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. A good starting point is 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Can I add other vegetables to the crockpot?
Absolutely! Diced bell peppers (any color), zucchini, or even sweet potato cubes would be delicious additions. Add them at the beginning with the other ingredients.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level largely depends on the taco seasoning mix you choose and whether you add green chiles. Most standard taco seasonings are mild to medium. If you prefer more heat, opt for a “hot” taco seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For less heat, choose a mild seasoning and omit the green chiles.
How much rice should I make for serving?
A good rule of thumb is about 1/2 to 1 cup of cooked rice per serving, depending on appetite. You can also serve it over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even in lettuce cups for a lighter option.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the chicken and chicken broth. Replace the chicken with an extra can of black beans or a can of pinto beans, and use vegetable broth instead. You might also consider adding some firm tofu or tempeh, cut into cubes, for added protein.
Do I need to brown the chicken first
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
