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Set-and-Forget Chicken Bowl

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This hearty slow cooker chicken burrito bowl combines tender, shredded chicken, rice, black beans, and a flavorful taco-inspired broth. The cumin, smoked paprika, and lime juice create a vibrant flavor profile, while toppings like cheese, avocado, and sour cream add a customizable touch. Simply toss the ingredients in your slow cooker, let them cook, and enjoy an effortless meal perfect for busy weeknights. Serve with tortilla chips or jalapeños to add texture and heat!

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Updated on Wed, 26 Mar 2025 20:15:42 GMT
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Pin it
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl | mellierecipes.com

This slow cooker chicken burrito bowl has become my weeknight dinner savior when I need a satisfying meal without the fuss. The combination of tender shredded chicken, flavorful rice, and hearty beans creates a delicious one-pot wonder that practically makes itself.

I first made this recipe when I had a particularly chaotic week ahead and needed something that would feed my family for multiple nights. The incredible aroma that filled the house had everyone asking when dinner would be ready and it has since become our most requested comfort food.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Smoked paprika is definitely my secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power when I accidentally used it instead of regular paprika one time. The subtle smokiness it adds reminds me of meals I enjoyed at my favorite Mexican restaurant during college and now my family can always tell when I try to substitute regular paprika.

Make Ahead and Storage

Smart Substitutions

Serving Suggestions

Cultural Context

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work just as well and often add extra flavor and tenderness.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, diced jalapeño, or hot salsa to give it an extra kick.

→ Can I use pre-cooked rice instead?

Yes, you can mix in microwaveable or pre-cooked rice at the end for a quicker option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What toppings work best for this dish?

Try shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocado for a delicious finish.

→ Can I cook this on high heat the whole time?

Yes, you can cook it on high heat for 3-4 hours instead of low heat for 6-7 hours.

Slow Cooker Chicken Bowl

A hearty chicken bowl with rice, beans, and toppings cooked to perfection in your slow cooker.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
420 Minutes
Total Time
430 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ For the Chicken

01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
03 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
04 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
05 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
06 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
07 1 tablespoon lime juice
08 1 teaspoon chili powder
09 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
11 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
12 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ For the Rice

15 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice, uncooked

→ Optional Toppings

16 Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
17 Avocado or guacamole
18 Fresh cilantro, chopped
19 Sour cream or Greek yogurt
20 Diced tomatoes
21 Jalapeños
22 Tortilla chips or strips

Instructions

Step 01

Add chicken breasts to the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, salsa, and chicken broth. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the top. Squeeze in lime juice. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.

Step 02

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Stir in uncooked rice, then add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Check occasionally and stir to prevent sticking.

Step 03

Scoop into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like cheese, avocado, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. To add more spice, include ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño.
  2. For a shortcut, use microwaveable rice instead of cooking it in the slow cooker.
  3. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker
  • Forks for shredding chicken
  • Mixing spoon
  • Bowls for serving

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (if using cheese or sour cream)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 398
  • Total Fat: 8.6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 55.3 g
  • Protein: 24.2 g