Easy Chicken Burrito Bowls
Hola! If you’ve ever craved a meal that’s both comforting and fresh, this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is it. Growing up in Orlando, my kitchen was filled with the bold flavors of Mexico, from my abuela’s simmering pots of chile to afternoons pressing warm tortillas with my mama.
Those flavors inspired me to create this recipe: tender crockpot chicken, fluffy rice, creamy avocado, black beans, and sweet corn, all tied together with a zesty cilantro lime dressing.
It’s the perfect balance of hearty and refreshing, and it fits beautifully into your list of yummy meal prep ideas for lunches or even burrito bowls for a crowd.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 4 hours 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 4 hours 30 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | Mexican-Inspired |
| Best Season | Summer and September meals healthy |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy burrito bowls all week long without the fuss.
- Budget-friendly: This is one of those cheap but good dinner recipes that still tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.
- Family-approved: Kids and adults love customizing their own bowls with toppings like cheese, avocado, or extra salsa.
- Balanced and nourishing: Packed with lean protein, whole grains, fiber, and healthy fats, it’s a meal that leaves you satisfied but not heavy.
- Crockpot convenience: Toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work while you go about your day.
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls made with tender shredded chicken, rice, beans, corn, avocado, cilantro, cheese, and drizzled with creamy cilantro lime dressing. Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 2–2.5 lbs skinless boneless chicken breast
- 16 oz chunky salsa
- 1/3 cup cilantro lime dressing (plus more for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups frozen sweet corn
- 1 (16 oz) can black beans, low sodium
- 3 small avocados
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime
Instructions
1. Place chicken breast, salsa, cilantro lime dressing, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika into slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours.
2. Shred chicken with two forks, then let it sit in the juices for 10 minutes.
3. While chicken cooks, prepare rice, heat corn and beans, chop cilantro, dice avocados, and cut lime into wedges.
4. Assemble bowls with rice, chicken, corn, black beans, and avocado.
5. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Drizzle with extra cilantro lime dressing.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
To save time, prepare rice, beans, and toppings while the chicken cooks.
Freeze shredded chicken separately for up to 2 months for quick meal prep later.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Meal Prep
- Method: Slow Cooker, Crockpot
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 645
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 409 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 64 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 56 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Ingredients List
Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken
- 2–2.5 lbs skinless boneless chicken breast
- 16 oz chunky salsa
- 1/3 cup Cilantro Lime Dressing (plus more for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
For the Bowls
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups frozen sweet corn
- 1 (16 oz) can black beans, low sodium
- 3 small avocados
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs for juicier results. |
| Salsa | Choose a chunky salsa with medium heat for the best texture and flavor. |
| Cilantro lime dressing | Store-bought works great, but homemade makes it extra fresh. |
| Rice | White, brown, or even cauliflower rice all work beautifully. |
| Black beans | Rinse and drain canned beans to reduce sodium and improve flavor. |
| Avocados | Dice just before serving to keep them fresh and green. |
| Lime | Roll before cutting to release the most juice. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place chicken breast, salsa, cilantro lime dressing, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika into your slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks. It should fall apart easily. Let it sit in the juices for 10 minutes to soak up extra flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the other ingredients. Cook the rice, heat frozen corn and black beans, chop cilantro, dice avocados, and cut lime into wedges.
- To assemble, divide rice into bowls, top with shredded chicken, corn, black beans, and avocado.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and a lime wedge. Drizzle generously with more cilantro lime dressing.
- Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful crockpot burrito bowls!
Helpful Tips
- Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Shred chicken directly in the crockpot so it stays juicy.
- Make toppings ahead so assembly is quick and easy.
- Adjust spice level by using mild or hot salsa depending on your taste.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Keep the chicken moist by not overcooking. Shredding at the 4-hour mark gives the best texture.
- Add avocado last so it stays creamy and fresh.
- Drizzle with extra dressing right before serving for a pop of flavor.
- Double the recipe if making burrito bowls for a crowd.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Burrito Bowl: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or cotija cheese on top for extra richness.
- Low-carb version: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice to keep carbs lower.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or extra hot salsa for a fiery twist.
- Vegetarian-friendly: Skip the chicken and add grilled veggies with black beans as the base.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
Cooked chicken stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions of shredded chicken with some cooking liquid in airtight bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when ready.
Serving Suggestions
Serve burrito bowls in wide, shallow bowls for the best presentation. Add colorful toppings like pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, or even tortilla strips for crunch. A drizzle of dressing makes it Instagram-worthy.
Pairing Ideas
These burrito bowls pair beautifully with a refreshing agua fresca, lime soda, or even a crisp white wine. Serve with tortilla chips and guacamole for a complete fiesta-inspired dinner.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in airtight containers. To reheat, microwave bowls in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, or reheat chicken separately on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay even juicier in the crockpot.
Can I cook this on low instead of high?
Absolutely, cook on low for 6–7 hours for equally tender results.
Do I have to use store-bought cilantro lime dressing?
No, you can make your own with lime juice, cilantro, olive oil, and garlic blended together.
Can I add toppings?
Yes, these bowls are endlessly customizable. Try cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo, or jalapeños.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze the shredded chicken portion separately. Rice and toppings are best made fresh.
How do I make it spicier?
Add hot salsa, cayenne pepper, or extra chili powder while cooking the chicken.
Can I meal prep this for lunches?
Definitely. Portion everything into containers and drizzle with dressing just before eating.
You may also like my Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 bowl |
|---|---|
| Calories | 645 kcal |
| Protein | 56 g |
| Carbohydrates | 64 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 90 mg |
| Sodium | 409 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for chicken breast recipes easy crockpot style, this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is a must-try. It’s flavorful, filling, and perfect for meal prep. Gather your ingredients, let your crockpot do the work, and enjoy a wholesome dinner that’s both comforting and fresh.
