Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls offer a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the vibrant flavors you love without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish combines tender chicken with fresh ingredients like black beans, salsa, and spices, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. The result is a hearty, comforting meal that can be tailored to suit your taste, whether you enjoy it with rice or piled high with your favorite toppings.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe. Firstly, the hands-off cooking method allows you to set it and forget it while you go about your day. The slow cooker infuses the chicken with robust flavors from the salsa and spices, making every bite a delight. Not to mention, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with a variety of toppings, making it a suitable choice for family meals or entertaining guests. Its simplicity, flavor, and crowd-pleasing nature make it a consistent hit in kitchens everywhere.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
To prepare these delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 16 oz jar salsa
- 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 10 oz can diced tomatoes
- 4 oz can diced green chiles
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Variety of toppings (sour cream, olives, avocado, shredded cheese)
- Instant rice (optional for an additional component)
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls Directions
Creating your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls is as easy as following these simple steps:
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Ensure they are spread out evenly for thorough cooking.
- Add Aromatics: Sprinkle your diced yellow onion evenly over the chicken. This adds flavor and aroma, enriching the dish from the start.
- Layer in the Goodness: Pour the jar of salsa over the chicken and onions. Next, incorporate the rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes, and diced green chiles. Each of these ingredients will contribute to the flavor and texture of your burrito bowls.
- Add the Broth and Spices: Pour in the chicken broth carefully, ensuring that all ingredients are coated. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some cumin or chili powder now. Give everything a gentle stir to mix the ingredients but avoid disturbing the chicken too much.
- Set to Cook: Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for about four hours. This slow and steady cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully while tenderizing the chicken.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the lid. Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Mix the shredded chicken back into the other ingredients to distribute the flavor.
- Add Rice (optional): If you want to include instant rice for a heartier meal, stir it in at this stage. Cover the slow cooker again and let it cook for another 45 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Melt the Cheese: Once everything is ready, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of your mixture. Cover the slow cooker for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt, creating a deliciously gooey topping.
- Serve: Spoon a generous portion of the burrito bowl into a bowl. Customize it with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, olives, or fresh avocado for a burst of flavor.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
Serving up your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls is a delightful process. Once you have spooned portions into bowls, it’s time to get creative with toppings. You can offer a station with various toppings, allowing everyone to customize their bowls to their liking. Fresh ingredients like diced avocados, a dollop of sour cream, sliced olives, and shredded cheese make for a colorful and appetizing presentation.
Pair your burrito bowls with a crunchy side salad or tortilla chips for added texture. You could also add a zesty lime wedge for those who enjoy a tangy kick. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability, so feel free to mix and match sides and toppings based on what you have in your kitchen.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
For the best results with your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts to ensure tenderness and flavor. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer taste.
- Customize the Salsa: Different varieties of salsa can dramatically change the flavor profile. Whether you like a mild salsa or a smoky, chipotle version, choose one that suits your palate.
- Make It Spicy: If you love spice, consider adding sliced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the mix.
- Go Fresh: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions as a finishing touch can brighten the dish and add a pop of flavor.
- Consider Cooking Time: If you use frozen chicken, extend the cooking time slightly. Conversely, if you’re using smaller chicken pieces, you may need to reduce the time.
How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
Storing your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls is straightforward. Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored this way, they can last in the refrigerator for about three to four days. Ensure you label the container with the date, so you keep track of freshness.
If you want to freeze the burrito bowls for later, they can be stored in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
Variation of Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
Exploring variations of Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls can keep your meals exciting. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for an additional can of black beans and extend the veggies by adding bell peppers, corn, or zucchini.
- Healthier Choices: Replace traditional rice with quinoa or a cauliflower rice blend for a lower-carb option.
- Cheesy Goodness: Try different types of cheese, like pepper jack or queso fresco, to complement the flavors. You can also mix some cheese into the chicken mixture before serving for added creaminess.
- Taco-Style Bowl: Serve the burrito bowl over a layer of crunchy tortillas for a delightful twist.
- Fiesta-Inspired: Add chopped pineapple or mango for a sweet and savory combination that’s refreshing and unique.
FAQ
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls? You can enjoy your burrito bowls with tortilla chips, a fresh salad, or some sautéed vegetables for added nutrition.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls? After cooling, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze for up to three months.
Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls spicier? Absolutely! You can add spicy salsa, jalapeños, or chili powder when cooking to suit your heat preference.
What kind of rice can I use? While instant rice is a quick option, you can also use brown rice, white rice, or even quinoa for a healthier alternative.
How long do Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls take to cook? If using fresh chicken, the dish typically takes about four hours on low in the slow cooker. If you are using frozen chicken, you may need to increase the cooking time.
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts Choose high-quality chicken for best results.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 16 oz jar salsa Customize the variety of salsa to your preference.
- 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 10 oz can diced tomatoes
- 4 oz can diced green chiles
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- variety of toppings (sour cream, olives, avocado, shredded cheese) Customize toppings to your liking.
- Instant rice (optional) For an additional component.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the diced yellow onion evenly over the chicken.
- Pour the jar of salsa over the chicken and onions. Add the rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes, and diced green chiles.
- Carefully pour in the chicken broth, coating all ingredients.
- Sprinkle in cumin or chili powder if desired, and stir gently to mix while avoiding disturbing the chicken.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to cook on low for about four hours.
Finishing Touches
- Once cooking is done, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it back into the other ingredients.
- If using, stir in instant rice and cover again, cooking for another 45 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover for a few minutes to let it melt.
Serving
- Spoon generous portions into bowls and customize with your favorite toppings like sour cream, olives, and avocado.
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