Oh my goodness, if you’re as busy as I am, you’re going to fall head over heels for this slow cooker chicken burrito bowl! Seriously, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a delicious meal simmering away while you go about your day. This recipe is a total lifesaver, making dinner prep so simple and stress-free. Just pop everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it! And trust me, when it’s time to eat, your family will be gathered around the table, excited to dig into this flavorful bowl of goodness. It’s one of my go-to meals for those hectic weeknights, and I love how everyone can customize their bowl just the way they like it. You really can’t go wrong with this one!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this scrumptious slow cooker chicken burrito bowl. Trust me, these ingredients come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor!
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless and skinless)
- 1 cup packed brown rice (uncooked)
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained (15 oz)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained)
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite kind works great!)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 avocado, sliced (for that creamy topping)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Make sure to have these on hand, and don’t hesitate to add your favorite toppings to make it your own! You can even toss in some extra veggies if you’re feeling adventurous. Enjoy the process of bringing this delicious bowl together!
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
Getting this slow cooker chicken burrito bowl ready is a breeze! I’m going to walk you through each step, so you feel confident and everything turns out just right. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab your slow cooker and place the boneless, skinless chicken breast right in there. No need to worry about cutting it up just yet!
- Next, add in the uncooked brown rice, rinsed black beans, and corn. Just toss them all in; it’s a beautiful, colorful mix already!
- Now, pour in your favorite salsa. The flavor is going to infuse everything, so I always go for something with a bit of a kick. If you like it spicy, don’t hold back!
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the top. I like to mix it in a bit with a spoon to make sure every bite is packed with flavor.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Now, here’s the important part: set your slow cooker to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. I usually go for low if I have the time, because it makes the chicken super tender!
- Once the cooking time is up, it’s time for the fun part! Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it. It should fall apart easily—so satisfying!
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and give it a good stir to mix everything together. Oh wow, the smell is just incredible!
- Finally, serve your burrito bowl topped with shredded cheese, sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that perfect finishing touch. Dive in and enjoy!
And there you have it! A delicious, hearty meal that comes together effortlessly. You’re going to love how simple and flavorful this dish is!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk nutrition! Here’s a quick look at what you’re getting in every delicious bowl of this slow cooker chicken burrito bowl. These values are estimates based on common ingredient brands and quantities, so keep that in mind as you dig in!
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
This bowl not only fills you up but offers a nice balance of protein and fiber, making it a fantastic option for a wholesome meal. Plus, it’s gluten-free—so everyone can enjoy it without worry!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it while your slow cooker does all the work!
- Flavorful Ingredients: Each bite is a burst of flavor from the seasoned chicken, zesty salsa, and hearty beans—what’s not to love?
- Healthy Options: Packed with lean protein and fiber, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a guilt-free choice.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone can customize their bowl with their favorite toppings, so picky eaters will love it too!
- One-Pot Wonder: Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal and less time cleaning up afterward—win-win!
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it’s just as tasty the next day!
This slow cooker chicken burrito bowl is seriously the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. You’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can get with so little effort!
Tips for Success
Ready to take your slow cooker chicken burrito bowl to the next level? I’ve got some pro tips that will make your dish even more delicious and foolproof!
- Choose the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic swap if you want a richer flavor and juicier texture. They won’t dry out as easily as chicken breasts do.
- Opt for Homemade Taco Seasoning: If you have the time, whip up a batch of your own taco seasoning! It’s super easy and allows you to control the spice level—plus, it tastes fresher than store-bought!
- Don’t Skip the Shredding: Shredding the chicken after it’s cooked is key. It allows the chicken to soak up all those amazing flavors from the broth and spices, making every bite heavenly!
- Experiment with Other Beans: Feel free to mix it up by adding pinto beans or even kidney beans. They all bring their unique textures and flavors to the bowl.
- Add Extra Veggies: If you want to sneak in some more nutrients, toss in some diced bell peppers or zucchini when you add the other ingredients. They’ll cook down beautifully and blend right in!
- Finish with a Squeeze: A little squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving can brighten the flavors and give your bowl that extra zing!
- Customize Your Toppings: Go wild with toppings! Fresh jalapeños, sour cream, or even a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate your burrito bowl. Let your taste buds lead the way!
These tips will not only simplify your cooking process but also amp up the flavor and satisfaction of your slow cooker chicken burrito bowl. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your slow cooker chicken burrito bowl ready to enjoy, let’s talk about some fabulous serving suggestions that will take your meal to the next level! Trust me, these pairings will make your dinner even more delightful.
- Tortilla Chips: Serve your burrito bowl with a side of crispy tortilla chips for that perfect crunch! You can even use them to scoop up all that deliciousness—it’s so much fun!
- Side Salad: A fresh side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the hearty bowl beautifully. It adds a nice crunch and balances out the flavors.
- Extra Toppings: Don’t hold back on the toppings! Sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy contrast, while sliced jalapeños or pickled onions introduce a spicy kick that’s simply divine!
- Guacamole: If you’re an avocado lover (who isn’t?!), a dollop of homemade guacamole on top of your burrito bowl is heavenly. The creaminess just elevates the whole experience!
- Mexican Street Corn: Why not whip up some elote on the side? The sweet corn and spicy mayo will perfectly complement the flavors of your burrito bowl!
- Fresh Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime over your bowl right before digging in brightens everything up and adds that zingy freshness that’s oh-so-delicious.
These serving suggestions will not only enhance your meal but also let your family and friends customize their experience. Enjoy every bite of your delicious slow cooker chicken burrito bowl and the wonderful company around your table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this amazing slow cooker chicken burrito bowl and now you’ve got some leftovers? No problem! I’m here to help you make the most of your delicious creation!
First off, let’s talk about storage. Once your burrito bowl has cooled down a bit, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This keeps everything fresh and prevents any funky fridge smells from seeping in. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure to label your container if you’re like me and forget what’s in there sometimes!
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the leftovers! Portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags, and they’ll last for about 2-3 months. Don’t forget to write the date on the bag—trust me, future you will thank you!
Now, when it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is super simple. If you’re using the microwave, scoop out what you want into a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel (this prevents it from drying out), and heat it in bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until it’s heated through. If you prefer the stovetop, just toss everything in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it nice and moist as you stir it around.
Oh, and if you’re reheating from frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, or you can pop it straight into the microwave on a lower power setting—just be patient and stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your slow cooker chicken burrito bowl all week long without losing any of that tasty goodness!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you have frozen chicken breasts, you can just throw them in the slow cooker straight from the freezer. Just keep in mind that cooking time might be a bit longer, so check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
What can I substitute for brown rice?
If you’re not a fan of brown rice or just want to switch things up, feel free to use quinoa or white rice. Just remember that white rice will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all your ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just dump everything into the slow cooker, and you’ll have a delicious dinner waiting for you by the time you get home!
What toppings do you recommend?
I love to keep it simple with shredded cheese, avocado, and fresh cilantro, but you can also add sour cream, jalapeños, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess. Get creative and make it your own!
How do I store leftovers?
Once your slow cooker chicken burrito bowl has cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, or you can freeze it for 2-3 months. Just reheat thoroughly before enjoying!
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl: 7 Irresistible Flavors
- Całkowity Czas: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A flavorful slow cooker chicken burrito bowl that is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick meal.
Składniki
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instrukcje
- Place chicken breast in the slow cooker.
- Add brown rice, black beans, corn, salsa, and taco seasoning.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks before serving.
- Top with shredded cheese, avocado, and cilantro.
Uwagi
- Use low-sodium beans and salsa for a healthier option.
- Serve with tortilla chips for added crunch.
- Customize toppings as desired.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 6-8 hours
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Slow Cooker
- Kuchnia: Mexican
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 bowl
- Kalorie: 450
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 7g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 50g
- Włókno: 8g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Słowa kluczowe: slow cooker chicken burrito bowl
