Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls (gluten-free)

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls: a flavorful and effortless meal for you and your family. The ultimate healthy, flavorful meal to prep for dinner.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare, look no further than slow cooker chicken burrito bowls. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe is a simple way to enjoy all the flavors of a burrito in a convenient bowl format. By letting your slow cooker do all the work, you can create a hearty and satisfying dish with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how you can make these mouthwatering slow cooker chicken burrito bowls right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

There are countless reasons to love these slow cooker chicken burrito bowls. Here are just a few:

1. Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, making this dish perfect for days when you don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen. Simply set it and forget it!

2. Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Use salsa for a spicier kick, or choose diced tomatoes for a milder flavor. You can also add extra veggies, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to pack in more nutrients.

3. Meal Prep Friendly: Slow cooker chicken burrito bowls make excellent leftovers. Store any extra servings in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze them for a quick and easy meal later on. Just reheat and enjoy!

4. Healthy and Satisfying: This recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a balanced and filling meal. The chicken provides lean protein, while the black beans and corn add fiber and complex carbohydrates. Plus, the optional toppings, like Greek yogurt and guacamole, offer healthy fats and additional nutrients.

Ingredients you need to make slow cooker chicken burrito bowls:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or a mix of both
• Diced tomatoes or salsa – choose your preference)
• Chicken bone broth – or your go-to chicken broth
• Chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, sea salt and ground cumin
• Black beans – I usually look for organic or low salt. I too like to rinse before using too
• Frozen corn kernels – or you can likely use canned corn too 
• Instant rice – I have made this with non-instant rice and it doesn’t work as well. Cook rice separately if you don’t have instant rice
• Shredded cheddar cheese or Colby Jack cheese
• Optional toppings: Greek yogurt or sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, green onions, and chips for scooping

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Combine the Ingredients: Start by adding the chicken, diced tomatoes (or salsa), chicken broth, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and ground cumin to your slow cooker. Toss in the black beans and frozen corn kernels as well. Make sure the chicken is fully covered with the liquid, adding additional chicken broth if necessary. This ensures that the chicken remains juicy and flavorful throughout the cooking process.

2. Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the mixture on low for about 4 hours. During this time, the chicken will slowly absorb all the flavors of the spices and tomatoes, becoming tender and easy to shred.

3. Shred the Chicken: After 4 hours, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Shredding the chicken helps it to distribute evenly throughout the dish, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

4. Return the Chicken and Add Rice: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and give it a good stir to mix everything together. Now it’s time to add the instant rice. Stir the rice into the mixture, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the slow cooker again and continue cooking for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.

5. Add the Cheese: Once the rice is cooked, it’s time to add the shredded cheese. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and rice mixture. Cover the slow cooker for a few more minutes to allow the cheese to melt into a gooey, delicious topping.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Your slow cooker chicken burrito bowls are now ready to serve! Scoop the mixture into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Greek yogurt or sour cream adds a nice creaminess, while guacamole brings a rich, buttery texture. Fresh cilantro and green onions add a burst of freshness, and don’t forget the chips for a crunchy, satisfying finish.

Tips for success making slow cooker chicken burrito bowls:

• Adjusting the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of chili powder or use mild salsa. On the other hand, if you like your food spicy, feel free to add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Cooking Time: Keep in mind that slow cooker times can vary depending on the model. If you find that your rice isn’t fully cooked after 50 minutes, simply extend the cooking time by 10-15 minutes, checking periodically.
• Serving Suggestions: While these burrito bowls are delicious on their own, you can also serve them with warm tortillas for a more traditional burrito experience. Alternatively, use the mixture as a filling for burritos or quesadillas.

In conclusion, slow cooker chicken burrito bowls are a convenient and tasty way to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a comforting dish to enjoy, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a bowl full of flavor!

A few other healthy Mexican-inspired dinner recipes to try:

High Protein Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas (gluten-free)

One-Skillet Taco Bake (gluten-free)

EASY Sheet Pan Quesadillas

Easy Burrito Casserole (gluten-free)