Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl – Easy, Flavor-Packed Dinner Favorite

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Author: Ellie
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The Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is a family-friendly, flavor-filled meal that practically cooks itself. Juicy shredded chicken simmers in salsa, spices, and creamy cilantro lime dressing for hours, creating tender, zesty meat ready to scoop over fluffy rice. With sweet corn, hearty black beans, and fresh avocado, every bite is balanced and satisfying. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or casual weekend dinners when you crave bold Mexican-inspired comfort without the fuss.

Slow cooker chicken burrito bowl with rice, avocado, corn, beans, and lime
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl – Easy, Flavor-Packed Dinner Favorite 6

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

You’ll love this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl for its simplicity and flavor. It takes minimal prep, then the slow cooker handles the rest while your kitchen fills with warm, spicy aromas. Each bowl bursts with juicy shredded chicken, smoky cumin, and the tang of fresh lime. The creamy BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing ties everything together with a fresh, herby finish that brightens every bite. It’s also incredibly versatile and easy to customize with rice, beans, and all the toppings you love. Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully, making it ideal for busy weekdays or meal prepping lunches ahead.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Slow Cooker Chicken

Start with 2–2.5 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breast. It turns perfectly tender after hours of slow cooking. Add 16 ounces of chunky salsa for a rich, tomato-chili base. A splash of chicken broth keeps it moist, while ⅓ cup of BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing brings creamy citrus balance. Don’t forget ½ teaspoon each of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for depth and that signature Mexican kick. Together, these ingredients create a rich, flavorful sauce that coats every strand of shredded chicken.

For the Burrito Bowl Assembly

You’ll need 4 cups of cooked rice as the base, white, brown, or even Spanish rice. Add 1 can of low-sodium black beans for heartiness and 2 cups of sweet corn for a juicy pop. Creamy avocado slices and chopped cilantro bring freshness, while a squeeze of lime wakes everything up. If you like, sprinkle cheese, jalapeños, or an extra drizzle of dressing for more zest.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls

Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker, then pour in salsa, BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing, broth, and spices. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly. The dressing adds both creaminess and a light tang that infuses the meat while it cooks.

Slow Cook and Shred

Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. Once done, use forks or tongs to shred the chicken directly in the pot. Let it rest for about 10 minutes in the flavorful juices to soak up all that seasoning. Taste and adjust salt if your salsa is mild.

Shredded chicken in slow cooker with red sauce and tongs
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl – Easy, Flavor-Packed Dinner Favorite 7

Prep Bowl Components

While the chicken cooks, prepare the rice, heat the corn and beans, and chop the fresh cilantro. Dice the avocados just before serving so they stay bright and creamy. This multitasking step saves time and ensures everything comes together easily.

Assemble and Serve

Start each bowl with a layer of warm rice. Add a generous scoop of shredded chicken, then top with corn, beans, and avocado. Sprinkle cilantro on top, squeeze fresh lime, and finish with a drizzle of extra dressing. The result is a colorful, satisfying burrito bowl that hits every flavor note.

Slow cooker chicken burrito bowl with shredded chicken, rice, beans, corn, and avocado
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl – Easy, Flavor-Packed Dinner Favorite 8

Tips for the Best Chicken Burrito Bowls

Use forks and tongs to shred the chicken gently so it stays juicy. Adjust salt only after cooking since salsa and broth vary in sodium. For extra depth, try smoked paprika and fresh lime zest together. To keep everything fresh, assemble bowls right before serving and refrigerate toppings separately. The texture mix is key, creamy avocado, soft rice, crisp corn, and tender chicken balance perfectly. Preparing toppings while the chicken cooks saves time and keeps weeknight cooking stress-free.

Customizations and Variations

Protein Swaps

Try boneless chicken thighs for extra richness or even shredded beef for a deeper, smoky twist.

Grain and Base Options

Swap the rice for quinoa, Spanish rice, or cauliflower rice if you prefer a lighter, low-carb bowl.

Flavor Adjustments

Like spice? Use hotter salsa or add a pinch more chili powder. Prefer smoky flavor? Increase the paprika slightly.

Vegetarian Option

Replace chicken with jackfruit or tofu. Cook them in the same sauce for a plant-based version that’s still hearty and satisfying.

Meal Prep, Storage & Reheating

Store the cooked chicken separately in an airtight container for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it juicy. Assemble bowls fresh from prepped ingredients during the week for easy lunches or dinners. Keep toppings like avocado and cilantro separate until ready to serve for best flavor and texture.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl pairs beautifully with tortilla chips and homemade guacamole. It also goes well with a side of fresh salad or a light soup like Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Soup. You can even wrap leftovers in tortillas for handheld burritos or tacos. For meal prep, pack ingredients in separate compartments so they stay fresh and flavorful all week. A drizzle of dressing before eating ties it all together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ingredients in a chicken burrito bowl?

A classic burrito bowl includes rice, beans, shredded chicken, salsa, corn, avocado, and cilantro with lime for freshness.

What is the best burrito filling for a slow cooker?

Chicken works perfectly since it becomes tender and flavorful. You can also use pork like in Carnitas Slow Cooker Tender Crispy Pork.

What ingredients go into a burrito bowl?

Most burrito bowls include a grain base such as rice, protein, beans, veggies, and fresh toppings like avocado and lime.

Is a burrito bowl healthier than a burrito?

Yes, since it skips the tortilla and lets you control portions. You can load up on veggies and choose light dressings.

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Conclusion or Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl brings comfort, color, and convenience to your table. With just a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a hearty, flavor-packed dinner ready to enjoy. Each bite blends creamy dressing, smoky spices, and bright lime for a taste that feels like a fiesta any night of the week. Try it once and it might just become your go-to slow cooker favorite. Don’t forget to share your creation or tag us on Pinterest to show how your version turned out.

Slow cooker chicken burrito bowl with rice, avocado, corn, beans, and lime

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

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This Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is loaded with tender shredded chicken, rice, beans, and avocado for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 bowls
Calories 645 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow cooker Used to cook chicken slowly for tender texture
  • Mixing bowls For assembling toppings
  • Tongs and forks To shred chicken easily

Ingredients
  

  • 2–2.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 16 oz chunky salsa
  • cup BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 4 cups cooked rice
  • 2 cups frozen sweet corn
  • 1 can (16 oz) low-sodium black beans
  • 3 small avocados, diced
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 lime cut into wedges

Instructions
 

  • Add chicken, salsa, dressing, broth, and spices to the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat chicken evenly.
  • Cook on high for 4 hours. Shred the chicken with forks and let it rest in the juices for 10 minutes.
  • Prepare rice, heat beans and corn, chop cilantro, and dice avocados while chicken cooks.
  • Assemble bowls with rice, chicken, beans, corn, and avocado. Top with cilantro, lime juice, and extra dressing.

Notes

Use a fork and tongs to shred the chicken easily. Adjust salt based on salsa and broth used. Prep toppings while the chicken cooks to save time.
Keyword chicken rice bowl, easy crockpot dinner, Mexican bowl, slow cooker chicken burrito bowl
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