Slow cooker Mexican Chicken Burrito Bowl is not just a meal, it’s a flavor-packed fiesta in a bowl! If you’re craving something hearty, healthy, and bursting with Mexican flavors, look no further.
This recipe combines tender chicken, savory rice, creamy beans, and vibrant veggies into a wholesome dish that will tantalize your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.
The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and infused with all the delicious flavors of the salsa and seasonings.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and customizable – you can easily adjust the ingredients and toppings to suit your taste preferences.
Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the convenience of letting your slow cooker do the work while you come home to a delicious and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Burrito Bowl
Here are some serving suggestions to complement your Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Burrito Bowls:
Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with a variety of options for everyone to customize their burrito bowls. Include toppings such as shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, and lime wedges.
Tortilla Chips: Serve the burrito bowls with a side of tortilla chips or strips for dipping or scooping up the flavorful chicken and rice.
Side Salad: Pair the burrito bowls with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add freshness and balance to the meal.
Guacamole and Salsa: Offer bowls of homemade or store-bought guacamole and salsa for extra flavor and texture.
Mexican Street Corn: Serve Mexican street corn (elote) as a side dish to complement the flavors of the burrito bowls. You can grill or roast corn on the cob and then top it with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.
Mexican Rice: Instead of plain rice, serve the burrito bowls with Mexican rice seasoned with tomatoes, onions, and spices for an authentic touch.
Warm Tortillas: Serve warm flour or corn tortillas on the side for those who prefer to wrap their chicken and toppings in a burrito instead of eating it in a bowl.
Chilled Beverages: Serve chilled beverages such as Mexican soda, agua fresca, or ice-cold beer to quench thirst and complement the flavors of the meal.
These serving suggestions will enhance the overall dining experience and allow everyone to customize their burrito bowls according to their preferences.
Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Burrito Bowls!
Cooking Tips
Here are some cooking tips to help you make the perfect Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Burrito Bowls:
Use Chicken Thighs: While chicken breasts can be used, chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful when cooked in the slow cooker. If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them to prevent them from becoming dry.
Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Add more or less chili powder, cumin, or other spices to customize the flavor of the dish.
Add Fresh Ingredients Towards the End: If you prefer your vegetables to be slightly crisp, you can add them to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. This will prevent them from becoming too soft and mushy.
Use Low-Sodium Ingredients: To control the sodium content of the dish, opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added canned ingredients such as black beans and chicken broth.
Trim Excess Fat: If using chicken thighs with excess fat, trim it off before adding the chicken to the slow cooker to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
Cook Rice Separately: While you can cook rice in the slow cooker along with the chicken mixture, cooking it separately allows you to control the texture and prevents it from becoming mushy.
Shred Chicken Easily: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to shred the chicken quickly and easily.
Let Flavors Meld: For best results, allow the chicken mixture to sit in the slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting for 15-30 minutes after shredding. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the chicken is fully infused with the delicious Mexican-inspired seasonings.
By following these cooking tips, you’ll be able to make flavorful and tender Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Burrito Bowls that are perfect for a satisfying and convenient meal. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I cook the rice in the slow cooker with the chicken mixture?
While it’s possible to cook rice in the slow cooker along with the chicken mixture, it may become mushy. It’s best to cook the rice separately and serve it alongside the chicken mixture.
Can I use store-bought salsa or make my own?
You can use either store-bought salsa or homemade salsa in this recipe, depending on your preference and availability. Homemade salsa will add a fresher flavor, while store-bought salsa adds convenience.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Mexican chicken burrito bowl mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Burrito Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa your favorite variety
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese diced avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker:Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker:Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.Pour the salsa and chicken broth over the chicken.Add the black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, diced onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Mix Ingredients:Gently stir the ingredients in the slow cooker to combine everything evenly.
- Cook on Low:Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred Chicken:Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the other ingredients.
- Assemble Burrito Bowls:To serve, spoon cooked rice into bowls.Top the rice with the Mexican chicken mixture from the slow cooker.Add your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.