Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is the ultimate answer to weeknight chaos. You know the feeling — you’re juggling work, laundry, maybe a kid melting down over math homework — and the last thing you want to do is stand over a stove.

This recipe brings bold Mexican flavor with none of the stress. Dump the ingredients in your slow cooker, forget about it, and come back to a warm, hearty, flavor-packed meal ready to scoop into a bowl. It’s a go-to dinner that even picky eaters can get behind, and bonus: it makes killer leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a crowd, or just in need of something comforting, the Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl checks all the boxes — affordable, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.

Table of Contents

What is a Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl?

A Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is basically a burrito… just without the tortilla. It’s a bowl filled with seasoned shredded chicken, rice, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and topped with melty cheese, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and lime. Think of it as the lovechild of taco night and lazy Sunday meal prep. The magic happens in the slow cooker — chicken breasts simmer with spices, broth, beans, and veggies until they’re so tender you can shred them with a fork.

Toss everything together and boom — it’s dinner time. Unlike traditional burritos that need assembly (and often fall apart halfway through eating), these bowls are simple, portable, and totally customizable. Want it spicier? Add jalapeños. Watching carbs? Swap white rice for cauliflower rice. This bowl adapts like a champ.

Reasons to Try Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

First, let’s be honest: you’re tired. Most of us are. And dinner shouldn’t feel like another job. Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls save you from takeout temptation with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Just throw everything into one pot and walk away — seriously, no fancy steps or fussy ingredients.

It’s also an amazing meal prep option. Make a big batch on Sunday and you’ve got lunch or dinner sorted for days (just like our high-protein chicken ranch quesadilla — another weekday MVP). The ingredients are affordable and pantry-friendly: canned beans, frozen corn, rice, taco seasoning. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, kid-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. Add cheese if you want comfort. Add guac if you’re feeling fancy. With this bowl, you’re winning at dinner without even trying.

Ingredients Needed to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

Let’s walk through how to make a Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl step by step. This recipe is incredibly easy to follow — even if your brain is fried by 6 p.m. — and you’ll end up with bowls bursting with flavor, ready for toppings and forks.

Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Ingredients

Start by placing your chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This gives them full access to soak up all that taco-seasoned goodness. Then, toss in your uncooked white rice, drained black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Pour the chicken broth over the top and sprinkle on your seasonings: taco mix, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Stir It Up, Gently

Use a spoon to give it a light stir — not too much or you’ll disrupt the rice’s vibe. You just want everything nestled together, not drowning or layered weirdly. The rice should be mostly submerged so it cooks properly, but don’t panic — slow cookers are forgiving.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow (Or Fast If You’re Hangry)

Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. No peeking! Each time you lift the lid, you lose heat and mess with the cook time. By the time it’s done, the chicken will be fall-apart tender and the rice cooked through.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken breasts with tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a plate. Shred them with two forks — you’ll know it’s ready when the chicken basically melts under pressure. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and stir it all together.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Cilantro

This is where the magic happens. Sprinkle in your shredded cheese and chopped cilantro and stir again. The heat will melt the cheese into a gooey, flavorful binder that brings the bowl together. If you’re a cilantro skeptic, feel free to skip or sub in parsley.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Scoop the burrito bowl mixture into, well, bowls. Top with fresh avocado slices and a wedge of lime for that bright, creamy finish. You can also add a dollop of sour cream, salsa, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flair. Craving crunch? Toss on some tortilla strips.

Want more burrito bowl ideas? Check out our grilled chicken burrito bowl for a fresh summer twist!

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

This dish is a whole meal in itself, but if you’re feeling like extra credit, here are some sides that pair perfectly. A crisp Mexican slaw with lime dressing adds crunch and zing. Or go creamy with a scoop of guacamole and tortilla chips — it turns the whole thing into a mini feast. Craving more comfort? Heat up some creamy spinach and potato garden soup as a starter. For a sweet ending, try a slice of strawberry cheesecake dump cake — totally worth it.

Key Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

1. Don’t overcook the rice. If your slow cooker runs hot, check at the 3.5-hour mark.
2. Use frozen corn directly — no need to thaw. Saves you time and a dish.
3. Prefer brown rice? Go for it, but increase the cook time by at least an hour.
4. Like heat? Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne with your seasonings.
5. Use pre-shredded rotisserie chicken. Just stir it in during the last hour to save even more time.
6. Make it creamy. Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt before serving.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

You’ll be happy to know that this dish stores like a dream. Let it cool completely, then pack into airtight containers — it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezer storage, skip the avocado and cheese and freeze the rest in individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave in 60-second bursts, stirring in between, or warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth. Add fresh toppings like cilantro, lime, or avocado after reheating to bring it back to life.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs stay super moist and flavorful in the slow cooker. Just trim the excess fat.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Totally! Skip the chicken, use vegetable broth, and maybe add extra beans or bell peppers.

Is it spicy?
Not really — it’s kid-friendly. Want more kick? Add hot sauce or extra chili powder.

Do I have to use white rice?
Nope. Try brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even quinoa. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I meal prep this?
Yes! Portion into containers and add fresh toppings just before eating.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason the Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is a weeknight favorite — it’s fuss-free, full of flavor, and feeds everyone without complaints. Whether you’re new to cooking or just need an easy win, this recipe is one of those “set it and forget it” dinners that actually tastes amazing. And if you’ve got picky eaters at the table? Let them build their own bowls and pretend it’s a burrito bar. Want more easy ideas like this? Browse our easy chicken avocado wrap or crockpot creamy cajun chicken pasta for your next meal plan. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

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