Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls: Cozy Flavor in 4 Steps

Posted on January 29, 2026

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls

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When I think of cozy weeknight dinners, Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls always come to mind. There’s something magical about tossing everything into the slow cooker and letting it work its wonders while I go about my day. The aroma that fills the kitchen as it simmers is enough to make anyone’s mouth water! This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. I love how the chicken becomes tender and flavorful, soaking up all those delicious spices and juices. Plus, the best part? It’s incredibly easy to throw together—perfect for busy days when you just want to come home to a hearty dish waiting for you. Trust me, once you try these burrito bowls, you’ll be looking for excuses to make them again and again. They’re a family favorite, and I can’t wait for you to share the same love for them!

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls - detail 1

Ingredients List

To whip up these delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls, gather the following ingredients:

  • 1 to 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or a mix
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (plus more if needed)
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup uncooked brown rice
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels

These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and hearty meal that everyone will love!

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls

Making these Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls is a breeze! Let’s break it down step by step to ensure everything comes together perfectly.

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

First things first, grab your slow cooker and add the chicken—whether you’re using breasts, thighs, or a mix. Then, pour in the can of diced tomatoes with all those tasty juices, followed by the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the chili powder, salt, and cumin. Make sure your chicken is mostly covered by the liquid; this is key for flavor and tenderness!

Step 2: Slow Cook

Once everything is combined, cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW. Let it work its magic for about 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking time allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and soak up all those wonderful flavors.

Step 3: Add Rice and Beans

After the initial cooking time, it’s time to stir in the black beans, uncooked brown rice, and frozen corn. Cover it up again and continue cooking on LOW for another 3 to 4 hours. Don’t forget to check the rice during the last hour! If it looks too dry, add a splash more chicken broth. If the rice is done but there’s still liquid, uncover and switch to HIGH to evaporate the excess.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

When the cooking is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. You can also transfer it to a cutting board if you prefer. Just make sure to mix it back in with all those delicious juices!

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Finally, taste your creation and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the burrito bowls in bowls with your favorite toppings, like avocado, cilantro, or cheese. Enjoy every bite of this hearty meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls. Here are just a few:

  • Convenient: Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Perfect for busy weeknights!
  • Flavor-packed: The combination of spices, tender chicken, and hearty beans creates a meal that’s bursting with flavor.
  • Healthy: Packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients, these bowls are a nutritious option for the whole family.
  • Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite toppings or adjust ingredients to suit your taste.

This recipe truly has it all—flavor, convenience, and healthiness rolled into one delicious meal!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls turn out perfect every time, keep these pro tips in mind:

  • Cooking Time: The times provided are a guideline. Every slow cooker is a little different, so feel free to check on your dish during the cooking process. If your chicken isn’t shredding easily after 4 hours, it may need a bit more time.
  • Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t have brown rice? Quinoa works great too! Just keep an eye on cooking times, as it may cook faster. You can also replace black beans with pinto or kidney beans for a different twist.
  • Storage: These burrito bowls can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool them completely before transferring to airtight containers.
  • Make it Spicy: If you love heat, consider adding a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious and satisfying meal that your family will adore!

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls - detail 2

Nutritional Information

These Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls are not only delicious but also packed with nutrition! Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, 10g of fat, 30g of protein, and 60g of carbohydrates. Plus, you’ll get 10g of fiber and only 2g of sugar, making this a wholesome meal option. Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. So, enjoy these tasty bowls while feeling good about what you’re eating!

FAQ Section

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make these Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with 1 cup of vegetable broth. Combine it with the diced tomatoes, uncooked brown rice, black beans, corn, and spices in the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, and you’ll have a delicious meat-free meal!

How do I store leftovers?

Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls cool completely, then transfer them to airtight containers. They’ll last in the fridge for up to a week and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label them so you know what’s inside!

What toppings do you recommend?

Toppings can really elevate your burrito bowls! I love adding avocado for creaminess, fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor, and a sprinkle of cheese for that melty goodness. You could also drizzle some salsa or sour cream on top for extra zest. Mix and match to find your favorite combo!

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! Using frozen chicken is a great time-saver. Just add the frozen chicken directly to the slow cooker with your other ingredients. You may need to extend the cooking time by about an hour, but it’ll yield juicy and tender chicken just the same!

How do I reheat the leftovers?

Reheating is a breeze! You can warm your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls in the microwave for quick snacks or meals. Just place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.

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Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls: Cozy Flavor in 4 Steps


  • Author: Anthony
  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls are a hearty and flavorful meal option that combines chicken, rice, beans, and spices in a convenient slow cooker preparation.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or a mix
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (plus more if needed)
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup uncooked brown rice
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels

Instructions

  1. Combine chicken, diced tomatoes with juices, chicken broth, chili powder, salt, and cumin in a 2 ½–3 ½ quart slow cooker. Ensure chicken is mostly covered with liquid.
  2. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
  3. Uncover and stir in black beans, brown rice, and corn. Cover again and continue cooking on LOW for another 3–4 hours.
  4. Check rice in the last hour, stirring occasionally. Add more chicken broth if the mixture seems dry. If rice is done but liquid remains, uncover and cook on HIGH to evaporate excess liquid.
  5. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can shred it directly in the slow cooker or on a cutting board before mixing back in.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve in bowls with desired toppings.

Notes

  • Cooking Rice Separately: If you’re away during cooking, omit rice in the slow cooker. Cook it separately on the stovetop and stir in just before serving.
  • Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with 1 cup vegetable broth. Combine diced tomatoes, rice, black beans, corn, and spices in the slow cooker. Cook LOW for 3–4 hours.
  • This filling works for regular tortilla-wrapped burritos or freezer burritos.
  • Keeps up to 1 week in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7–8 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Slow Cooker, Chicken, Burrito Bowls, Mexican

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