Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls

These Crock Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls are easy to make, filling, affordable, and versatile. They also satisfy any cravings for Chipotle and Mexican without going out for takeout.

There are many reasons to love this recipe since it makes building burrito bowls easy. There is no need for multiple pans to cook all the different components; everything cooks right in the slow cooker. It's so easy and takes barely any effort! Bowls really are one of the best easy dinners and meal prep options around.

Additionally, these burrito bowls are super flavorful and can be customized to fit your preferences by using mild or spicy salsa, choosing any beans you like, and adding all your favorite toppings. Piled high with avocado, cheese, cilantro, and extra salsa - these have been a meal we are eating at least once a week.

We also love making these Taco Bowls with Rotisserie Chicken for a fast weeknight meal or these Chicken Tinga Tacos.

Before You Get Started

Here’s the scoop on what to know before diving into these chicken burrito bowls:

• Instant Rice is Key: This recipe uses instant rice because it cooks quickly and absorbs all the good flavors. Regular rice will need more time and liquid, so keep that in mind if you’re swapping it out.
• Adjust the Heat: The cayenne pepper gives a little kick, but you can skip it if you like things mild. If you're into spice, toss in some diced jalapeños or use a fiery salsa.
• Keep an Eye on the Chicken: Slow cookers vary, so check the chicken around the 3-hour mark to avoid overcooking. No one likes dry chicken.

Ingredients

A few simple ingredients are all it takes to whip up these slow cooker chicken burrito bowls!

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These cook perfectly in the slow cooker without drying out. If using frozen chicken, make sure it is completely thawed before adding it to the slow cooker!
• Aromatics: A little diced onion and minced garlic act as a flavor base. You could use onion powder and garlic powder if you're in a pinch.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
• Salsa (your choice): Your salsa will set the tone for the dish, so go with one you love—chunky, smooth, spicy, or mild. It’s totally up to you!
• Spices: I use chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper.
• Instant brown or white rice: Rice is very temperamental in the slow cooker, so I would only make these burrito bowls with instant rice if you want to cook the rice in the slow cooker.
• Canned black beans: Drained and rinsed.

Can I use a different type of rice?

For any other type of rice, I would recommend making it on the side and then just stirring it in. Make sure to eliminate the chicken broth from the recipe if you cook the rice separately. This will ensure that the rice cooks correctly and is not underdone.

You could also use pre-cooked or frozen rice; just add it at the end like any other cooked rice. On the same note, you could stir in cooked quinoa, farro, barley, or any other grain you like.

Can I make burrito bowls on the stovetop? Instant pot?

If you want to make this on the stovetop, I recommend using this One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe instead, which is written specifically for the stovetop. If you are going to make it in the Instant Pot, then just cook the chicken with the onions, garlic, salsa, and spices on Manual for 10-12 minutes. Cook the rice separately and then stir in the rice and beans once the chicken is cooked.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal! Here's a breakdown of how to make it:

1. Toss it all in the slow cooker

Start by adding the chicken, onion, garlic, salsa, broth, and seasonings to your slow cooker. Give everything a quick stir, pop on the lid, and let it cook low and slow until the chicken is tender and ready to shred or cube.

2. Prep the chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the slow cooker and decide if you want to shred it for that classic burrito bowl vibe or chop it into bite-sized chunks. Either way, it’s going back in, so keep it handy!

Pro tip: Use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to quickly shred the chicken!

3. Add the rice and beans

With the chicken ready, stir it back into the slow cooker along with the rice and black beans. Turn up the heat to high and let it cook until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

4. Taste and serve

Give everything a final stir, season to taste, and serve it up! Don’t forget to top it with all your favorite fixings to make it your own.

Recipe Ideas and Swaps for Crockpot Burrito Bowls

Here are some fun ideas and swaps to make these burrito bowls your own:

• Corn: Make the recipe heartier with some canned or frozen corn. Add it when you add the beans and rice.
• Veggies: For extra veggies, add some chopped bell peppers, poblano peppers, or jalapenos when you add the onions
• Tomatoes: If you don't have salsa, you could use canned tomatoes. Spicy tomatoes, like Rotel, will be the closest in terms of flavor. However, any canned diced tomatoes (with the juice) will work. Just add some extra spices or homemade taco seasoning.
• Protein: If you don't have chicken breast, you could use chicken thighs or pork. You could also use ground turkey or ground beef. Just make sure to brown it first.
• Rice: If you don't have instant rice and want to use something different, just cook it separately to ensure it cooks correctly. Leave out the broth, and then just stir in the cooked rice with the black beans.
• Beans: Any beans will work for this recipe. Make it with black beans, pinto beans, white beans, whatever you have.
• Salsa: This works with red salsa, salsa verde (green salsa), habanero salsa (if you like spicy salsa), or evenenchilada sauce. Use what you have!
• Cheese: If you want a cheesy top layer, add a layer of shredded cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking. It will melt right in the slow cooker.
• Low-carb: If you want to keep things low-carb, ditch the rice and use plain or cilantro lime cauliflower rice, or pile the chicken on top of veggies!

Topping Ideas

Here's a list of topping ideas to dress up your burrito bowls:

• Avocado or guacamole
• Chopped onions or green onions and cilantro
• Pickled onions
• Sauteed peppers and onions for a fajita-style burrito bowl
• Shredded cheese or queso
• Pico de Gallo, chopped fresh tomatoes, or extra salsa
• Guacamole
• Black olives and pickled jalapenos
• Shredded lettuce or greens
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Fresh limes or lemons
• Baked tortilla chips for some crunch or corn tortillas for making tacos