Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489450H27M9S
Total time: PT-489450H27M9S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2-2.5 lbs skinless boneless chicken breast; 16 oz chunky salsa; 1/3 cup BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing + more as drizzle; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 4 cups cooked rice; 2 cups frozen sweet corn; 1 (16 oz) canned black beans, low sodium, drained and rinsed; 3 small avocados, sliced or diced; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1 lime, cut into wedges

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I’m so excited to share this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe with you because it’s hands-down one of my favorite easy weeknight meals. This recipe takes the guesswork out of dinnertime by using a slow cooker to create tender, flavorful chicken that you can throw together in the morning and have ready by dinner. Plus, the layers of salsa, spices, and BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing give it a fresh, zesty kick that tastes incredible every time.

What makes this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe worth making over and over is how versatile it is. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just want a no-fuss dinner that feels special, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. I love topping mine with creamy avocado and a squeeze of lime—trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it your go-to recipe too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here works together to build layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so satisfying. I always recommend using fresh, quality ingredients—especially fresh cilantro and ripe avocados—to bring that vibrant, fresh element to the bowl.

Skinless boneless chicken breast: I prefer chicken breasts for tender, lean protein that shreds easily after slow cooking.
Chunky salsa: Choose your favorite brand or homemade salsa for a tasty, saucy base.
BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing: This dressing is a game changer—it adds bright, tangy flavor and keeps the chicken moist and delicious.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture without overpowering the other flavors.
Chili powder: Gives a gentle spice and smoky warmth.
Cumin: Essential for that classic Mexican-inspired flavor.
Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky hint that elevates the whole dish.
Cooked rice: The perfect base to soak up all those tasty juices.
Frozen sweet corn: I keep a bag in the freezer for a quick veggie addition—just toss it in without thawing.
Low sodium canned black beans: Drained and rinsed, these boost the protein and fiber.
Avocados: Creamy, buttery goodness that mellows the spices beautifully.
Chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds an herby brightness that you don’t want to skip.
Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice lifts the flavors and adds zing.

Variations

I love to mix up this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe to keep it interesting—and you should too! It’s such a flexible recipe that you can adapt based on what’s in your fridge or your dietary preferences.

Variation: Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you want juicier meat. I’ve found thighs hold up well in the slow cooker and add richer flavor.
Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and add extra beans, corn, and maybe some diced sweet potatoes or bell peppers for a hearty plant-based bowl.
Spice it up: Add a diced jalapeño or extra chili powder if you like heat. I’ve done this for parties—works great!
Grain swap: Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a different texture and nutritional boost.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Start by placing your chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour over the chunky salsa, BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing, and chicken broth. Sprinkle on the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the spices, but don’t worry about mixing it too much—the slow cooker will do the rest of the work.

Pro tip: I usually stir halfway through cooking to make sure the chicken absorbs all those flavors evenly. If you’re short on time, even skipping this step still yields great results.

Step 2: Let It Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for about 6 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours, but I think low and slow makes the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful.

When the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker—it should pull apart easily. Stir everything together so the chicken is coated with all the delicious sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Burrito Bowl Fixings

While your chicken is cooking, get your sides ready. Cook your rice according to package instructions—white, brown, or your favorite alternative works well.

Drain and rinse your canned black beans and keep your corn ready to go. Chop up the cilantro, slice the avocados, and cut a lime into wedges for squeezing on top later.

Step 4: Assemble Your Burrito Bowl

Start with a base of rice in your bowl, then layer on the shredded slow cooker chicken. Add black beans and corn, then top with fresh avocado slices and a sprinkle of cilantro. Don’t forget a good squeeze of lime to brighten everything up.

I usually add an extra drizzle of BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing here too—it ties all the flavors together perfectly.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love topping these bowls with fresh cilantro—it adds so much freshness! You could also sprinkle on some shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a few slices of pickled jalapeños if you’re feeling adventurous. For me, the lime wedge is a must; it just wakes up the entire bowl.

Side Dishes

When I serve my Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe, I usually add a simple side salad or some crunchy tortilla chips. A quick Mexican street corn salad or just grilled veggies on the side works beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this recipe buffet-style, letting everyone build their own bowls with all the toppings laid out. It’s fun, interactive, and always a crowd-pleaser. Another time, I layered the ingredients in a clear glass bowl to show off the colorful layers—super festive and inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken and all the fixings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh, and I find the avocado is best added fresh when you’re ready to eat to avoid browning. The chicken stays juicy and flavorful for about 3-4 days.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the slow cooker chicken by itself with great success. After shredding, I portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers. It freezes well for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the shredded chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth if it’s too dry. Then I rebuild the bowl with fresh rice, beans, and my favorite toppings. This keeps everything tasting fresh and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but I recommend cooking on low for longer to ensure the chicken cooks through completely—usually about 7-8 hours. Just be sure your slow cooker can handle cooking frozen meat safely.
What if I don’t have BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing?

If you don’t have that specific dressing, a mix of fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, olive oil, and a pinch of salt works well as a substitute to keep that bright, tangy flavor in the slow cooker chicken.
Can I make this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! The recipe is naturally dairy-free if you skip the cheese or sour cream toppings. The chicken and salsa base are all dairy-free, making it great for those with sensitivities.
How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe has a mild to moderate spice level from the chili powder and smoked paprika, but it’s very adaptable—add more spice with jalapeños or hot sauce if you like it hotter, or reduce the chili powder for a gentler flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe feels like a warm hug after a busy day, and I’m always thrilled when I find myself reaching for it in my meal plan. It’s simple, forgiving, and delivers fresh, vibrant flavors every time without stress. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to prep, nutritious, and totally comforting, give this one a try—you’ll be glad you did!