There’s something about a slow cooker that turns chaos into calm. The kind of calm that settles in right around the moment you realize dinner is basically cooking itself. That’s exactly how this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe came to be—a solution to my endless weeknight juggling act. The twins were little, dinner always felt rushed, and I needed meals that didn’t require ten steps or dirty every dish in the kitchen.
Enter: this dish. It started as a fridge-clear-out idea and quickly became a weeknight favorite. All I did was toss chicken breasts into the slow cooker with chunky salsa, a splash of broth, and spices I always had on hand. By the time the rice was done and the avocados were diced, the chicken had melted into juicy, pull-apart shreds packed with flavor. The smell? That hit of chili, cumin, and lime warmed the whole house.
What I love most about this slow cooker chicken burrito bowl is how adaptable it is. One pot, minimal chopping, and no stove babysitting. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you take care of life—or sneak in a moment to breathe. This recipe isn’t just easy—it’s the kind that makes you feel like you’ve got things under control. And honestly, when dinnertime rolls around, that’s the real win.
Whether you’re feeding kids, prepping lunches, or just craving a cozy, layered bowl of goodness, this slow cooker chicken burrito bowl is your go-to. The rice soaks up the saucy chicken, the corn adds sweetness, and the creamy avocado finishes everything off with just the right richness. Give it a drizzle of cilantro lime dressing and you’re golden. Trust me—it’s a keeper.
Building the Ultimate Chicken Burrito Bowl
What Goes in a Great Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl?
The beauty of a slow cooker chicken burrito bowl is that it’s built on layers—flavors that work together like a team. First up is the heart of the recipe: the chicken. Using boneless, skinless chicken breast keeps things lean but still juicy when cooked low and slow. When it simmers with chunky salsa, chicken broth, and a medley of spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, the flavor soaks right in. The chicken practically shreds itself by the end of the cook time, tender and perfectly seasoned.
Then come the grains. Steamed white or brown rice provides the perfect base for soaking up all those juices. If you’re looking to change things up, quinoa or cauliflower rice are great alternatives. Next, black beans add a punch of protein and fiber, while sweet corn brings a fresh, juicy bite. Creamy diced avocado rounds it all out, making each forkful rich and satisfying.
Don’t forget your garnishes—they matter more than you’d think. A handful of chopped cilantro adds a fresh pop, and lime wedges brighten the whole dish. And finally, a generous drizzle of BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing takes this burrito bowl from good to absolutely craveable.
Tips for Cooking Chicken Perfectly in a Crockpot
There’s no need to overthink slow cooker chicken. Just add your ingredients, set it, and go about your day. For this recipe, high heat for 4 hours works beautifully. The chicken comes out moist and pull-apart tender, ready to be shredded with a fork. If you’re prepping in the morning, set it on low for 6–7 hours and it’ll be just as good—maybe even better.
A tip: don’t skip the extra 10 minutes of cook time after shredding. It lets the chicken soak up even more flavor from the salsa and dressing. If your slow cooker has a “warm” setting, let the shredded chicken rest there while you get the rest of the bowl components ready.
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
Ingredients
- Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken
- ▢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
- Other ingredients for the bowl
- ▢4 cups cooked rice
- ▢2 cups frozen sweet corn
- ▢1 16oz canned black beans low sodium
- ▢3 small avocados
- ▢1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- ▢1 lime
Instructions
- Add all “Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken” ingredients to slow cooker. Set on high and cook for 4 hours.
- Shred chicken (it should come apart really easily!) and let it cook/sit for 10 more minutes. Optional: Add salt to taste if needed (mine was just right without additional salt but this may vary!)
- Prepare the other ingredients – cook rice, heat up frozen corn and black beans in the microwave, chop cilantro, dice avocados, cut lime into wedges. (See Note 1)
- Assemble rice bowls by adding rice, chicken, corn, black beans, and diced avocados to each bowl. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Drizzle with BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Calories: 645kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 56g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 409mg | Potassium: 1077mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 6g
Assembly & Variations
Best Ways to Serve It (Bowls, Meal Prep, Tacos)
Once the chicken is shredded and your toppings are prepped, it’s time to build your slow cooker chicken burrito bowl. This part’s fun because there’s no single way to do it—it’s all about what you love. Start with a bed of rice in each bowl, then pile on the shredded chicken, warm black beans, sweet corn, and creamy avocado chunks. Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a fresh lime wedge on the side for a little zing.
But don’t stop at bowls. This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Just portion everything into containers and you’ve got lunch for days. It reheats beautifully and actually tastes even better after the flavors have time to mingle. You can also scoop the filling into warm tortillas for chicken burrito wraps, stuff it in lettuce cups for a lighter twist, or even use it to top nachos or baked potatoes.
And when you’re in a pinch? Layer everything in a mason jar—rice on the bottom, chicken next, followed by beans, corn, avocado, and lime. It’s a portable meal that’s ready when you are.
Diet-Friendly Swaps and Add-Ons
This slow cooker chicken burrito bowl is already gluten-free, and it’s easy to adapt for other dietary needs too. Swap the rice for cauliflower rice to cut carbs, or go with quinoa for a boost of protein and fiber. Looking to make it dairy-free? You’re good to go—just skip any optional cheese and keep using the Cilantro Lime Dressing as-is.
You can also get creative with toppings. Add shredded romaine or arugula for extra greens. Want more crunch? Toss on tortilla strips or sliced radishes. Love spice? Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper. A dollop of Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for sour cream if you’re after creaminess without the fat.
This recipe is like a blank canvas. Once you’ve got that slow-cooked chicken ready, the bowl possibilities are practically endless.
Storage, Reheating, and Serving
How to Store and Freeze It the Right Way
The beauty of this slow cooker chicken burrito bowl recipe? It’s as meal-prep-friendly as it gets. Once everything is cooked and cooled, you can store each component separately or assemble full bowls in airtight containers. The chicken will last up to 4 days in the fridge, staying moist and flavorful. The rice, beans, and corn also hold up well, so you can mix and match throughout the week.
If you’re freezing, portion the shredded chicken into small containers or freezer bags—this makes thawing easier and faster. Just be sure to leave out ingredients like avocado and fresh cilantro until serving day, since they don’t freeze well. Cooked rice can also be frozen in individual portions and microwaved straight from the freezer with a splash of water to bring back its fluffiness.
Keep your lime wedges, dressing, and any crunchy toppings (like tortilla strips) separate until ready to serve. That way, every bite stays fresh and flavorful.
Quick Reheat Tips Without Losing Flavor
When it’s time to reheat, you’ve got options. For the fastest route, microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through to heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if things look dry—especially for rice. The shredded chicken tends to stay juicy thanks to the salsa and dressing, but a quick stir before microwaving helps.
If you prefer the stovetop, reheat the chicken gently in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally and add a little broth or salsa if needed. The rice, beans, and corn can be reheated the same way or all together in one skillet to save time.
Before serving, freshen up each bowl with lime juice and a new drizzle of BRIANNAS Cilantro Lime Dressing. A sprinkle of cilantro or a couple avocado slices right before serving makes it feel like it was just made—no one will know it’s leftovers.
FAQ: Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
Can you put raw chicken in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Slow cookers are designed to cook raw chicken safely to the correct internal temperature. As long as you cook it long enough (4 hours on high or 6–7 on low), the chicken becomes fully cooked, tender, and safe to eat.
What goes well with a chicken burrito bowl?
There are tons of great add-ons! Think tortilla chips, shredded lettuce, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, shredded cheese, or pickled onions. A side of guacamole or a simple corn salad also pairs beautifully with this bowl.
Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in a slow cooker?
Both settings work well. Cooking on high for 4 hours is perfect if you’re short on time. Cooking on low for 6–7 hours results in even juicier, more tender chicken. The key is not to overcook.
How long does shredded chicken last in the fridge?
Cooked shredded chicken lasts up to 4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. It’s great for leftovers, meal prep, and next-day wraps or salads.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s as comforting as it is convenient, this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl has you covered. With tender shredded chicken cooked in salsa and spices, fluffy rice, hearty beans, sweet corn, and creamy avocado—every bite delivers bold flavor without extra effort. The slow cooker handles the heavy lifting while you prep fresh toppings or tackle your day.
Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just want a satisfying one-bowl dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s flexible, affordable, and downright delicious. So grab your slow cooker, toss in the ingredients, and let dinner take care of itself. You’ll be scooping into a cozy, flavor-packed bowl in no time.
