Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito has become a staple in my home, especially after a particularly chaotic Tuesday when I desperately needed a comforting, fuss-free meal. I remember walking into the kitchen, smelling the rich aroma of spices and simmering chicken, and instantly feeling the day’s stress melt away. This easy slow cooker chicken burrito is truly a lifesaver for busy weeknights, offering all the satisfying flavors of your favorite Mexican dish with minimal effort. My family now eagerly anticipates this delicious slow cooker chicken burrito bowl recipe. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito
I promise you, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero! There are so many reasons to fall in love with this incredible slow cooker chicken burrito:
- It’s incredibly flavorful, with tender, juicy chicken infused with zesty spices.
- Prep time is minimal, making it perfect for busy evenings when you need a delicious meal without the fuss.
- This shredded chicken burrito slow cooker recipe is a healthier alternative to takeout, packed with lean protein and vegetables.
- It’s super budget-friendly, utilizing common pantry staples to feed the whole family.
- Everyone loves it! This family-friendly meal is easily customizable with various toppings.
- The convenience of a shredded chicken burrito slow cooker meal means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your evening.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito
Gathering your ingredients for this amazing slow cooker chicken burrito is super simple! I’ve found that using quality components really makes a difference in the final flavor of this chicken burrito crock pot meal.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts – I always opt for fresh chicken for the best texture.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced – finely dicing helps it melt into the sauce.
- 1 (16 oz) jar salsa – choose your favorite! A medium heat works well for most families.
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained – rinsing removes excess sodium.
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained – adds a lovely tangy base.
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, undrained – for that classic Tex-Mex flavor.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth – essential for keeping everything moist and flavorful in your chicken burrito crock pot.
- 1 tsp chipotle chile powder – gives a smoky kick!
- 1 tsp paprika – for color and a mild, sweet pepper flavor.
- 1 tsp ground oregano – a classic herb for Mexican dishes.
- 1 tsp table salt – balances all the flavors.
- 1 tsp finely ground black pepper – just a touch for seasoning.
- 2 cups instant rice – this cooks right in the slow cooker!
- 8 oz shredded Colby-Jack cheese – for a creamy, melty finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos
Making delicious slow cooker chicken burritos is incredibly easy, and I’ll walk you through each step. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve such rich flavors with minimal effort. This process shows you exactly how to cook chicken burritos in a slow cooker, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken every time.
- Step 1: Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. I always ensure they are in a single layer for even cooking.
- Step 2: Next, add the diced onion, salsa, black beans, diced tomatoes, diced green chiles, and chicken broth over the chicken. Then, sprinkle in the chipotle chile powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. The aroma of these spices together is already fantastic!
- Step 3: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This slow simmer allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich base for your slow cooker chicken burritos.
- Step 4: Once the 4 hours are up, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them in a large bowl. Keep the lid on the slow cooker to retain the heat and moisture in the sauce.
- Step 5: Using two forks or shredders, shred the chicken until it’s in bite-sized pieces. It should be incredibly tender and practically fall apart. This shredded chicken is what makes our slow cooker chicken burritos so satisfying!
- Step 6: Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker with all the delicious sauce. Now, add the instant rice and stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Ensure the rice is submerged in the liquid.
- Step 7: Cover the slow cooker again and cook for an additional 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking. This final stage is crucial for how to cook chicken burritos in a slow cooker with perfectly cooked rice.
- Step 8: Finally, sprinkle the shredded Colby-Jack cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a gooey, irresistible layer.
- Step 9: Scoop the finished slow cooker chicken burritos mixture into bowls and add your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro. Enjoy your perfectly cooked meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that truly elevate this slow cooker chicken burrito from good to absolutely amazing. These expert tips will help you achieve the most flavorful and perfectly textured results every time, ensuring your meal is a hit!
- Always use fresh chicken breasts for the best shredding texture and flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings before adding the rice; a little extra cumin or chili powder can make a big difference.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid too often during cooking, as this releases heat and extends the cooking time.
- Let the finished dish rest for 5-10 minutes after the cheese melts; this allows the flavors to meld and the rice to settle.
What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito?
The real secret to a truly perfect slow cooker chicken burrito lies in letting the chicken simmer slowly with all those delicious spices. This low-and-slow method allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken, resulting in incredibly tender, juicy meat that practically shreds itself. It’s the foundation for the best slow cooker chicken burrito recipe.
Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito ahead of time?
Absolutely! This slow cooker chicken burrito recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can assemble all the ingredients (except the instant rice and cheese) in the slow cooker pot the night before, store it in the fridge, and then just turn it on in the morning. This saves so much time on busy days!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito?
One common mistake is overcooking the rice; check for tenderness around the 45-minute mark. Also, avoid using chicken that’s too lean (like 99% fat-free), as it can dry out. Finally, don’t forget to rinse the black beans to remove excess sodium and improve flavor in your slow cooker chicken burrito.
Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito
Once your delicious slow cooker chicken burrito filling is ready, the fun really begins! I love how versatile this dish is, allowing everyone to customize their meal. If you’re wondering what to serve with slow cooker chicken burritos, I have a few favorite ideas that always hit the spot.
My go-to is serving it as a burrito bowl, piled high with fresh toppings like diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded lettuce, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. You can also warm up some tortillas and assemble classic burritos, perfect for wrapping and enjoying on the go. Another fantastic option is to use the filling for tasty quesadillas or even as a topping for nachos. The possibilities are endless for this amazing slow cooker chicken burrito!
Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito
I always find it helpful to know what I’m putting into my body, and this slow cooker chicken burrito is not only delicious but also offers a great nutritional profile. Here’s a breakdown per serving (this recipe makes 8 generous servings):
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Please remember that these nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and portion sizes used in your own slow cooker chicken burrito.
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito
One of the best things about this slow cooker chicken burrito recipe is how perfectly it lends itself to meal prep! I often make a double batch specifically for leftovers, which makes my weeknights so much easier. Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious chicken burrito meal prep slow cooker style for days to come.
Once your meal has cooled completely, transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, this slow cooker chicken burrito freezes wonderfully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and it will last for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, or warm gently in a skillet on the stovetop until heated through. This chicken burrito meal prep slow cooker method truly keeps on giving!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito
Can I use frozen chicken for this slow cooker chicken burrito recipe?
While you can use frozen chicken breasts, I highly recommend thawing them first. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker can sometimes lead to uneven cooking and might increase the overall cooking time. For the best and safest results, always use thawed chicken for your slow cooker chicken burrito.
How long to cook chicken burritos in slow cooker if I’m in a hurry?
This recipe is designed for a low and slow cook to develop deep flavors. If you’re really pressed for time, you can cook it on high for 2-3 hours instead of 4 hours on low, but I find the chicken is even more tender with the longer cook. Just make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Knowing how long to cook chicken burritos in slow cooker correctly ensures safety and taste.
What kind of rice works best in this slow cooker chicken burrito?
I specifically call for instant rice in this recipe because it cooks quickly and absorbs the liquid perfectly within the slow cooker’s timeframe. Regular long-grain or brown rice would require significantly more liquid and a longer cooking time, which would overcook the chicken. So, stick to instant rice for this flavorful slow cooker chicken burrito!
Can I add more vegetables to my slow cooker chicken burrito?
Absolutely! I often toss in some corn (frozen is fine, just add it with the rice) or bell peppers (diced and added with the onion) for extra nutrition and flavor. Just be mindful not to overcrowd your slow cooker, especially when making a large batch of slow cooker chicken burrito filling.
Variations of Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito You Can Try
One of the things I love most about this slow cooker chicken burrito recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs. It’s a fantastic base for creativity in the kitchen!
- Vegetarian Twist: For a meatless option, swap the chicken for extra black beans and corn, or even add some diced sweet potato. This creates a delicious and healthy slow cooker burrito filling that’s packed with plant-based protein.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, consider adding a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper with the onion, or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices. A dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end also works wonders.
- Creamy Indulgence: Stir in a block of cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier texture. This makes the slow cooker chicken burrito even more decadent.
- Fajita Style: Add sliced bell peppers (any color!) and onions during the last hour of cooking. This gives your slow cooker chicken burrito a lovely fajita-inspired flavor and texture, perfect for serving with warm tortillas.
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito: My 1 Secret for Tender Chicken
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls are a simple and flavorful meal. This dish features tender shredded chicken, black beans, and zesty salsa, all cooked in one pot with rice. It is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, offering a hearty and customizable dinner option.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 (16 oz) jar salsa
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp chipotle chile powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground oregano
- 1 tsp table salt
- 1 tsp finely ground black pepper
- 2 cups instant rice
- 8 oz shredded Colby-Jack cheese
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the diced onion, salsa, black beans, diced tomatoes, diced green chiles, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the chipotle chile powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover and set your slow cooker to cook on low for 4 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them in a large bowl. Use two forks or shredders to shred the chicken while keeping the lid on the slow cooker to retain heat.
- Return shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Add in instant rice and stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook for an additional 45 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Top with shredded Colby-Jack cheese. Cover again and let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Scoop into bowls and add your favorite toppings like sour cream or avocado before serving. Enjoy your slow cooker chicken burrito bowls!
Notes
- Adjust spices to your preference; more chipotle or paprika can enhance the dish.
- Use quality salsa for better flavor.
- Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes after cooking to meld flavors.
- Monitor rice cooking time as it can vary by brand.
- Experiment with different toppings for variety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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