Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
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Introduction
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal? This Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is the perfect recipe for any day of the week, combining bold flavors and convenient cooking methods to create a mouthwatering dish. Whether you’re feeding your family or preparing meals for the week, this recipe has you covered!
The best part is that the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you, leaving you with tender, flavorful chicken and perfectly cooked ingredients ready to be enjoyed. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe amazing.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
This recipe calls for ingredients that are easy to find and come together to form a harmonious combination of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts
– 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice
– 1.5 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can of corn, drained
– 1 can of diced tomatoes
– 1/3 cup of diced onions
– 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 tablespoon of chili powder
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, or salsa
Prep Time
One of the many perks of this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is how simple the preparation is. With just 10 to 15 minutes of prep time, you can assemble everything you need and let the slow cooker take care of the rest!
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then, place them in the bottom of your slow cooker. Prepare the vegetables, rice, and liquids so you can quickly add them to the pot.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Once your ingredients are ready in the slow cooker, set it on low for 6 to 7 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. This cooking time ensures that the chicken is fall-apart tender and the rice soaks up the flavors perfectly.
The total time for this recipe will depend on the cooking setting you choose but averages around 7 hours for low or 4 hours for high. The recipe yields about 4 generous servings, perfect for feeding a small family or meal-prepping for several days.
This Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is a flavorful, hearty, and convenient recipe designed to save time and satisfy your cravings. Serve with your choice of toppings and enjoy a wholesome, delicious meal that’s sure to impress!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
– Rinse and drain 1 cup of white rice. Set it aside for later.
– Dice or mince garlic cloves if using fresh garlic.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
– Place 1 lb of chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
– Add 1 cup of rinsed, uncooked white rice evenly over the chicken.
– Pour 14 oz of black beans (drained) and 1 cup of frozen sweet corn on top.
– Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning evenly across the ingredients.
– Add 1 cup of salsa (mild, medium, or spicy depending on preference).
Step 3: Pour in Liquid
– Pour 2 cups of chicken broth evenly over all the ingredients to ensure the rice has sufficient liquid for cooking.
Step 4: Cover and Cook
– Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3.5-4 hours or on LOW for 7-8 hours until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
– Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken breasts carefully from the slow cooker and shred the meat using two forks.
– Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it into the rice mixture evenly.
Step 6: Optional Toppings and Serving
– Serve the chicken burrito bowl warm. Top with your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Notes
Note on Rice
– White rice is recommended for this recipe. Do not substitute with brown rice as it has a longer cooking time, which may not work well with this method.
Note on Salsa
– The spice level of this dish depends on the salsa used. Choose mild, medium, or spicy salsa depending on your preference.
Note on Chicken
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended. However, chicken thighs can be used as an alternative.
Note on Cooking Time
– Cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker model. Check for doneness of rice and chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Note on Optional Add-ins
– Feel free to customize the dish further by adding extra toppings or modifying the spiciness to suit your taste!
Cook Techniques
Prepare the Chicken
Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker for easy, tender shredding later. The slow-cooked chicken absorbs the flavors of the spices perfectly.
Layer Ingredients
Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker starting with chicken, followed by black beans, corn, salsa, spices, and chicken broth. No need to stir; the slow cooker will distribute the flavors evenly as it cooks.
Slow Cook for Perfect Tenderness
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. The low and slow cooking method ensures the chicken is tender and flavorful.
Shred Chicken
Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks directly in the slow cooker. The chicken will be soft, making it easy to pull apart.
Add Rice
Stir in cooked rice at the end for evenly mixed burrito bowl bases. The rice will absorb the flavors from the dish, creating a cohesive flavor profile.
Customize Toppings
Add fresh toppings such as shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, or chopped cilantro to enhance both texture and flavor.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead. They will cook similarly and remain tender and juicy.
Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked rice in the slow cooker?
Yes, use pre-cooked rice. Add it at the end of cooking to avoid overcooking the rice.
What type of salsa should I use?
Any salsa you prefer works well. Choose mild, medium, or hot depending on your spice preference.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat it when needed. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even tastier.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, the chicken and rice dish freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to three months.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or use a hotter salsa to increase the spice level.
What are good substitute toppings?
You can use lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, guacamole, or even crushed tortilla chips as topping substitutes.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add chopped bell peppers, diced onions, or zucchini for extra texture and nutrition. Add them at the beginning of cooking.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is easy to make and perfect for a busy day. It brings together the goodness of tender, slow-cooked chicken, savory rice, and your favorite toppings, making it versatile for different palates. This dish is sure to become a family favorite and a go-to recipe for comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist.
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