Your Weeknight Meal Hero is Here!
You struggle with dinnertime dilemmas. We all understand – a long day, hungry tummies, and you do not want to spend hours in the kitchen. But there is a way to make effortless, delicious, and healthy meals that practically cook themselves. Get ready to say hello to your new favorite go-to recipe!
Why Make This Recipe
You will love these Healthy Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowls. They are effortless and hands-off. You just dump ingredients, set the slow cooker, and forget it! This recipe practically cooks itself, giving you more time for what truly matters. It is nutrient-packed and wholesome. It contains lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and vibrant vegetables. This is a meal you can feel good about. It is endlessly customizable, perfect for picky eaters or those with dietary preferences. You can tailor it to your heart’s content! It is a meal prep dream because it makes fantastic leftovers for lunches throughout the week. Finally, it offers a flavor explosion, a delightful blend of Tex-Mex spices that will tantalize your taste buds.
How to Make Healthy Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowls
Making Healthy Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowls is easy. You will gather your ingredients, combine them in the slow cooker, and let it cook. Then, you shred the chicken and serve.
Ingredients of Healthy Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowls
Protein Powerhouse:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (fresh or frozen)
Pantry Staples for Flavor & Texture:
- Canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
- Canned corn (drained)
- Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- Chicken broth (low sodium)
Spice Rack Stars:
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions of Healthy Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowls
Step 1: Prep & Combine
- Place chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth.
- Sprinkle all spices evenly over the ingredients.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is easily shredded.
Step 3: Shred & Stir
- Carefully remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to combine with the sauce and other ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
How to Serve Healthy Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowls
Classic Toppings:
- Fresh avocado or guacamole
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges (for a zingy finish!)
Base Options:
- Fluffy brown rice
- Quinoa
- Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb alternative)
- Leafy greens (for a salad-style bowl)
Creative Additions:
- Pickled jalapeños
- Crushed tortilla chips (for crunch!)
- A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce
How to Store Healthy Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowls
Store individual portions in airtight containers for quick meals throughout the week.
Tips to Make Healthy Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Don’t Peek! Resist the urge to lift the lid often; it releases heat and extends cooking time.
- Frozen Chicken: No need to thaw! Just add slightly more cooking time if using frozen chicken breasts.
- Adjust Seasonings: Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and other spices after the chicken is shredded.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the crockpot.
- Vegetarian Friendly: Substitute chicken with extra beans, sweet potatoes, or a plant-based protein.
- Smoky Flavor: A few drops of liquid smoke can enhance the depth of flavor.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make these Healthy Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowls ahead of time for meal prep?
Absolutely! These Healthy Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowls are fantastic for meal prepping. You can cook a large batch on the weekend and portion it into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Q2: What if I don’t have all the spices listed for these Healthy Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowls?
While the listed spices create a classic flavor profile, you can definitely adapt! A good quality taco seasoning mix can be a great substitute if you’re short on individual spices for your Healthy Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowls.
Q3: Can I freeze leftover Healthy Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowls?
Yes, these Healthy Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowls freeze beautifully! Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Classic Healthy Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowls
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Forks
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs boneless, skinless (fresh or frozen)
- 1 (15-ounce) can Black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can Corn drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can Diced tomatoes with green chilies undrained
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth low sodium
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth over the chicken.
- Evenly sprinkle all the listed spices, including chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, over the ingredients.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Finishing
- Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it thoroughly using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it well to combine with the sauce and other ingredients.
- Taste the burrito bowl mixture and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or other desired spices.
- Serve the hot chicken burrito bowls with your choice of toppings and base options.