Why Make This Recipe
Chicken burrito bowls are a fantastic meal choice for many reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to prepare, which is a win for busy people. You can throw everything in a crockpot and let it cook while you go about your day. Second, this dish is healthy and packed with nutrients. The ingredients like chicken, black beans, and corn provide protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
Additionally, chicken burrito bowls are versatile. You can change the toppings and side ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you want to enjoy them on a busy weeknight or make them for a gathering with friends and family, this recipe has you covered. The mixture of flavors and textures will satisfy your hunger while still being fun to eat. Plus, they look bright and colorful, making your meal appealing and delightful.
Chicken Burrito Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour salsa over them to cover.
- Add black beans and corn to the crockpot after draining and rinsing.
- Season mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks.
- Serve in bowls topped with diced avocado and drizzle with cilantro lime dressing.
- Optionally, serve over rice or quinoa and top with cheese.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!How to Make Chicken Burrito Bowl
Making a chicken burrito bowl is simple and straightforward. You don’t need any complicated cooking skills to prepare this delicious meal. With a few ingredients and your trusty crockpot, you will have a warm, tasty dish ready in just a few hours. Below, you will find a comprehensive guide that ensures you can whip up this crowd-pleaser effortlessly.
Ingredients:
Chicken Breasts: These will be the main protein in your dish. They should be boneless and skinless for easy cooking and shredding.
Salsa: Choose your favorite salsa. It can be mild, medium, or spicy, depending on your taste. Salsa adds a lot of flavor without extra work.
Black Beans: Canned black beans are convenient and can be easily added to the crockpot. They provide great protein and make the bowl hearty.
Corn: Sweet corn can be added fresh or from a can. It adds a nice sweet crunch to the dish.
Avocado: Diced avocado adds creaminess and a healthy fat to your meal. It’s a perfect topping for burrito bowls.
Cilantro Lime Dressing: This dressing will give your dish a fresh, zesty flavor. You can buy it ready-made or make your own if you have the time!
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that will enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
Rice or Quinoa (Optional): You can use either as a base for your bowl. They both are great sources of carbohydrates and will fill you up.
Cheese (Optional): Shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack is an excellent topping that melts beautifully over the warm ingredients.
Directions:
Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour salsa over them. Use a good amount of salsa to cover the chicken, ensuring they stay moist while cooking.
Add black beans and corn to the crockpot. Drain and rinse the black beans to remove excess sodium. If using canned corn, drain it as well.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. A pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper will bring out the flavors beautifully.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If you plan to be out during the day, cooking on low works best. For a quicker meal, use the high setting.
Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks. The chicken will be very tender and should shred easily into pieces.
Serve in bowls with diced avocado and drizzled with cilantro lime dressing. Fresh toppings like diced avocado add a wonderful finishing touch.
Optionally, serve over rice or quinoa and top with cheese. This will turn your meal into a complete feast.
How to Serve Chicken Burrito Bowl
Serving chicken burrito bowls can be as relaxed or as fancy as you like. Using a bowl is the traditional way to enjoy this meal. Start by adding your base, which can be rice or quinoa, then layer on the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn. Finish with diced avocado and a drizzle of cilantro lime dressing.
You can also set up a “build-your-own” burrito bowl bar if you are serving guests. Place all the ingredients in separate bowls and let everyone customize their meal. This makes it fun and interactive. People can choose what they want to add, whether it’s extra cheese, a scoop of guacamole, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
How to Store Chicken Burrito Bowl
Storing your chicken burrito bowl is easy, and the leftovers can taste just as good the next day. Here are the steps:
Let it Cool: Before storing, allow the bowl components to cool down to room temperature.
Use Airtight Containers: Place the shredded chicken, beans, and corn in one container. Store rice or quinoa separately to avoid sogginess.
Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for the best quality.
Reheat: To enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat the chicken mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop until it is hot.
Fresh Toppings: Add fresh toppings like avocado and dressing just before serving to keep them fresh and flavorful.
Tips to Make Chicken Burrito Bowl
Choose Quality Chicken: Always select fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. Although frozen chicken can work, fresh chicken tends to add better flavor.
Experiment with Salsa: There are countless salsa varieties. Try different types to see which one you like best. You may even blend your salsa for a unique flavor.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or diced onions for extra nutrition and flavor.
Spice it Up: If you like heat, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Homemade Dressing: Making your own cilantro lime dressing can elevate the flavor even further. Blend fresh cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a quick version.
Variation
If you want to switch things up and try different flavors, consider these variations:
- Burrito Wraps: Use tortillas instead of bowls. Just fill your tortilla with the chicken and toppings, fold it up, and you have a delicious burrito.
- Taco Salad: Skip the rice and serve the chicken and toppings over a bed of greens for a fresh taco salad.
- Use Different Proteins: Swap chicken for turkey, beef, or even tofu for a meat-free option.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot. Just make sure to increase the cooking time by an hour or so, as they take longer to cook thoroughly.
2. Can I make this recipe in a regular pot instead of a crockpot?
Absolutely! You can make it on the stovetop. Sauté the chicken and other ingredients on medium heat, cover with a lid, and let it simmer until the chicken is tender.
3. What toppings can I add to my burrito bowl?
Toppings are flexible! You can add sour cream, hot sauce, chopped tomatoes, or sliced olives. Get creative with your favorite flavors!
Enjoy crafting your chicken burrito bowls, and have fun customizing each serving to match your taste!