Irresistible Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Burrito Bowl Recipe

If there’s one meal that checks every single box flavorful, wholesome, and weeknight-friendly—it’s the burrito bowl. Inspired by the flavors of Tex-Mex cooking and the convenience of modern meal prep, burrito bowls give you all the joy of a burrito, without the wrap. And when you make them in the crock pot, you take the stress out of dinner.

This Irresistible Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Burrito Bowl Recipe combines juicy, tender chicken breasts with fluffy rice, black beans, peppers, corn, and bright cilantro all in one pot. It’s seasoned with classic taco spices and finished with a squeeze of lime for a refreshing zing. Think of it as your favorite restaurant burrito bowl but homemade, budget-friendly, and completely customizable.

Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week, hosting a casual dinner with friends, or looking for a family-friendly dish that everyone will love, this crock pot burrito bowl is the answer. Minimal prep, maximum flavor, and the kind of leftovers you’ll actually look forward to eating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pot Magic – Chicken, rice, beans, and veggies cook together in the crock pot for easy cleanup.
• Meal Prep Friendly – Makes generous portions that reheat beautifully.
• Nutritious & Balanced – Protein, fiber, and veggies all in one satisfying bowl.
• Customizable – Add your favorite toppings or swap ingredients to suit your taste.
• Effortless Cooking – Just set it and forget it—your crock pot does the heavy lifting.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe makes 4 hearty servings.

Protein & Grains

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs) – the star protein, becoming tender and flavorful as it cooks.
• 1 cup long grain white rice – absorbs the broth and seasoning, cooking to perfection in the crock pot.

Broth & Seasoning

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth – keeps everything moist and helps cook the rice evenly.
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning – a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, and onion powder for bold Tex-Mex flavor.

Veggies & Beans

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed – adds fiber and plant-based protein.
• 1 cup bell peppers (diced, mixed red and green) – colorful, sweet, and slightly crisp.
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained) – a little sweetness to balance the savory spices.

Fresh Finish

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped – for brightness and herbaceous flavor.
• Juice of 1 lime – ties everything together with a tangy pop.

Optional Toppings

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Jalapeños
• Extra lime wedges

Tools & Equipment Needed

• 6-quart crock pot / slow cooker
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Cutting board & sharp knife
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Forks (for shredding chicken)
• Serving bowls

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients

• Dice the bell peppers, rinse and drain the beans, and chop the cilantro.
• Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear—this helps prevent it from getting mushy.

2. Layer the Crock Pot

• Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
• Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.
• Add the rice, black beans, corn, and bell peppers.
• Pour the chicken broth over everything.

3. Cook Low and Slow

• Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

4. Shred the Chicken

• Remove chicken breasts, shred with two forks, then return to the crock pot.
• Stir everything together to combine the shredded chicken, rice, beans, and vegetables.

5. Add Fresh Finishes

• Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro right before serving. This brightens up the whole dish.

6. Assemble the Bowls

• Scoop a generous portion into bowls.
• Add toppings like cheese, avocado, salsa, or sour cream.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Rice Options – Substitute with brown rice (increase liquid slightly and cooking time) or quinoa for extra protein.
• Spice Level – Add cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, or fresh jalapeños if you love heat.
• Vegetarian Version – Swap chicken with extra beans or tofu and use vegetable broth.
• Cheesy Twist – Stir in 1 cup shredded cheese at the end for a creamy, cheesy burrito bowl.
• Low-Carb Swap – Skip the rice and stir in cauliflower rice at the very end (no extra cooking needed).

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This burrito bowl is savory, hearty, and fresh. The taco seasoning gives it smoky warmth, the beans and corn add sweetness, and the lime juice balances everything with brightness.

Drink Pairings:

• Classic margarita or mojito
• Sparkling lime water
• Mexican beer like Dos Equis or Pacifico

Side Ideas:

• Tortilla chips with guacamole or salsa
• Simple side salad with avocado dressing
• Roasted zucchini or grilled veggies

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving, without toppings)

• Calories: ~430
• Protein: 38 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fat: 9 g
• Fiber: 8 g

This dish is high in protein and fiber, making it satisfying and energizing. It’s naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free taco seasoning.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Pre-Chop Veggies – Dice peppers up to 2 days in advance.
• Freezer Meal Prep – Assemble raw chicken, seasoning, broth, and veggies in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight, then dump into the crock pot.
• Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating – Microwave with a splash of broth or water to rehydrate rice.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw before cooking for even results.

2. Can I substitute brown rice?
Yes! Use 1 cup brown rice and increase cooking time to 6–7 hours on LOW.

3. Will instant rice work?
No, it will overcook and become mushy. Stick with long-grain white or brown rice.

4. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just use an 8-quart crock pot and extend cooking time slightly.

5. Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on Manual High Pressure for 10 minutes with a natural release.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time Required
Prep ingredients	10 minutes
Crock pot cooking	5–6 hrs (LOW) / 3–4 hrs (HIGH)
Shred chicken & stir	10 minutes
Add fresh finishes	5 minutes
Serve & enjoy	5 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Family-Style Dinner – Lay out bowls and toppings for a customizable burrito bowl bar.
• Lunch Prep – Portion into meal prep containers for grab-and-go lunches.
• Party Idea – Serve with tortilla chips and extra toppings for a build-your-own burrito bowl buffet.

Recipe Variations

• Chicken Burrito Wraps – Roll the filling in large tortillas for handheld burritos.
• Cheesy Chicken & Rice Bake – Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
• Burrito Bowl Soup – Add extra broth and turn it into a hearty soup.

Ingredient Spotlight: Rice

Rice is the backbone of this burrito bowl, soaking up spices and broth. For crock pot recipes, long grain white rice works best—it holds its shape and doesn’t clump as much as short-grain. Store rice in a sealed container in a cool pantry to keep it fresh. Rinsing rice before cooking helps remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy results.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Layer chicken first to ensure even cooking.
• Always rinse rice before adding to reduce stickiness.
• Don’t skip the lime juice—it elevates all the flavors.
• Add cilantro last for the brightest flavor.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Fridge – Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer – Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat with a splash of broth.
• Avoid Freezing with Toppings – Fresh toppings like avocado and sour cream don’t freeze well; add those fresh.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~430
Protein	38 g
Carbohydrates	45 g
Fat	9 g
Fiber	8 g

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free adaptable, high-protein, family-friendly.

Conclusion

The Irresistible Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Burrito Bowl is proof that a few simple ingredients can come together to create something amazing. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, beans, corn, and bold Tex-Mex spices, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your home and with minimal effort.

It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual gatherings. Just toss everything in the crock pot, let it work its magic, and then enjoy a hearty, customizable meal that will please everyone at the table.

Healthy, filling, and so delicious you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.

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