Chicken Burrito Bowl

Imagine this: it’s the end of a long day, and the allure of a cozy meal lingers in the air. This is where my Chicken Burrito Bowl swoops in like a superhero. It’s not just a dish; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl, with layers of flavor and a splash of color that will brighten any dinner table. I stumbled upon this recipe during my quest to make weekday meals a breeze, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.

Sometimes, I even wonder why I ever used a traditional pot over a crockpot. It’s like having a sous-chef at my disposal, quietly working its magic while I go about my day. Plus, the beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability—you can customize it to suit your taste and dietary needs. So let’s dive in, shall we?

Why you’ll love this recipe

Why bother with takeout when you can whip up a Chicken Burrito Bowl that’s bursting with flavor and is easily customizable? Imagine tender, juicy chicken cooked to perfection, mingling with zesty salsa and hearty black beans. Every bite is a delightful journey, inviting you to feel like you’re on a culinary adventure, even if you’re just at home.

Not only is this dish incredibly satisfying, but it’s also packed with nutrients. The black beans provide protein, while the avocado brings healthy fats to the table. And let’s not forget that gorgeous cilantro lime dressing—it’s like a flavor explosion that elevates everything it touches! Last but not least, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. Making a big batch means you can enjoy it all week long.

Gather these ingredients

Let’s make sure you’ve got your pantry stocked with the essentials! Here’s what you’ll need for this magical masterpiece:

• Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! You want boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease. They soak up all the flavors like a sponge and shred beautifully.

• Salsa: Choose your favorite salsa. Whether you like it mild or spicy, this will be the flavor bomb that infuses your chicken with zest.

• Black Beans: Canned black beans are your secret weapon—rich in fiber and protein, they’re as nutritious as they are delicious. Don’t forget to rinse them to keep things light!

• Corn: Sweet corn adds a pop of sweetness and crunch. You can use fresh, frozen, or even canned—whatever floats your boat!

• Avocado: Creamy and dreamy, avocado is your ticket to bring a luxurious texture to the bowl.

• Cilantro Lime Dressing: This dressing is non-negotiable—its tangy notes punctuate each bite and tie the whole dish together. You can make your own or grab it from the store.

• Rice or Quinoa: These serve as the hearty base for your burrito bowl. Both options are wonderful, but quinoa adds a delightful nuttiness and a protein boost.

• Cheese & Sour Cream (Optional): Finish it off with a sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of sour cream for that extra creamy goodness!

Preparing Chicken Burrito Bowl

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get this fiesta started! Follow these steps, and you’ll be a burrito bowl master in no time:

1. Place the chicken breasts in your beloved crockpot. Trust me, this is where the magic starts.

2. Pour that salsa over the chicken like it’s a shower of flavor.

3. Toss in the black beans and corn—don’t shy away; let it all mingle together for a flavor fiesta.

4. Set your crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours—perfect for whatever your day looks like.

5. When it’s all cooked and tender, grab two forks and shred that chicken like it’s a party!

6. Serve the glorious chicken over a generous scoop of rice or quinoa. Top it off with diced avocado, a drizzle of cilantro lime dressing, and, if you’re feeling indulgent, cheese or sour cream.

Best way to enjoy it

Now that your Chicken Burrito Bowl is ready, let’s talk about how best to enjoy it. I love to prepare a vibrant spread of toppings on the table—think diced tomatoes, fresh lime wedges, chopped scallions, or even jalapeños for that extra kick.

You can also try serving it with tortilla chips for a delightful crunch, or a side of Mexican street corn to match those flavors. What about a light salad? It’s all about creating your own delicious experience.

How to store and freeze

Wondering how to keep any delicious leftovers fresh? Simply transfer any remaining burrito bowl contents into airtight containers. It’ll last in the fridge for about 3-4 days, perfect for those busy days when meal prep saves you.

If you’ve made a big batch and want to save even more for later, consider freezing portions. Just make sure to leave out the avocado (it can get mushy), and add it fresh when you’re ready to dive back into your bowl of goodness.

Pro chef tips

Here are some insider secrets to take your Chicken Burrito Bowl to the next level:

• Add spices: Before throwing in the chicken, sprinkle some cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile.

• Layer smart: When assembling your bowl, build from bottom to top. Start with the base, add the chicken, and then start layering toppings.

• Fresh herbs: If cilantro isn’t your thing, don’t hesitate to swap it out for fresh parsley or green onions.

• Don’t skimp on the dressing: A generous drizzle of that delightful cilantro lime dressing is a game-changer—get ready for a flavor explosion!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to explore:

• Spicy kick: Try adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for those who like a little heat.

• Veggie lover’s delight: Swap in some sauteed bell peppers and onions for an extra crunch.

• Taco-inspired: Instead of rice, use tortilla chips or lettuce wraps for a fun taco twist.

• Different grains: Experiment with farro or barley if you’re craving a twist on the traditional bases.

Ingredients list

• Chicken breasts
• Salsa
• Black beans
• Corn
• Avocado
• Cilantro lime dressing
• Rice or quinoa
• Cheese (optional)
• Sour cream (optional)

Directions to follow

1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. Pour salsa over chicken.
3. Add black beans and corn.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Shred chicken with two forks when cooked.
6. Serve over rice or quinoa, topping with diced avocado, cilantro lime dressing, and cheese or sour cream if desired.

Your questions answered

1. Can I use frozen chicken? Yes! Just ensure the cooking time is a tad longer to account for the frozen meat.

2. How long does this dish last in the fridge? It stays delicious for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

3. Can I make it vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or extra beans.

4. Is this meal kid-friendly? Yes! Kids love the customizable nature of burrito bowls.

5. Can I prep this ahead of time? Definitely! You can prepare the chicken in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

The Chicken Burrito Bowl is not just a meal; it’s an experience that invites warmth and comfort into your home. Packed with nutritious ingredients, it’s a versatile dish that caters to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing it with loved ones, this recipe has the power to transform any dining occasion into something special.

So roll up your sleeves, give this recipe a try, and feel free to tweak it along the way! Cook with joy, share your results, and let your imagination roam free—your next culinary masterpiece awaits!

Print Recipe

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Chicken Burrito Bowl

Cooking Method: Mixing, Sauteing Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food E Easy High Protein Quick Meals W Weeknight

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 6-8 hrs Total Time 6 hrs 10 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 500

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This Chicken Burrito Bowl is a comforting dish packed with nutrients and flavor, perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep. Combine shredded chicken, zesty salsa, black beans, and fresh toppings for a delightful culinary experience.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (The star of the show!)
• 1 cup salsa (Choose mild or spicy)
• 1 can black beans (Rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup corn (Fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 medium avocado (Diced)
• ¹⁄₂ cup cilantro lime dressing (Store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups rice or quinoa (Cooked)
• ¹⁄₂ cup cheese (Optional, for topping)
• ¹⁄₂ cup sour cream (Optional, for topping)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Prepare the chicken

   Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
   Mark as complete

2. Add salsa

   Pour salsa over the chicken.
   Mark as complete

3. Combine ingredients

   Add black beans and corn to the crockpot.
   Mark as complete

4. Set cooking time

   Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
   Mark as complete

5. Shred chicken

   Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks.
   Mark as complete

6. Assemble the bowl

   Serve chicken over rice or quinoa, and top with avocado, cilantro lime dressing, and optional cheese or sour cream.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 500kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 5g25%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 70mg24%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 700mg20%

Total Carbohydrate 50g17%

Dietary Fiber 10g40%

Sugars 5g

Protein 35g70%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 10 mg

Calcium 150 mg

Iron 3 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

To store leftovers, use airtight containers. For freezing, omit avocado and add it fresh later.

Keywords: chicken burrito bowl, meal prep, healthy comfort food