Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls

$- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish - Avocado slices, for topping - Lime wedges, for serving You need these simple ingredients to make Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls. The main stars are the chicken thighs, black beans, and corn. Chicken thighs keep the dish juicy and full of flavor. Black beans add protein and fiber. Corn brings a sweet crunch that balances everything. For spices, chipotle peppers give that smoky heat. Cumin and smoked paprika add depth to your dish. They make every bite feel special. Now let’s talk toppings. Serve your burrito bowls over cooked brown rice or quinoa. They are both healthy and filling. Shredded cheese adds creaminess. Fresh cilantro brightens the dish. Slices of avocado add richness, and lime wedges bring a zesty kick. These toppings make your meal look and taste amazing! First, take your chicken thighs and lay them in the slow cooker. Make sure they are flat and even. This helps them cook well. Using boneless, skinless thighs gives the best taste and texture. They stay juicy and tender. Next, grab a large bowl. In this bowl, mix together the black beans, corn, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Then, add the salsa and chipotle peppers. Sprinkle in the cumin and smoked paprika. Finally, add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything until it blends nicely. This mix will add great flavor to your chicken. Now, pour the bean and corn mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Ensure the chicken is fully covered. Cover the slow cooker lid. Set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it is tender and fully cooked. When the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the sauce. This makes sure every bite is packed with flavor. Now you can serve it over cooked brown rice or quinoa, topped with cheese, cilantro, and avocado slices. Enjoy your delicious meal! To get the best flavor in your Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls, choose the right salsa. I like to use a salsa that matches your spice level. A mild salsa works well for kids, while a spicy salsa adds a nice kick for adults. You can also mix salsas for a balanced taste. Adjusting spice levels is easy, too. If you want more heat, add extra chipotle peppers. If you prefer less heat, cut back on them. Cooking time really matters for this dish. If you use the high setting, cook for about 3-4 hours. This gives the chicken a firmer texture. If you use the low setting, cook for 6-8 hours. The chicken will turn out super tender and flavorful. I prefer the low setting for a deep flavor. Just remember, check the chicken at the end of cooking. It should shred easily when done. Serving your burrito bowls can be fun and creative. Start with a base of cooked brown rice or quinoa. Top with the chipotle chicken mixture. Then sprinkle on some shredded cheese. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and flavor. For a creamy touch, add avocado slices. You can also serve with lime wedges. A squeeze of lime brightens all the flavors. This dish looks great and tastes even better! {{image_2}} You can switch out proteins easily in this dish. Try turkey or tofu for a twist. Both give great flavor and texture. You can also use lentils or chickpeas instead of black beans. Feel free to add other veggies too. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach mix well with the chicken. If you want a gluten-free meal, use certified gluten-free salsa and rice. For a dairy-free option, skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. You can still enjoy the dish without these ingredients. Just make sure to check labels on all products. Boost the flavor by adding more spices. Cumin and smoked paprika work well. You can also try chili powder for extra heat. For a tangy touch, add lime juice or a splash of hot sauce. These small changes can make a big difference. Store your leftover Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing. You can refrigerate the leftovers for up to four days. When you want to eat them again, just pull them out and enjoy! To freeze your burrito bowls, portion them into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date and contents. You can freeze these meals for up to three months. This is perfect for quick meals later! Reheat your burrito bowls in the microwave for quick results. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to use the stove, heat on low in a pot. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Always check that it is hot throughout before serving. Enjoy the same great taste! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Cooking frozen chicken takes longer. If using frozen thighs, cook on high for about 5-6 hours or low for 8-10 hours. Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety. These burrito bowls pair well with many sides. Try these options: - Fresh guacamole for creaminess - Tortilla chips for crunch - A simple green salad for freshness - Additional toppings like sour cream or jalapeños These sides enhance the meal and add fun flavors. To adapt this for an Instant Pot, use these steps: 1. Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and brown the chicken briefly. 2. Add the mixed ingredients straight to the pot with the chicken. 3. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes. 4. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest. This method gives you tender chicken and a flavorful dish in less time. This blog post covered how to make tasty Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls. We discussed the main ingredients like chicken, black beans, and corn. I shared spices that boost flavor, like chipotle peppers and cumin. You learned how to prepare, cook, and serve the dish, plus tips for delicious variation. Remember, you can adjust ingredients to fit your diet too. Enjoy these bowls with friends and family. You’ll love how easy and flavorful they are!$

Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls

Savor the taste of these Smoky Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls that are packed with flavor and easy to make! Using tender chicken thighs, black beans, and fresh toppings, this recipe is a deliciously healthy meal option for any night. Perfectly portioned for six servings, it comes together in your slow cooker with just a little prep. Click to explore the full recipe and learn how to create this mouthwatering dish!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup salsa (your choice of mild or spicy)

2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Avocado slices, for topping

Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

In your slow cooker, place the chicken thighs at the bottom, ensuring they are laid out evenly.

In a mixing bowl, combine the black beans, corn, chopped onion, minced garlic, salsa, chipotle peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.

Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, covering it well.

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 fully cooked.

Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it into the sauce in the slow cooker.

To serve, scoop cooked brown rice or quinoa into a bowl, top with the chipotle chicken mixture, and sprinkle with shredded cheese.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and place a few slices of avocado on top. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 7 hours | Servings: 6