Crock Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl
Are you looking for a tasty and simple dish that can feed your family without taking up too much time? Then you should definitely try making a crock pot chicken burrito bowl. It's a one-pot wonder that is flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying, and it doesn't require much effort or fancy ingredients. You just need a slow cooker, some chicken, rice, beans, veggies, spices, and toppings of your choice, and you can have a hearty meal ready in no time. Let's dive into the details of how to make this crock pot chicken burrito bowl and enjoy a wholesome dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of corn kernels, drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced (optional)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth or water
- 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice
- 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges, sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, or any other toppings you like
Make sure to buy fresh and high-quality ingredients, and adjust the amounts according to your taste and preferences. You can also customize the recipe by adding or omitting some of the vegetables or spices, as long as you keep the basic structure of the dish.
Instructions
Here's how to make the crock pot chicken burrito bowl:
- Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the beans, corn, onion, jalapeno (if using), bell peppers, and garlic on top of the chicken.
- In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the vegetables and chicken.
- Pour the chicken broth or water over everything.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir everything together.
- Add the uncooked rice and stir again.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1-2 hours or on low for 2-3 hours, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in the cilantro (if using) and adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Serve the crock pot chicken burrito bowl hot, topped with your favorite toppings and garnishes.
That's it! You have now made a delicious and easy crock pot chicken burrito bowl that can satisfy your hunger and delight your palate. This recipe yields 6-8 servings, depending on your appetite and portion size. You can store any leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later use, and reheat them in the microwave or on the stove. You can also scale up or down the recipe depending on your crowd or occasion, and add some extras or variations to make it more exciting.
Health Benefits
The crock pot chicken burrito bowl is not only delicious but also healthy and nutritious. It contains a balance of macronutrients (protein, carbs, and fat) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants) that can support your overall well-being and prevent chronic diseases. Here are some of the health benefits of the main ingredients:
- Chicken: A lean source of protein that can build and repair tissues, boost immunity, and regulate hormones.
- Black beans: A fiber-rich legume that can improve digestion, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Corn: A starchy vegetable that can provide energy, fiber, and antioxidants, and support eye and skin health.
- Onion: A pungent vegetable that can add flavor and nutrients, such as vitamin C, quercetin, and sulfur compounds, and reduce inflammation and infections.
- Jalapeno pepper: A spicy pepper that can enhance taste and health, by containing capsaicin, vitamin C, and antioxidants, and improving metabolism and pain relief.
- Bell peppers: Colorful peppers that can add crunch and benefits, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, and lutein, and reduce cancer and inflammation.
- Garlic: A pungent herb that can boost immunity, lower cholesterol, and prevent infections and cancer, by containing allicin and other sulfur compounds.
- Rice: A staple grain that can provide carbohydrates, fiber, and some minerals, such as iron and magnesium, and support energy and digestion.
- Cilantro: A fragrant herb that can add freshness and benefits, such as vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants, and lower inflammation and anxiety.
- Lime: A tart fruit that can add acidity and nutrients, such as vitamin C, flavonoids, and citric acid, and improve digestion and skin health.
By eating this crock pot chicken burrito bowl, you can enjoy a variety of flavors and textures, as well as a range of health benefits. You can also adapt the recipe to your dietary needs or preferences, by using gluten-free rice, dairy-free toppings, or vegan protein alternatives. And you can make it even more enjoyable by sharing it with your loved ones, and creating a cozy and warm atmosphere around the table.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the crock pot chicken burrito bowl is a perfect meal for anyone who wants to have a quick and delicious dinner that is also healthy and versatile. You can make it in your slow cooker with some basic ingredients, and customize it to your liking with some fun toppings and garnishes. You can also benefit from its nutritional value and flavor profile, and appreciate its convenience and affordability. So next time you're in the mood for a Mexican-inspired dish that won't take up too much of your time or energy, consider making a crock pot chicken burrito bowl and enjoy the goodness that it brings.