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Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice

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A hands-off, flavorful slow cooker chicken burrito bowl recipe paired with bright and fragrant cilantro lime rice, perfect for meal prep and satisfying dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine rice preferred)
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth (for cooking rice)
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lime
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional toppings: 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained), 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen), 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack), 1 ripe avocado (sliced or diced), sour cream or Greek…

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  2. Rub the spice blend evenly over the chicken breasts.
  3. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker insert and pour chicken broth over the top.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and easy to shred.
  5. While the chicken cooks, rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear.
  6. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add rice and a pinch of salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
  7. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and stir in lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and olive oil or butter. Adjust salt to taste.
  8. Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to slow cooker juices to soak up flavor.
  9. Assemble bowls starting with cilantro lime rice, topped with shredded chicken and optional toppings like black beans, corn, cheese, avocado, or sour cream.
  10. Garnish with extra cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of fresh lime if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Rinse rice before cooking for fluffiness. Use fresh lime zest for better aroma. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before shredding. If rice is dry after adding lime and cilantro, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Store chicken and rice separately for best freshness. Can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat or use jackfruit for vegetarian option.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, burrito bowls, cilantro lime rice, meal prep, easy dinner, chicken recipe, healthy, gluten-free

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/easy-slow-cooker-chicken-burrito-bowls-with-cilantro-lime-rice-recipe-for-perfect-meal-prep/