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Easy Summer Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe with Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice

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A simple, fresh, and flavorful slow cooker chicken burrito bowl paired with zesty cilantro lime rice, perfect for hot summer days when you want a fuss-free meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) salsa verde or your favorite salsa
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (about 200 g) or jasmine rice
  • 2 cups (480 ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons / 30 ml)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional toppings: avocado slices or guacamole, shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack), sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, fresh jalapeño slices

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the minced garlic, then pour the salsa verde evenly over the chicken.
  2. Set the crockpot to low and cook for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork. (If short on time, cook on high for 3 hours.)
  3. Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks or meat claws. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to soak up the salsa juices. Keep warm on low.
  4. Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice and 2 cups of water or chicken broth with a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  5. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. After 15 minutes, remove from heat but keep covered for another 5 minutes to steam.
  6. Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and olive oil or butter. Taste and add more salt or lime juice if desired.
  7. Spoon a generous helping of cilantro lime rice into bowls. Top with shredded crockpot chicken and your favorite optional toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

Rinse rice before cooking for fluffier texture. Cook chicken low and slow for juicier meat. Adjust seasoning after shredding chicken. Shred chicken directly in crockpot to keep juices. Can prep chicken a day ahead for deeper flavor. Freeze shredded chicken separately from rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, burrito bowl, cilantro lime rice, slow cooker, summer recipe, easy dinner, healthy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/easy-summer-crockpot-chicken-burrito-bowl-recipe-with-zesty-cilantro-lime-rice/