Slow Cooked Zesty Chicken Burrito Bowl
An effortless slow cooker recipe that produces incredibly tender, pull-apart chicken infused with a vibrant, zesty marinade of lime and spices. This versatile chicken is the perfect base for creating delicious, fully customizable burrito bowls for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Two forks (for shredding)
- Garlic press (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 4 cups cooked rice, for serving
- 1 cup corn kernels, for serving
- 1 cup pico de gallo or your favorite salsa, for serving
- 1 large avocado, sliced or mashed, for serving
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving
- 1 cup shredded cheese e.g., Monterey Jack
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Spread the chopped onion and minced garlic in an even layer on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer on top of the onions and garlic.
- Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and place it in a large bowl. Shred the chicken using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the juices. Let it soak for a few minutes to absorb the flavor.
- Stir in the fresh chopped cilantro just before serving.
- Assemble the burrito bowls by starting with a base of rice, then topping with the zesty chicken and your favorite toppings like beans, corn, salsa, and guacamole.
Notes
For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice; bottled juice has a dull, often bitter flavor. For a spicier version, add a minced jalapeño or a canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the slow cooker. You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but reduce cook time to 3-4 hours on LOW to prevent them from drying out. For a deeper, more complex flavor, sear the chicken in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before adding it to the slow cooker. Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.