Slow cooker chicken burritos have become my absolute go-to for busy weeknights. I remember one particularly hectic Tuesday when I had zero energy to cook, but the smell of this chicken wafting from the slow cooker saved the day. Learning how to make slow cooker chicken burritos was a game-changer for my family. These easy slow cooker chicken burritos are so tender and flavorful, and the best part is they practically make themselves. With just a few simple ingredients, you get a delicious, comforting meal that everyone will love. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos
These aren’t just any chicken burritos; they’re a weeknight miracle! Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:
- Incredible Flavor: The slow cooking process creates incredibly tender, juicy chicken bursting with taco seasoning.
- Minimal Prep Time: Seriously, it takes about 15 minutes to toss everything in the slow cooker.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with protein and fiber from chicken, beans, and corn, they’re a nutritious choice.
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple, affordable ingredients makes these easy slow cooker chicken burritos perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters adore these mild, flavorful burritos.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Versatile: Serve them as burritos, bowls, or even tacos!
- Effortless Cooking: Let your slow cooker do all the work!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos
Gathering your slow cooker chicken burrito ingredients is a breeze! This recipe relies on simple pantry staples and fresh additions to create that perfect flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts – these cook up so tender and shred beautifully.
- 1 cup chicken broth – this is essential for keeping the chicken moist and helping the seasonings meld.
- 1 packet taco seasoning – the flavor backbone of our burritos!
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed – they add great texture and fiber.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies – these bring a little warmth and acidity.
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned) – for a touch of sweetness and color.
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend) – melts into the chicken for that creamy, cheesy goodness.
- 8 large flour tortillas – the perfect vessel for all this deliciousness.
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cilantro – customize to your heart’s content!
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos
Get ready for the easiest dinner ever! Let’s walk through making these amazing slow cooker chicken burritos. It truly is as simple as it sounds.
- Step 1: Begin by placing the 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts right into your slow cooker. Lay them out in a single layer if possible.
- Step 2: Pour the 1 cup chicken broth over the chicken. Then, sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning evenly over the top of the chicken breasts. The aroma starts building here!
- Step 3: Add the 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed, the 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (don’t forget their juices!), and the 1 cup corn kernels. Everything just mingles together.
- Step 4: Cover your slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, use the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fork-tender and easily shreds. This is where the magic happens for shredded chicken burritos slow cooker style.
- Step 5: Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board or in a bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the beans, tomatoes, and corn mixture. This creates the perfect base for shredded chicken burritos slow cooker perfection.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the 2 cups shredded cheese over the chicken mixture in the slow cooker. Cover it again and let it sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to get perfectly melty and gooey.
- Step 7: While the cheese is melting, warm your 8 large flour tortillas. You can do this quickly in a microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel, or warm them briefly in a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Step 8: Spoon a generous amount of the cheesy chicken mixture onto the center of each warm tortilla. Now’s your chance to pile on your favorite optional toppings!
- Step 9: Fold the sides of the tortilla inward over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to form your burrito.
- Step 10: Serve your incredible shredded chicken burritos slow cooker creations immediately, garnished with any extra toppings you love. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos
To ensure your slow cooker chicken burritos turn out perfectly every time, I’ve picked up a few tricks:
- Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker; give the ingredients space to cook evenly.
- For even more flavor, try using chicken thighs instead of breasts. They stay incredibly moist.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Sometimes the taco seasoning can vary in saltiness.
- Ensure your chicken is tender enough to shred easily before returning it to the slow cooker mixture.
What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos?
The real secret is using the chicken broth and taco seasoning to create a flavorful base, and then letting the slow cooker do its magic. For exceptional slow cooker chicken taco meat, I like to add a little extra chili powder for a kick. You can find more tips on seasoning here.
Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos ahead of time?
Absolutely! These are fantastic for meal prep slow cooker chicken burritos. You can cook the filling a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Then, just reheat, assemble, and enjoy. This is a great way to save time, similar to how some people prepare other make-ahead meals.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos?
A common pitfall is overcooking, which can make the chicken dry. Stick to the recommended cooking times. Also, draining and rinsing the beans is crucial to avoid a mushy texture and excess liquid. For more on cooking techniques, check out these kitchen tips.
Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos
Once you’ve got that delicious filling ready, you’ll want to know how to serve slow cooker chicken burritos for the ultimate experience. Beyond just rolling them up, think about turning them into vibrant burrito bowls! Simply skip the tortilla and layer the chicken mixture over rice or lettuce. For a lighter option, serve the shredded chicken mixture with a side of tortilla chips and your favorite salsa and guacamole.
Complementary sides like a simple cilantro-lime rice, a refreshing corn salad, or even some seasoned black beans really round out the meal. Don’t forget those essential toppings like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh pico de gallo, or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro!
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Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos
Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for these delicious slow cooker chicken burritos, per serving (which makes one hearty burrito):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 30g
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially toppings. For more information on general nutrition, you can consult resources like the National Nutrition Portal.
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos
The beauty of these slow cooker chicken burritos is that they’re fantastic for making ahead. Once your chicken filling has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes them perfect for busy work weeks. If you want to prep even further, consider assembling the burritos and then wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. These freezer friendly slow cooker chicken burritos can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the burritos overnight in the fridge and then warm them in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel, until heated through. You can also reheat the filling from the fridge in a skillet or microwave before assembling fresh burritos. This is a great example of effective meal planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos
Got questions about making these delicious slow cooker chicken burritos? I’ve got answers to help you achieve burrito perfection!
What’s the best crockpot chicken burrito seasoning to use?
The packet of taco seasoning included in the recipe is fantastic and provides a balanced flavor. For a little extra zing, I sometimes add a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika to the taco seasoning. You can also adjust the heat by adding a bit of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more forgiving in the slow cooker and tend to stay incredibly moist and flavorful. You can use the same amount of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, and the cooking times will remain similar. They shred just as easily and add a wonderful richness to the filling.
How do I make my slow cooker chicken burrito filling spicier?
To make your slow cooker chicken burritos spicier, you have a few options! You can add a can of diced green chilies with jalapeños, a chopped fresh jalapeño (seeds and all for extra heat), or a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce directly into the slow cooker. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Variations of Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you’ll love experimenting with these delicious variations of slow cooker chicken burritos. They’re a fantastic way to switch things up and cater to different tastes or dietary needs.
- Spicy Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos: Craving a little heat? Add a can of diced jalapeños (with or without seeds, depending on your spice level) or a chopped fresh jalapeño right into the slow cooker with the other ingredients. A dash of cayenne pepper or a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce can also kick things up a notch.
- Vegetarian Burritos: For a meatless option, swap the chicken for an extra can of black beans and a can of pinto beans, along with some extra corn. You might want to add a bit more vegetable broth to ensure the filling stays moist.
- Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowls: Skip the tortillas altogether and serve this flavorful filling over a bed of fluffy rice or crisp lettuce. Top with your favorite salsa, guacamole, and a sprinkle of cheese for a healthy and satisfying bowl.
- Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burritos: Add a can of diced sweet potatoes to the slow cooker along with the beans and corn. The slight sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with the savory spices for a unique flavor profile.
Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos: 2lb Chicken Magic
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes - 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 burritos 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos are a flavorful and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. This recipe uses tender, slow-cooked chicken, savory spices, and fresh toppings wrapped in a tortilla for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 8 large flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cilantro
Instructions
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly on top.
- Add the drained black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and corn kernels.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Shred it using two forks and return it to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Top the mixture with shredded cheese, cover, and let it melt for about 10 minutes.
- While the cheese is melting, warm the flour tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
- Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Add toppings of your choice.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll from the bottom to create a burrito shape.
- Serve immediately while warm, garnished with additional toppings if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for enhanced flavor.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.
- Consider corn or whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze burritos wrapped in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat by thawing in the refrigerator overnight and heating in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 30g
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