Easy Crockpot Chicken Quinoa Burrito Bowl Recipe for Healthy Meals
A simple, wholesome crockpot recipe combining tender chicken, nutty quinoa, black beans, and spices for a healthy, flavorful burrito bowl perfect for busy nights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime (added after cooking)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Finely chop 1 medium onion and mince 3 garlic cloves.
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken.
- Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water, then scatter it over the chicken along with the drained and rinsed black beans.
- Add 1 can diced tomatoes (with juices), 1 cup frozen corn, 1.5 cups chicken broth, and the chopped onions and garlic on top.
- Use a spoon to lightly mix the quinoa and beans with the liquids and seasonings, keeping the chicken mostly at the bottom.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken is fully cooked and quinoa is tender.
- Check doneness; chicken should shred easily and quinoa should be soft but not mushy. Add a splash of broth if dry.
- Shred chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks and mix into the quinoa and beans.
- Squeeze in juice of 1 lime and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro for brightness.
- Serve in bowls with optional toppings like avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, or hot sauce.
Notes
Rinse quinoa before cooking to avoid bitterness. Layer ingredients with chicken at the bottom for even cooking. Use low heat for juicier chicken. Reserve some broth before shredding chicken to add moisture when serving. Can substitute chicken thighs or use vegetable broth for vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1.5 cups per s
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 30
Keywords: crockpot, chicken, quinoa, burrito bowl, healthy meals, slow cooker, easy dinner, meal prep