If you’re looking for a meal that’s both comforting and full of flavor, let me introduce you to my beloved Crockpot White Chicken Chili Burrito Bowls! This recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Just toss everything into your crockpot and let it work its magic while you go about your day.

What I love most about these bowls is how they bring everyone together. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, this dish is always a hit. Plus, the customizable toppings make it easy for everyone to enjoy just the way they like it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare: Simply throw all the ingredients in your crockpot and walk away!
Flavor-packed: The combination of spices and salsa verde creates a deliciously zesty experience.
Family-friendly: Kids love building their own bowls with toppings, making mealtime fun!
Customizable: With endless topping options, everyone can make their bowl just the way they like it.
Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun! Each one adds to the rich flavors and textures of these delightful burrito bowls.

For the Main Dish

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups salsa verde
1 can white beans, drained

For Serving

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1-2 jalapeños or serrano peppers, sliced
4 cups cooked rice
Shredded lettuce, avocado, green onion, and yogurt/sour cream for serving
1-2 cups favorite salsa
Lime zest and juice for garnish
Tortilla chips for serving

Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! You can mix things up based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving.

Swap the protein: Use shredded turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Change up the beans: Try black beans or kidney beans for different flavors and textures.
Add more veggies: Toss in corn or diced zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
Spice it up: If you love heat, add more jalapeños or even some diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

How to Make Crockpot White Chicken Chili Burrito Bowls

Step 1: Prepare the Base

In the bowl of your crockpot, combine the chicken, onion, poblano peppers, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Don’t forget to season well with kosher salt and black pepper! This step builds that amazing flavor foundation that makes this dish so special. Pour over the salsa verde to finish off the base before covering it up.

Step 2: Cook Until Perfect

Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The key here is patience! Allowing those flavors to meld together makes all the difference. When it’s done cooking, lightly shred the chicken right in the pot. Stir in white beans, cheddar cheese, and fresh cilantro until everything is combined and cheesy goodness melts throughout.

Step 3: Serve It Up!

Serve generous portions of your chili over bowls of cooked rice. The warm rice will soak up all that delicious sauce! Now comes the fun part—top each bowl as desired with shredded lettuce, yogurt/sour cream, avocado slices, extra cheese, cilantro, jalapeños, green onions—whatever makes your heart sing! Drizzle with your favorite salsa and don’t forget to zest some lime over each bowl for that bright finish. Enjoy this fantastic meal with plenty of tortilla chips on the side!

I hope you enjoy making these Crockpot White Chicken Chili Burrito Bowls as much as I do! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot White Chicken Chili Burrito Bowls

Cooking can be a breeze with the right tips and tricks! Here are some expert suggestions to ensure your Crockpot White Chicken Chili Burrito Bowls turn out perfectly every time.

Use Frozen Chicken: If you’re in a pinch, you can throw frozen chicken breasts directly into the crockpot. Just remember to increase the cooking time by about an hour for best results.
Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the number of jalapeños or serrano peppers based on your preference for heat. This way, you can make it milder for kids or spicier for adults!
Perfectly Shred the Chicken: After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. This keeps all those delicious juices intact and ensures each bite is packed with flavor.
Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in other veggies like corn or zucchini during the last hour of cooking. It adds color, nutrition, and texture to your dish.
Make Ahead and Freeze: These burrito bowls freeze beautifully! Prepare a double batch, portion them out, and store them in airtight containers for busy nights ahead.

How to Serve Crockpot White Chicken Chili Burrito Bowls

Serving up these colorful bowls is part of the fun! With so many options for presentation and garnishing, you can create a meal that looks as good as it tastes.

Garnishes

Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices add richness and balance out the spice.
Lime Wedges: Offer lime wedges on the side so everyone can add a zesty kick according to their taste.

Side Dishes

Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread pairs perfectly with chili bowls, providing a sweet contrast.
Guacamole: Creamy guacamole made with ripe avocados adds an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
Mexican Street Corn Salad: This tangy salad combines corn, cilantro, lime, and cheese for a refreshing side that complements the main dish beautifully.
Simple Green Salad: A light green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette offers a refreshing crunch alongside your hearty meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy delightful Crockpot White Chicken Chili Burrito Bowls. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crockpot White Chicken Chili Burrito Bowls recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time, ensuring a quick and delicious dinner is always on hand. Whether you want to enjoy it throughout the week or freeze it for later, these bowls are as versatile as they are tasty.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Be sure to separate any toppings (like lettuce and avocado) to keep them fresh.

Freezing

Portion out the chili into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal flavor and quality.
Label each container with the date and contents for easy identification later.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or use the microwave for quicker defrosting.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Add a splash of water or chicken broth if it appears too thick after thawing.

FAQs

Got questions about this delicious recipe? Here are some common queries answered!

Can I make Crockpot White Chicken Chili Burrito Bowls with frozen chicken?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs; just increase cooking time by an hour if cooking on low.

What toppings go well with Crockpot White Chicken Chili Burrito Bowls?

You can load up your bowls with shredded lettuce, avocado slices, green onions, cheese, yogurt or sour cream, and your favorite salsa!

How spicy is this recipe?

The spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce or omit jalapeños or serrano peppers.

Can I substitute other beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to use black beans or kidney beans instead of white beans for a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these vibrant Crockpot White Chicken Chili Burrito Bowls! They’re not only easy to prepare but also make mealtime fun and satisfying. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings and flavors. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—happy cooking!