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Easy Flavor-Packed Summer Crockpot Chicken Taco Bowls

summer crockpot chicken taco bowls - featured image

A quick and easy crockpot recipe featuring juicy, smoky chicken with fresh summer toppings, perfect for busy days and healthy meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup salsa verde or your favorite mild salsa
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice or cilantro lime rice
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack (optional)
  • Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Rub the spice blend evenly over the chicken breasts or thighs.
  3. Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken on each side for 2-3 minutes until golden.
  4. Place chicken in the crockpot and pour salsa verde over it, spreading evenly.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  6. Prepare rice according to package instructions; for cilantro lime rice, add chopped cilantro and lime juice after cooking.
  7. Prep toppings: dice avocado, halve cherry tomatoes, rinse black beans and corn, chop cilantro.
  8. When chicken is done, shred it in the crockpot using two forks, mixing with the juices.
  9. Assemble bowls by scooping rice, topping with shredded chicken, beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes, cilantro, cheese if using, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
  10. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Notes

Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds flavor but is optional. If chicken seems dry, stir in a splash of chicken broth or salsa juices before shredding. Check for doneness around 6 hours on low to avoid overcooking. For dairy-free, omit cheese and sour cream or use alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken, chicken taco bowls, summer recipes, healthy meals, easy dinner, slow cooked chicken, taco bowls