Salsa Chicken Bowls Rice (Printer-Friendly)

Tender chicken, salsa sauce, rice, beans, and colorful toppings make a vibrant, easy summer meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)

→ Sauce

02 - 2 cups tomato salsa (mild, medium, or hot as preferred)
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
04 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Bowls

08 - 2 cups cooked brown or white rice
09 - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
10 - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)

→ Toppings

11 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
12 - 1 avocado, diced
13 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
14 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
15 - 1/4 cup sliced green onions
16 - Lime wedges

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Arrange chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
02 - Combine salsa, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
03 - Pour salsa mixture over chicken breasts. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours until the chicken is tender.
04 - Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot and mix to coat with the sauce.
05 - Place cooked rice in serving bowls. Top with black beans, corn, and salsa chicken.
06 - Add cherry tomatoes, avocado, shredded cheese, cilantro, green onions, and lime wedges as desired. Serve bowls warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It’s nearly hands-off—most of the magic happens in the crockpot while you get on with your day.
  • Everyone can build their own bowl, so picky eaters and adventurous types alike dig in together.
02 -
  • Don’t overcook the chicken—if you leave it past the recommended time, it tends to dry out and lose its juicy texture.
  • If you skip rinsing the beans, the bowl can become watery and muddle the flavor—always rinse and drain before adding.
03 -
  • Shred the chicken while it’s hot, right out of the cooker—it pulls apart easily and stays juicy.
  • A little smoked paprika turns a simple salsa into something memorable, so don’t skip it.
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