Salsa Chicken Rice Bowls (Printable)

Shredded chicken in salsa over rice, beans, corn, and colorful fresh toppings. Easy summer meal for busy days.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

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

→ 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Arrange chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
02 - In a mixing bowl, stir together salsa, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour mixture over chicken.
03 - Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 6 to 7 hours, until chicken is tender.
04 - Remove chicken and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and blend thoroughly with sauce.
05 - Layer cooked rice into each bowl, then top with black beans, corn, and salsa chicken.
06 - Finish with cherry tomatoes, avocado, cheese, cilantro, green onions, and a squeeze of lime as desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It pretty much cooks itself while you get on with your day—no hovering required.
  • The leftovers taste even better tucked into tortillas or scattered over salads, so nothing goes to waste.
02 -
  • If you cook the chicken too long, it turns mushy—set a timer so you get perfect shreds.
  • Adding toppings right before serving keeps everything bright and fresh, especially the avocado.
03 -
  • Don&apost skip tasting your salsa—some need extra salt or seasoning.
  • Always shred the chicken while it&aposs warm; it pieces apart easier and soaks up more sauce.
Go Back