Salsa Chicken Bowls Summer (Printable Version)

Shredded salsa chicken served over rice with beans, veggies, and fresh toppings. Summer-inspired, gluten-free, simple meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

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

→ Sauce

02 - 2 cups tomato salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
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 halved cherry tomatoes
12 - 1 avocado, diced
13 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
14 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
15 - 1/4 cup sliced green onions
16 - Lime wedges

# How to Make It:

01 - Position chicken breasts evenly at the base of the slow cooker.
02 - Whisk tomato salsa, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Pour mixture over chicken.
03 - Secure lid and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours, until chicken is fully tender.
04 - Remove cooked chicken, shred using two forks, and return to the slow cooker to thoroughly combine with sauce.
05 - Distribute cooked rice among serving bowls. Top with black beans, corn, and salsa-coated shredded chicken.
06 - Finish with cherry tomatoes, avocado, shredded cheese, cilantro, green onions, and lime wedges as desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • No one expects you to stand over the stove: the slow cooker does all the magic for you.
  • The tangy salsa and tender chicken mix is so good, it became my weeknight secret weapon for feeling accomplished with barely any effort.
02 -
  • If you rush shredding the chicken before it’s tender, you’ll end up with chunks instead of silky strands.
  • Letting shredded chicken sit in the sauce for a few extra minutes deepens flavor and keeps it juicy.
03 -
  • Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker: space helps even cooking and easier shredding.
  • Mix some lime juice into the chicken at the end for a burst of brightness—it’s the secret to waking up the dish.
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