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Cozy Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Meal Prep Bowls

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A warm, comforting slow cooker pulled chicken recipe perfect for busy weekdays, meal prep, and wholesome dinners that feel like a cozy hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • ½ cup corn kernels
  • Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Fresh lime wedges for squeezing
  • Avocado slices or guacamole (optional)
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack, optional)
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic on top.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, chicken broth, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
  4. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks or meat claws. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat in the sauce. If sauce is too thin, cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken.
  5. Prepare brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions, optionally cooking rice in chicken broth instead of water.
  6. Steam broccoli until bright green and tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Shred carrots and rinse black beans and corn.
  7. Divide rice evenly among meal prep containers or bowls. Top with pulled chicken, broccoli, carrots, black beans, and corn. Garnish with fresh herbs and a lime wedge.
  8. When ready to eat, add avocado slices, shredded cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream if desired.

Notes

If sauce is too thin after cooking, remove lid and cook on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken. Let chicken rest a few minutes before shredding to retain juices. Use thighs for juicier chicken. Store in airtight containers up to 4 days refrigerated or freeze chicken separately for longer storage. Add toppings fresh before serving. Slow cooker temperatures vary; monitor first time cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, pulled chicken, meal prep, easy dinner, healthy, barbecue, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/cozy-slow-cooker-pulled-chicken-meal-prep-bowls-easy-recipe-for-busy-weekdays/