Easy Crockpot Chicken Bowls with Yellow Rice & Cilantro Pesto Recipe

Slow-Cooked Chicken Fiesta Bowls with Vibrant Yellow Rice & Zesty Cilantro Drizzle

Elevate your weeknight dinners with these irresistible chicken fiesta bowls! We’ve given a fresh twist to the classic crockpot recipe by perfectly melding slow-cooked chicken with aromatic yellow rice and drizzled with a zesty cilantro blend. The result is a bowlful of flavors, textures, and vibrant colors – all made easier with a few smart cooking tweaks.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup yellow rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Optional: your favorite simmer sauces and salsas such as Frontera’s Red Chile Sauce, Somos Al Pastor Sauce, Siete Enchilada Sauce, Siete Casera Mild Salsa Roja, or Mateo’s Salsa
• Pickled onions and mixed salad greens for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika. For an added flavor boost, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil over medium-high heat until aromatic. Brown the chicken lightly on each side in the skillet to lock in flavor.
2. Assemble in the Crockpot: Transfer the seared chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, bell pepper slices, corn, yellow rice, and chicken broth to your crockpot. Give everything a gentle stir to mix well.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your crockpot and set it on low for approximately 4 hours. This extended, low-temperature cooking allows the flavors to blend harmoniously while keeping the chicken delectably tender.
4. Create the Zesty Drizzle: In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until a smooth, vibrant drizzle forms.
5. Final Assembly: Spoon the warm chicken and rice into bowls, drizzle with your cilantro blend, and top with a generous spoonful of your preferred simmer sauces or salsa. For an added crunch and pop of flavor, finish with pickled onions and crisp mixed salad greens.
6. Meal Prep Tip: For those busy weekdays, store the chicken and rice separately from your fresh toppings and drizzles. Reheat the main components and add the garnishes just before serving for maximum texture and flavor.

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Special Tips:

To intensify the flavors while preserving the texture, try adding a splash of lime juice just before serving. This bright acid kick can elevate the entire dish!