Lunch & Dinner

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas – Recipes From Chef

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas – Recipes From Chef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 large yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced; 3 bell peppers, cored and sliced; 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cloves garlic, finely minced; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 3/4 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp sea salt; 3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice; 1 Tbsp honey; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 12 soft 6-inch flour tortillas; Fresh cilantro leaves; Sour cream; Salsa or guacamole, or sliced avocados; Shredded Mexican-style cheese

Rosa Crumley May 10, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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hen I think of a dish that makes everyone gather around the table and dig in, slow cooker chicken fajitas instantly pops into my mind.

They are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. On a busy weekday or lazy weekend, what could be better than a meal that cooks itself while you go about your business?

Before we dive into the deliciousness of chicken fajitas, let’s take a moment to appreciate a perfect sidekick: Mexican street corn salad. This companion dish brings a sweet and creamy dimension to the zest of fajitas, thanks to its corn, lime juice, cilantro, and finish of cotija cheese. You’re in for a treat.

What are Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas?

Slow cooker chicken fajitas are a simplified version of traditional fajitas that feature juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions, all seasoned to perfection.

The slow cooker does its magic, melding the flavors while you go about your day. This meal captures the essence of Mexican cuisine while being very forgiving on your timetable. Plus, it makes portioning easy for a family dinner or a fun gathering with friends.

The Ingredients

To create this amazing dish, here’s what you will need:

1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (petite cut)
1 large yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
3 bell peppers (suggested: 1 red, 1 yellow, and 1 green), cored and sliced
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tsp ground cumin
2 1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
3/4 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp sea salt
3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1 Tbsp honey
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

For Serving:

12 soft 6-inch flour tortillas
Fresh cilantro leaves
Sour cream
Salsa or guacamole, or sliced avocados
Shredded Mexican-style cheese

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas

Making fajitas in the slow cooker couldn’t be easier. You mix your ingredients, set it, and come back to something wonderful.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by chopping up your bell peppers and slicing your onion. I usually choose a mix of colors for visual appeal—red, yellow, and green. This isn’t just for looks; different peppers have varying flavors that add to the dish. Meanwhile, mince the garlic.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

In your slow cooker, lay down the sliced onions first. Then, gently add the bell peppers, spreading them evenly. They form a colorful base that’s hard to resist.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Next, it’s time for the star of the show: the chicken. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the veggies.

It may seem like a straightforward step, but trust me, this layering helps the chicken soak up all the delicious juices from the veggies as it cooks.

Step 4: Mix the Seasoning

In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, coriander, sea salt, black pepper, lime juice, honey, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.

This is where the magic starts. The combination of these ingredients is where the depth of flavor comes from.

Step 5: Pour the Mixture Over Chicken

Now, pour your spicy concoction over the chicken and veggies in the slow cooker. It should create a beautiful medley of colors that already smells heavenly.

Step 6: Set the Slow Cooker

Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours, or high for about 3-4 hours. I prefer the low setting; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, which is perfect for a lazy day at home.

Step 7: Shred the Chicken

When the timer goes off, take a fork and shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. It should fall apart effortlessly. Mix everything together, letting the chicken absorb any remaining juices.

Step 8: Serve

Spoon the chicken mixture into warm tortillas. Top it off with fresh cilantro, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and cheese if you like. Each bite should burst with flavor.

Notes

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your fajitas turn out perfectly every time:

Don’t Skip the Marinade: If you have time, marinating the chicken in lime juice, garlic, and spices for an hour adds brilliance.
Cooking Time: Remember that cooking times may vary based on your specific slow cooker model. Always check to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables can enhance the overall taste and texture of your dish.
Not Overstuffing Tortillas: Be cautious about piling too much filling into the tortillas or you may end up with a messy but delicious situation.
Selective Spicing: Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. Not everyone enjoys fiery food!

Storage Tips

If there are any leftovers (which I highly doubt), they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 days.

Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. You can even freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure you label it with the date!

Serving Suggestions

Here are some delightful ways to serve your slow cooker chicken fajitas:

Taco Night: Create a fun taco bar! Set up bowls with tortillas, toppings, and your slow cooker chicken for a hands-on dining experience.
Bowl Style: Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa. Layer with the chicken, veggies, and all your favorite toppings for a fulfilling bowl.
Salads: Use the chicken as a topping for a fresh salad. Light greens combined with fajita ingredients make a superb summer meal.
Stuffed Peppers: Use the chicken mixture to stuff bell peppers, then bake them for a twist on the classic recipe.
Nachos: Drizzle the chicken over tortilla chips and load up on cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. It’s perfect for game day!

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas?

There are plenty of substitutions you can make without sacrificing taste:

Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They remain juicier and can withstand long cooking times beautifully.
Tofu: A fantastic plant-based alternative for vegetarians. Firm tofu can absorb flavors well, especially if marinated beforehand.
Shrimp: For a seafood twist, swap the chicken for shrimp. Just add them in the last hour of cooking.
Steak: Use thinly sliced flank or skirt steak for authentic fajitas. Adjust the cooking time since beef cooks faster than chicken.
Mushrooms: For a vegetarian option, use sliced portobello or other hearty mushrooms. They add a meaty texture and soak up all the flavors.

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas Copycat Recipe

Conclusion

Cooking can be a joy, especially when you use a slow cooker to simplify your life. Slow cooker chicken fajitas are not just a meal; they bring friends and family together. Each bite is bursting with flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

You can mix it up with various fillings, toppings, and serving styles, making it versatile and fun to share. I invite you to give this recipe a whirl, and I guarantee it will become a staple on your table. Happy cooking!

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Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas – Recipes From Chef

Author: Rosa Crumley Cuisine: Mexican Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 6 hrs Total Time 6 hrs 15 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 432 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

When I think of a dish that makes everyone gather around the table and dig in, slow cooker chicken fajitas instantly pops into my mind. They are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. On a busy weekday or lazy weekend, what could be better than a meal that cooks itself while you go about your business?