Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

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There’s something magical about coming home to the smell of a warm, flavorful meal waiting in the slow cooker. And when that meal happens to be juicy, tender Crockpot Chicken Fajitas, you know dinner is going to be a hit! This recipe is an absolute game-changer—minimal effort, maximum flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Imagine tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions simmering in a deliciously spiced sauce, all tucked into a warm tortilla with your favorite toppings. The best part? The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so you can go about your day while your kitchen fills with mouthwatering Tex-Mex aromas.

If you love fajitas but don’t love standing over a hot stove, this recipe is for you. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Super Easy – Just chop, dump, and let the crockpot work its magic.

✔️ Full of Flavor – A rich, savory mix of fajita spices, lime juice, and tomatoes infuses the chicken with bold Tex-Mex goodness.

✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers in tacos, bowls, or salads throughout the week.

✔️ Customizable – Use your favorite toppings to make it your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these easy slow cooker chicken fajitas, you’ll need:

  • Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best.
  • Bell Peppers – A mix of red, green, and yellow for a colorful and tasty dish.
  • Onion – Sliced thinly for the perfect texture.
  • Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies – Adds a kick of flavor.
  • Fajita Seasoning – Use store-bought or make your own with simple pantry spices.
  • Olive Oil & Lime Juice – Enhance the flavor with a hint of zest.
  • Chicken Broth – Keeps everything juicy and tender.
  • Tortillas & Toppings – Warm flour tortillas and all your favorite add-ons.

Optional Homemade Fajita Seasoning

Want to skip the store-bought packet? Here’s a simple blend:

  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Mix it up, and you’re good to go!

Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients

The first step to perfect slow cooker fajitas is prepping your ingredients:

  1. Slice the bell peppers and onions thinly and set them aside.
  2. If you’re using homemade fajita seasoning, mix all the spices together in a small bowl.

That’s it! Now, let’s start layering everything in the crockpot.

Step 2: Assembling in the Crockpot

Now, the easiest part—just layer everything in the slow cooker:

  1. Place the chicken at the bottom of the crockpot.
  2. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning evenly over the chicken for that signature Tex-Mex flavor.
  3. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions on top of the chicken.
  4. Pour the diced tomatoes with green chilies and chicken broth over the vegetables.
  5. Drizzle olive oil and fresh lime juice over everything for an extra boost of flavor.

That’s it! No need to stir—just cover and let the crockpot work its magic.

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken Fajitas

Now that everything is prepped and assembled in the slow cooker, it’s time to let the magic happen. The beauty of this recipe is that the crockpot does all the work for you.

Cooking Time Options

Depending on your schedule, you can choose between two cooking methods:

  • Low and Slow (Recommended): Cook on low for 6–7 hours for the most tender, flavorful chicken.
  • Quick and Convenient: Cook on high for 3–4 hours if you’re short on time.

During this time, the chicken will absorb all the spices, lime juice, and tomatoes, creating a rich, savory sauce. The bell peppers and onions will become perfectly soft, but not mushy, keeping that classic fajita texture.

One important tip: resist the urge to open the lid too often! Every time you do, heat escapes, which can slow down the cooking process. Let the slow cooker do its job, and you’ll be rewarded with perfectly juicy, seasoned fajitas.

Step 4: Shredding the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to shred it.

How to Shred Chicken Like a Pro

  1. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or large plate.
  2. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should be incredibly tender and fall apart easily.
  3. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce and vegetables. This step ensures that every bite is coated in flavor.

If you prefer chunkier chicken pieces instead of shredded, you can simply slice or roughly chop the chicken before adding it back into the crockpot.

At this point, the aroma filling your kitchen is incredible. The juicy chicken, seasoned veggies, and rich broth have come together to create the ultimate Tex-Mex experience. Now, it’s time to serve!

Step 5: Serving Your Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas

The best part about these fajitas? They’re completely customizable! Here’s how to assemble them for the perfect bite:

Warming the Tortillas

For soft, pliable tortillas, try one of these warming methods:

  • Skillet: Heat each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side in a dry skillet over medium heat.
  • Oven: Wrap tortillas in foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
  • Microwave: Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds.

Assembling Your Fajitas

  1. Spoon the shredded chicken and vegetable mixture onto a warm tortilla.
  2. Add your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice.
  3. Wrap it up and enjoy! Fold in the sides, roll it up, and take a big, satisfying bite.

If you’re serving a crowd, set up a fajita bar with all the toppings so everyone can build their perfect fajita.

Bonus Tips for the Best Crockpot Fajitas

Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: While chicken breasts work great, chicken thighs stay even more tender and flavorful.

Don’t Skip the Lime Juice: It adds the perfect tangy balance to the spices and makes the flavors pop.

Make It Spicier: If you love heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

Thicken the Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, remove some of the liquid after cooking and mix it with a teaspoon of cornstarch before adding it back in.

Serve with Low-Carb Options: Swap the tortillas for lettuce wraps or serve the fajita mixture over cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions? Here are some common ones that might come up when making these crockpot chicken fajitas.

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but for food safety reasons, it’s best to thaw it first. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker can keep it at an unsafe temperature for too long. If you must use frozen chicken, increase the cooking time slightly and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before shredding.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! These fajitas are perfect for meal prep. You can cook everything ahead of time and store the fajita mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat and serve when ready.

3. Can I freeze crockpot chicken fajitas?

Yes! Let the cooked fajita mixture cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

4. What are some good side dishes for chicken fajitas?

These fajitas pair perfectly with:

  • Mexican Rice – A classic side with bold flavors.
  • Refried Beans – Creamy and delicious.
  • Corn Salad – A fresh and crunchy option.
  • Chips & Salsa – Because who doesn’t love chips and salsa?

5. Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead?

Yes! To make these fajitas in an Instant Pot:

  1. Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot.
  2. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes (or 12 minutes for frozen chicken).
  3. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then shred the chicken and mix it back in.

6. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

For a meatless version, swap the chicken for sliced portobello mushrooms or drained canned jackfruit. Cook on low for 4 hours, then stir and serve just like traditional fajitas.

7. What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

These Crockpot Chicken Fajitas are the ultimate easy and delicious meal. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, you get tender, flavorful chicken and perfectly cooked veggies, all wrapped up in warm tortillas. Whether you’re making them for a busy weeknight, meal prep, or a casual dinner with friends, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out! Feel free to share your favorite toppings or any fun variations you’ve tried. Happy cooking!

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Crockpot Chicken Fajitas


  • Author: Andrew Recipes

Description

These crockpot chicken fajitas are an easy, hands-off meal packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors. Juicy shredded chicken, tender peppers, and onions simmer together in a flavorful sauce, making for a perfect weeknight dinner. Serve them in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for a delicious and satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3 bell peppers, thinly sliced (red, green, and yellow for color)
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
  • 1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning mix (or homemade, see below)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
  • 68 flour tortillas (for serving)

Optional Toppings

  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Optional Homemade Fajita Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients
Slice the bell peppers and onions thinly. Set aside.
If using homemade fajita seasoning, mix all the spices together in a small bowl.

Assemble in the Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crockpot.
Sprinkle the fajita seasoning evenly over the chicken.
Add the sliced bell peppers and onions on top.
Pour the diced tomatoes with green chilies and chicken broth over the vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice for added flavor.

Cook
Cover and cook on low heat for 6–7 hours or high heat for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.

Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it with the vegetables and juices.

Serve
Warm the flour tortillas in a skillet, oven, or microwave.
Spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture onto the tortillas. Add your favorite toppings, wrap, and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
  • If you like extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

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