Easy Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas Recipe for Perfect Weeknight Dinners
A simple and flavorful slow cooker chicken fajitas recipe that delivers tender, juicy chicken and perfectly seasoned bell peppers and onions. Perfect for busy weeknights and crowd-pleasing meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 medium bell peppers (red, green, and yellow)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, warm tortillas
Instructions
- Wash and thinly slice 3 bell peppers and 1 large onion into ¼-inch thick slices. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Place chicken breasts or thighs in a large bowl. Add minced garlic and olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mix over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Layer half of the sliced onions and peppers in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seasoned chicken on top, then add the remaining peppers and onions over the chicken.
- Pour chicken broth or water around the edges of the slow cooker, avoiding pouring directly on the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until chicken is tender and shreds easily. Alternatively, cook on high for 2 to 3 hours.
- Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir into the peppers and onions. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and stir to combine.
- Serve the fajita filling on warm tortillas with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or cilantro.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness and juiciness. Slice vegetables thinly for even cooking. Avoid opening the slow cooker frequently to maintain heat. Drain excess liquid before serving to prevent soggy tortillas. Can be adapted for Instant Pot or made vegetarian with tofu or jackfruit.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
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