These easy crock pot chicken fajitas are a crowd-pleaser! Just toss chicken, bell peppers, and onions with some spices and let the slow cooker do the work. Yum!
I love how simple this recipe is! You can leave it all day and come home to a tasty meal. Perfect for busy days or when you just want to relax with friends! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a quicker option, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just add it in the last hour of cooking!
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of red, green, and yellow peppers for their colors and fluctuating sweetness. If you’re not a fan of peppers, try using canned or fresh tomatoes or even zucchini instead!
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and paprika give a wonderful flavor. If you’re short on spices, taco seasoning can work as a great substitute. Just adjust the salt to taste!
Tortillas: I prefer flour tortillas for their soft texture, but corn tortillas are gluten-free and just as tasty! You can also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
How Do I Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding the chicken can be tricky if you’re not prepared. Here’s how to do it smoothly!
- After the chicken is cooked, take it out of the crock pot using tongs.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then use two forks to pull the chicken apart into shreds.
- If you have a stand mixer, just pop the cooked chicken in there and mix on low for about 30 seconds—easy peasy!
This step is important so the chicken absorbs all those delicious flavors from the broth and spices. Do not rush this—it’s all about that tasty texture!
Easy Crock Pot Chicken Fajitas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fajitas:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, and yellow), sliced into strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, to sauté veggies)
For Serving:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (like Monterey Jack or Mexican blend)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus either 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high to cook in the crock pot. Just set it and forget it, and you’ll have a tasty meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Spices:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This will create a delicious flavor base for your fajitas!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot. Sprinkle half of your spice mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
3. Add the Veggies:
Now it’s time to layer! Add the sliced bell peppers and onion on top of the chicken. Don’t forget to sprinkle the remaining spice mixture over the veggies for that extra flavor boost!
4. Pour in the Broth:
Pour the chicken broth over everything in the crock pot. This helps keep the chicken moist while it cooks and adds more yummy flavor!
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be cooked through and tender enough to shred easily.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
7. Combine Everything:
Return the shredded chicken back to the crock pot and stir everything together so the chicken, peppers, and onions are well combined. This will ensure you get all those flavors in every bite!
8. Warm the Tortillas:
Heat the tortillas in a skillet or microwave until they are warm and pliable. This makes them easier to fill and roll.
9. Assemble Your Fajitas:
Take a warm tortilla and spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture onto it. Top with shredded cheese and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for an added touch!
10. Enjoy:
Serve your delicious fajitas with lime wedges for some extra zest if you’d like. Enjoy your easy crock pot chicken fajitas with family and friends!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Chicken Fajitas
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to cook the fajitas on high for about 4-5 hours instead of the usual times. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I Substitute Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add or replace the bell peppers and onions with vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may want to freshen it up with a splash of lime juice when reheating!
What Should I Serve with Fajitas?
Fajitas are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with sides like guacamole, salsa, rice, or beans. You could also put out toppings like sour cream and jalapeños for more flavor options!
