Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas are one of my favorite ways to cook chicken because the slow cooker does all the work. The chicken cooks low and slow with peppers, onions, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a homemade fajita seasoning until it’s perfectly tender. Every bite is packed with flavor and ready to pile into warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Why You Need To Make These Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
- The slow cooker takes care of dinner: Add everything to the slow cooker, then slice the chicken before serving. There is very little to do while it cooks.
- The chicken stays juicy and tender: Cooking the chicken with the peppers, onions, tomatoes, and seasoning gives every slice plenty of flavor while keeping the texture closer to traditional fajitas.
- Family friendly: Everyone can build their own fajitas with their favorite toppings. It is an easy way to serve a meal that works for both picky eaters and those who like to pile everything on.
We love fajitas in my house, so they are always on the menu. My Chicken Sheet Pan Fajitas are my favorite when I need dinner on the table fast, but these Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas are perfect for prepping ahead and letting the slow cooker do the work while I am out running errands. We also love those same flavors in my Chicken Fajita Pasta, which turns all the classic fajita ingredients into a creamy pasta dinner.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes – Use regular diced tomatoes if needed. Fire-roasted tomatoes add a deeper flavor.
- Bell peppers – Any color bell peppers will work. A mix of colors adds the best flavor and color.
- Yellow onion – White onion is a good substitute. It has a similar flavor once cooked.
- Chicken breasts – Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used instead. They will have a slightly richer flavor.
- Chili powder – No substitutions.
- Ground cumin – No substitutions.
- Paprika – Smoked paprika can be used for a slightly smoky flavor.
- Salt and pepper – No substitutions.
- Garlic powder – No substitutions.
- Onion powder – No substitutions.
- Oregano – Dried Italian seasoning can be used if needed.
- Cayenne pepper – Leave it out if you prefer less heat.
* You can substitute a packet of fajita seasoning mix for the homemade seasoning if you prefer.
Mandy’s Top Tip
Not all slow cookers cook at the same rate. I have an older Crock Pot slow cooker that takes about 5 to 5 1/2 hours on low for the chicken to become tender, while my newer one finishes in about 4 hours. Start checking the chicken early and cook it just until it reaches 165 degrees F so it stays juicy and doesn’t dry out.
Tips for Success
Slice instead of shred – Slice the chicken instead of shredding it for a texture that is closer to traditional fajitas.
Cut the vegetables evenly – Slice the peppers and onions into similar-sized strips so they cook evenly and become tender at the same time.
Let the chicken rest – Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices stay in the meat instead of running out onto the cutting board.
How to Make Chicken Fajitas in the Slow Cooker
Start by adding the tomatoes to the slow cooker, then layer the peppers, onions, and seasoned chicken on top. Cover and cook until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are soft, then slice the chicken and serve everything in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Add the tomatoes.
Add the chicken.
Cover and cook.
Layer in the vegetables.
Season.
Slice the chicken and serve.
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Easy Crock Pot Dinner Recipes
These simple slow cooker dinners are perfect for busy days and are packed with flavor.
Did you try these chicken fajitas in the slow cooker? Let me know how it turned out by leaving a comment and ⭐ rating below!
Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 3 bell peppers sliced into 1/4 inch thick strips
- 1 large yellow onion sliced into 1/4 inch thick strips
- 4 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts about 6 ounces each
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- pinch cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Pour the fire-roasted diced tomatoes into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Arrange the sliced bell peppers and onion over the tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper, if using.
- Sprinkle half of the seasoning mixture over the vegetables.
- Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle with the remaining seasoning and gently rub it over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F and the vegetables are tender.
- Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice the chicken into thin strips and return it to the slow cooker. Toss everything together before serving.
- Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or lime wedges.
Notes
- A packet of fajita seasoning mix can be used instead of the homemade seasoning blend.
- Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker. Start checking the chicken around the 4-hour mark and cook just until it reaches 165 degrees F.
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Let the chicken and vegetables cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm the chicken and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
Nutriton
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated based on automated calculations and should be considered as an approximation. These estimates are provided as a courtesy. Please use your own brand’s nutritional values to verify accuracy.