If your chicken fajitas usually turn out dry, bland, or watery, this recipe fixes all of that. The chicken stays tender, the peppers and onions cook down perfectly, and the fajita seasoning actually tastes like something. Growing up around Southern cooking taught me food should be well seasoned and actually filling, and these deliver every single time. Just throw everything in the Crockpot and let it do the heavy lifting.
When you're strapped for time throwing a few staple ingredients into the Crockpot is perfect for a simple and delicious meal!
Crockpot Chicken Fajitas Ingredients
- Chicken: I use skinless chicken breasts. You can also use chicken thighs. Dark meat tends to have more flavor, is more tender, and will follow the same cook time noted in the recipe. Feel free to grab a rotisserie chicken and/or use fully cooked chicken. If using cooked chicken combine the ingredients and heat/cook until warm.
- Bell Peppers
- Onions
- Fajita Seasoning: I love to use a variation of my Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe which includes smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper if you like a spicy kick. You can also use a store-bought package if you like. I love to make my own because it’s cheaper and the store packs usually have added sugar and preservatives.
- Salsa
How to Make Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Season the Chicken: Add the chicken to the bottom of the Crockpot. Sprinkle the spices and seasoning evenly over the top.
- Add the Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, garlic, and onions on top of the chicken.
- Add the Liquid: Pour in the salsa.
- Cook: Cover and cook until the chicken reaches 165 degrees and shreds easily.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken and shred or slice it. Return it to the Crockpot and toss with the juices and vegetables.
- Adjust the Flavor: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Serve in warm tortillas or over rice with toppings like sour cream, cheese, guacamole, salsa, cilantro, or lime wedges.
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also grab your FREE ebook with my best 30-minute one-pot meals! Dinner stress stops here.
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also grab your FREE ebook with my best 30-minute one-pot meals! Dinner stress stops here.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups sliced bell peppers Sliced into strips. I like to use multi-color peppers.
- ½ cup sliced onions
- 2-3 garlic cloves Minced
- 2 cups salsa
Homemade Fajita Seasoning (Feel free to use store-bought if you wish.)
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for spicy.
Instructions
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Chicken Fajitas are typically served in strips. For chicken that you can slice into strips, cook on High for 2-3 hours or on Low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.For shredded chicken, Cook on High for 4 hours or on Low for 6-8 hours.
- Open the pot and slice or shred the chicken if preferred. Return it to the pot and serve.
Instant Pot Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to the Instant Pot.
- Close the pot and seal. Cook on Manual High-Pressure for 10 minutes.
- When the pot indicates it has finished, allow the steam to release naturally for 10 minutes instead of quick release.
- Open the pot. Remove the chicken and shred if preferred. Add it back to the pot and serve.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs in this recipe with no adjustment to cook time.
- Feel free to grab a rotisserie chicken and/or use fully cooked chicken. If using cooked chicken combine the ingredients and heat/cook until warm.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Fajitas Toppings and Variations
- Sour Cream or Greek yogurt
- Shredded Cheese
- Jalapenos
- Fresh Lime
- Cilantro
- Olives
- Lettuce or spinach
- Guacamole
Both work great. Chicken thighs stay a little juicier, but chicken breasts are leaner and shred easily.
You should not use frozen chicken due to food safety concerns and the potential for uneven cooking. Slow cookers typically operate at lower temperatures, which may result in the chicken spending too much time in the "danger zone."
Nope. You can add everything straight to the Crockpot, which is why this recipe is so easy. You can sear it! Searing often locks in a little more flavor.
Cook the fajitas for 4 hours on High or 8 hours on Low.
Use a meat thermometer and make sure the chicken reaches 165 degrees. The chicken should be tender and shred easily with a fork, but don’t overcook it or it can dry out. The peppers and onions should be soft and cooked through without turning mushy.
Don’t overcook it. Once the chicken reaches 165 degrees and shreds easily, it’s ready.
The chicken and peppers release liquid as they cook. If you want thicker fajitas, remove the lid near the end of cooking or drain some liquid.
The dish will last for 3-4 days tightly sealed in the fridge.
You can reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stove on medium heat.
If you are planning to freeze the dish, I recommend assembling the ingredients ahead of time and freezing the dish prior to cooking. That way when you're ready to cook it, everything has been prepped. I wouldn't freeze leftovers.
Absolutely. Mushrooms, poblano peppers, jalapeños, and corn all work well.
Yep. Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, cayenne, or extra chili powder if you want more heat.
Pair With These Recipes
Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
Pollo Asado Recipe
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Instant Pot Black Beans
Pork Belly Tacos
Smoked Salsa
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
Homemade Queso Cheese
Oven Baked Roasted Corn on the Cob
You may also enjoy Slow Cooker Crockpot Neck Bones and Southern Pork Neck Bones.
More Slow Cooker Crockpot Recipes
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken and Rice
Slow Cooker Crockpot Beef Roast
Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Breast
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese
Slow Cooker Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Pulled Pork Sliders
Slow Cooker Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Sugar-Free Apple Butter
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Crockpot Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
Cassandra P says
So good. So easy. Great meal for the family
staysnatched says
I’m glad to hear it!
Michelle S says
I saw this recipe in my email this morning and realized I had all of the ingredients so I knew I had to make this. I used a packet of fajita seasoning because apparently the cumin I swore I bought is MIA. It is so good and will definitely make again with Brandi’s homemade seasoning, of course! 😉
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Elise says
I could tell this meal would be great as soon as I added the seasoning. The recipe was so easy to follow but not only that, the flavors were great. The chicken came out so tender and flavorful. I especially loved the homemade seasoning since I am getting away from buying prepackaged seasoning packets. I will definitely be adding this to my rotation. Thanks!
staysnatched says
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Meghan says
Perfect for busy weeknights! Only added avocado as a topping and it was so delicious. Lots of great flavor.
staysnatched says
That sounds so good!
Brittany G says
Such an easy recipe to follow and so good!
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Natalie says
This was super easy to make and absolutely delicious! I did the slow cooker method.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed them!
TS says
Another wonderful & tasty dinner for my family! Perfect for the weeknight & super easy to put together.
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!