Slow-Cooker Chicken Fajitas

Making slow-cooked chicken fajitas at home is a great way to enjoy a delicious, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Using a slow cooker allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner with friends and family. Plus, guests can easily customize their fajitas with their favorite toppings and sides.

Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Chicken Fajitas

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Chicken provides lean protein and becomes tender after cooking, making it easy to shred. Substitute with skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
• Black beans: Beans add a hearty texture and extra protein, making the fajitas more filling.  
• Green pepper: Peppers bring a fresh, slightly sweet flavor and a bit of crunch. Red or yellow bell peppers can also be used for a sweeter taste.
• Onion: In this recipe, onions add depth to the dish as it cooks down. Use a red onion for a milder flavor.
• Picante sauce: Infuses the fajitas with a tangy, slightly spicy flavor. Salsa can be used as a substitute.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without the need to chop fresh garlic. Substitute with one minced garlic clove.
• Ground cumin: Provides a warm, earthy flavor that is essential for fajitas. Coriander can be used if cumin is unavailable.
• Flour tortillas: The perfect vessel for holding the chicken and toppings. For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy element to the fajitas. Pepper jack cheese can be used for a spicier kick.
• Optional toppings: Thinly sliced green onions, sliced ripe olives, chopped tomatoes and sour cream add extra flavor and texture. Customize with your favorite toppings like guacamole, green chilis or jalapeños.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the slow cooker

Place the chicken breasts in a 4-quart slow cooker. Add the black beans, green pepper and onion on top of the chicken.

Step 2: Mix the sauce

In a small bowl, combine the picante sauce, garlic powder and ground cumin. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and heat on low for four to five hours until the chicken is tender.

Step 3: Shred the chicken

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, set aside and let it cool slightly. Shred the chicken breasts with two forks and then return it to the slow cooker. Stir to combine with the other ingredients and heat through.

Step 4: Serve the fajitas

Serve the shredded chicken mixture with warmed flour tortillas and shredded cheddar cheese. Add your favorite toppings like thinly sliced green onions, sliced ripe olives, chopped tomatoes and sour cream.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Fajitas Recipe Variations

• Make it spicier: Add a chopped jalapeño or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the slow cooker.
• Build a burrito bowl: Skip the tortillas and serve the shredded chicken and vegetables over a bowl of rice. Top with black beans, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, guacamole and a dollop of sour cream. Add fresh lime juice and pico de gallo for extra flavor.
• Swap your spices: Instead of just cumin, try using a homemade fajita seasoning or taco seasoning for a more complex flavor profile. It usually contains a blend of spices like paprika, oregano and onion powder.

How to Store Slow-Cooker Chicken Fajitas

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply warm in a microwave or on the stove until heated through.

How long do crockpot chicken fajitas last?

Leftovers can be safely stored in the refrigerator for three to four days.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Fajita Recipe Tips

What can I serve with slow-cooker chicken fajitas?

Slow-cooker chicken fajitas pair well with a variety of sides, such as Spanish rice, refried beans or a fresh salad. Consider adding some chips and salsa or guacamole for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. However, you may need to increase the cooking time by an additional one to two hours to ensure the chicken is completely cooked and tender.

How do I prevent my fajitas from being too watery?

To prevent your fajitas from being too watery, make sure to drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the slow cooker. Additionally, using a thicker salsa or picante sauce can help reduce excess moisture. Avoid overfilling the slow cooker with extra ingredients that might release water during cooking.

What is the best way to shred chicken for fajitas?

The best way to shred chicken for fajitas is to use two forks to pull apart the cooked chicken breasts. You can also use a hand mixer at low speed for a quicker method; just be sure to do it in a deep bowl to avoid splatters.