Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas: The Ultimate Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Introduction to Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico to your dinner table, look no further than slow cooker chicken fajitas! These mouthwatering fajitas are packed with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and zesty spices, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Not only is this recipe simple to follow, but it also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
A Personal Story Behind My Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas Journey
I remember the first time I tried making chicken fajitas. I was a bit intimidated by all the spices and the thought of cooking the chicken just right. But one evening, I decided to give it a go in my slow cooker. The aroma that filled my kitchen was irresistible and brought back memories of family gatherings where we’d savor homemade dishes together. Now, this slow cooker chicken fajitas recipe has become a staple in my home, offering a comforting meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.
What Makes This Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart is the convenience of using a slow cooker. You can prepare it in just 15 minutes and then let it do the work for you. The combination of spices, fresh ingredients, and the slow cooking process ensures that the chicken turns out juicy and tender, while the vegetables retain their vibrant colors and flavors. Plus, it’s versatile! You can customize it with your favorite toppings, making each meal unique.
The Full Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 3 bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green), cored and sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, halved and sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3/4 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp pepper
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 Tbsp honey
- For serving:
- 12 6-inch flour tortillas
- Cilantro, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, sliced avocados, shredded Mexican cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Pour half of the canned tomatoes into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading them evenly. Add half of the peppers and onions. Sprinkle minced garlic over the veggies. Place the chicken breasts on top.
- In a bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle half of the seasoning over the chicken, flip the chicken, and add the remaining seasoning. Top with the remaining tomatoes, peppers, and onions.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender. (Tip: If you’re short on time, the HIGH setting works great!)
- Remove the chicken, cut it into strips or shred it. Ladle out 1 cup of the broth from the slow cooker (mostly tomato liquid) and discard it.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and honey. Add this mixture to the slow cooker along with the chicken. Season with additional salt if desired. You can also add chopped cilantro at this point if you like. Gently toss everything together.
- Serve the warm chicken fajitas in the warmed tortillas with optional toppings like cilantro, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, sliced avocados, or shredded Mexican cheese.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
These chicken fajitas are perfect for a casual dinner or a festive gathering. Serve them with a side of Mexican rice or black beans for a complete meal. You can also customize your fajitas with your favorite toppings like jalapenos, diced tomatoes, or hot sauce for an extra kick. If you prefer spicier fajitas, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. The possibilities are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may require additional cooking time. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What can I substitute for chicken?
You can use boneless skinless turkey breasts or beef strips instead. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! You can add more chili powder or some diced jalapenos to the slow cooker for additional heat.
Notes:
– No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.
– You can customize your fajitas with your favorite toppings like jalapenos, diced tomatoes, or hot sauce.
– If you prefer spicier fajitas, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3 hours on HIGH or 6 hours on LOW
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (HIGH) or 6 hours 15 minutes (LOW)
- Calories per Serving: 350
- Servings: 6
Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
Equipment
- Slow Cooker Use a 6-quart slow cooker for best results.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 3 count bell peppers (mixed colors)
- 1 large yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2.5 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 0.75 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.75 tsp pepper
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 12 count 6-inch flour tortillas
- 1 cup cilantro, for serving
- 1 cup sour cream, for serving
- 1 cup salsa, for serving
- 1 cup guacamole, for serving
- 1 cup sliced avocados, for serving
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Pour half of the canned tomatoes into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading them evenly. Add half of the peppers and onions. Sprinkle minced garlic over the veggies. Place the chicken breasts on top.
- In a bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle half of the seasoning over the chicken, flip the chicken, and add the remaining seasoning. Top with the remaining tomatoes, peppers, and onions.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender. (Tip: If you're short on time, the HIGH setting works great!)
- Remove the chicken, cut it into strips or shred it. Ladle out 1 cup of the broth from the slow cooker (mostly tomato liquid) and discard it.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and honey. Add this mixture to the slow cooker along with the chicken. Season with additional salt if desired. You can also add chopped cilantro at this point if you like. Gently toss everything together.
- Serve the warm chicken fajitas in the warmed tortillas with optional toppings like cilantro, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, sliced avocados, or shredded Mexican cheese.