why make this recipe
Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and stress-free meal. This recipe allows you to throw all the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it do the work for you. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have time or energy to cook. These fajitas are packed with flavor thanks to the combination of tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, making them a wholesome dinner option. Plus, they are customizable—you can serve them with your favorite toppings and adjust the spice level to suit your taste. With minimal prep time and satisfying results, this is a dinner you’ll want to bring to your table regularly.
how to make Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
Making Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas is an uncomplicated process that yields a flavorful and hearty dish. Here’s how you can put it all together.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 packet fajita seasoning mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Tortillas for serving
- Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cheese, salsa
Directions:
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Start by placing the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Position them flat so they cook evenly.
Add the Vegetables: Take the sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion. Layer them on top of the chicken. The colors of the peppers bring not only flavor but also a visual appeal to your dish.
Season: Open the packet of fajita seasoning mix and sprinkle it evenly over the chicken and vegetables. This mix is packed with spices that will enhance the overall taste of your dish.
Add Chicken Broth: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth over the seasoned chicken and vegetables. The broth will keep everything moist and tender while cooking.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. You can cook your fajitas on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You want the chicken to be fully cooked and tender.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it in the slow cooker. Mix it with the surrounding vegetables to combine everything well. This shredding process also makes the chicken easier to serve in your tortillas.
Serve: Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Spoon the fajita mixture onto each tortilla, and add any optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, cheese, or salsa. Enjoy your Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas!
how to serve Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
To serve Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas, start by warming some tortillas—corn or flour both work great. You can heat them in a skillet over medium heat, a microwave, or directly over a flame for a few seconds to get that lovely char. After warming the tortillas, place a generous amount of the shredded chicken and vegetable mixture in the center. This dish is perfect for family-style serving, where everyone can customize their own fajitas with optional toppings like sour cream, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and homemade or store-bought salsa. Encourage your family and friends to fold the tortillas and enjoy these flavorful bites together!
how to store Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
Storing Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas is a breeze. After your meal, make sure to let the leftovers cool down to room temperature. Transfer the fajita mixture into an airtight container. Properly stored, it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the chicken and vegetables in a skillet or microwave until thoroughly warmed. To make sure your tortillas don’t dry out, consider reheating them separately as well.
If you want to store the fajitas for a longer time, you can freeze the mixture. Portion it out in freezer-safe containers, and it will keep well for up to 2-3 months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
tips to make Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
Choose Quality Chicken: When selecting chicken, look for high-quality, fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Spice It Up: Adjust the level of seasoning according to your preference. If you like it spicy, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to throw in additional vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn. This adds even more flavor and nutrition to your dish.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables particularly enhance flavor. Try to use fresh bell peppers and onions for the best result.
Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings. A squeeze of lime juice, fresh cilantro, or even a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds can elevate the dish.
variation
While the classic recipe is delicious, there are many ways to customize Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas. Here are a few ideas:
Beef or Shrimp Fajitas: Substitute the chicken with flank steak or shrimp. Adjust cooking time: beef can take about the same time as chicken, while shrimp generally only need about 30 minutes on high until opaque.
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, omit the meat altogether and add protein-rich beans like black beans or pinto beans. Toss in more vegetables such as mushrooms and eggplant.
Taco Bowl: Instead of serving in tortillas, create a fajita taco bowl. Layer rice or quinoa at the base of your bowl, add the chicken and vegetable mixture, and top with all your favorite toppings.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the vegetables, and season the chicken the night before. Keep everything in the refrigerator and cook it in the slow cooker the next day.
2. Can I use frozen chicken?
While it’s better to use thawed chicken for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken in the crockpot. Just increase the cooking time by about an hour and ensure it reaches the proper internal temperature.
3. What can I do with leftover fajita mix?
Leftovers can be repurposed in various ways. Use them in salads, wraps, or quesadillas. You can even add them to scrambled eggs for a flavorful breakfast.
4. How spicy are these fajitas?
The spiciness largely depends on the fajita seasoning mix you use. If you’re sensitive to spicy food, consider using a mild seasoning mix or adding just half of the packet to start.
5. What kind of tortillas should I use?
You can use any type of tortillas you prefer—flour, corn, whole wheat, or gluten-free. Each type will lend a different texture and flavor to your fajitas, so choose what you enjoy best.
With these easy steps and tips, you’re well on your way to enjoying a satisfying and delicious meal with Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas!
Print
Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Description
Throw all the ingredients into a slow cooker for a flavor-packed and stress-free meal. Customize with your favorite toppings for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 packet fajita seasoning mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Tortillas for serving
- Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cheese, salsa
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the Vegetables: Layer sliced bell peppers and onion on top of the chicken.
- Season: Sprinkle the fajita seasoning mix evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour chicken broth over the seasoned chicken and vegetables.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken and mix with the vegetables.
- Serve: Warm tortillas and spoon the fajita mixture onto each tortilla, adding optional toppings.
Notes
Reheat any leftovers in a skillet or microwave, and consider freezing for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Crockpot, Chicken Fajitas, Easy Dinner, Slow Cooker Recipes, Mexican Food