Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Introduction
Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas are a simple and flavorful meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and rich spices come together effortlessly in the slow cooker or Instant Pot for a delicious Tex-Mex dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 3 large bell peppers, sliced
- 1 large onion or 2 small onions, sliced
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes or salsa
- 1/3 cup fajita seasonings (see below for homemade blend)
- Salt & pepper to season the chicken
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth (for Instant Pot only)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or more)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. Add the chicken, sliced bell peppers, onions, diced tomatoes or salsa, and fajita seasonings to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Step 2: Cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Step 3 (Instant Pot): Set the Instant Pot to sauté. When hot, add oil, onion, and bell peppers, cooking for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Step 4: Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot along with chicken broth, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Stir to mix.
- Step 5: Close the Instant Pot lid, seal the valve, set to high pressure, and cook for 8 minutes. When done, perform a quick pressure release.
Tips & Variations
- For a homemade fajita seasoning, combine chili powder, cumin, salt, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper to taste.
- Add sliced jalapeños for extra heat or swap bell peppers for poblano peppers for a milder flavor.
- Serve with warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover fajitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The chicken may dry out if overcooked during reheating, so add a splash of water or broth if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken breasts sliced thinly. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken with sliced portobello mushrooms, tofu, or extra bell peppers and onions. Adjust cooking time accordingly to keep vegetables tender but not mushy.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (slow cooker) or 25 minutes (Instant Pot)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas recipe offers a flavorful, hands-off way to prepare tender chicken strips with colorful bell peppers and onions, seasoned with a homemade fajita spice blend. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal, this recipe can also be adapted for the Instant Pot for a quicker option without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 3 large bell peppers, sliced
- 1 large onion or 2 small onions, sliced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes or salsa
- 1/3 cup fajita seasonings (see homemade blend below)
- Salt & pepper to season the chicken
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth (for Instant Pot only)
Homemade Fajita Seasoning Blend
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or more to taste)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken strips evenly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the seasoned chicken, sliced bell peppers, onions, diced tomatoes or salsa, and the homemade fajita seasoning blend into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Prepare Instant Pot Option – Sauté Veggies: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Once hot, add oil (not specified, use 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable or olive oil), then add sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Remaining Ingredients in Instant Pot: Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add it to the Instant Pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, then sprinkle the homemade fajita seasoning blend over the top. Stir to mix everything well.
- Pressure Cook in Instant Pot: Close the lid and seal the valve. Set to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. When cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick pressure release.
Notes
- You can serve these fajitas with warm tortillas, rice, beans, or your favorite fajita sides.
- Adjust the amount of salt in the seasoning blend to suit your dietary preferences.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the fajita seasoning and a little lime juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
- If using the slow cooker overnight, use the low setting to avoid overcooking.
- The Instant Pot method requires an additional step of sautéing the vegetables first for the best texture.
- To keep it gluten-free, confirm that all seasoning ingredients and broth used are free from gluten-containing additives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (slow cooker) or 15 minutes (Instant Pot including sautéing and pressure cooking)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: slow cooker chicken fajitas, chicken fajitas recipe, easy fajitas, slow cooker Mexican chicken, Instant Pot fajitas
