Name: Crockpot Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 ½ pounds chicken breast; 2 ½ teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ¾ teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon dried oregano; 1 (10-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chilies; 3 bell peppers, sliced (any color); 1 medium yellow onion, sliced; 1 tablespoon lime juice (about ½ lime); Corn or flour tortillas; Sour cream; Guacamole; Salsa; Shredded cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 32 reviews

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for easy, flavorful dinners that almost make themselves. That’s exactly why this Crockpot Chicken Fajitas Recipe quickly became a go-to in my kitchen. It’s such a breeze to put together, and the slow cooker takes care of everything while you’re off doing other things. The chicken comes out juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned, soaking up those delicious smoky, spicy notes from the spices and fire-roasted tomatoes.

What I love most about this Crockpot Chicken Fajitas Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a laid-back weekend, or even a casual get-together with friends, these fajitas always hit the spot. Plus, you get the vibrant colors and fresh flavors of bell peppers and onions, making it a well-rounded meal that’s as pretty as it is tasty. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start slow cooking fajitas sooner!

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Why This Recipe Works

Effortless Cooking: You just layer the ingredients in your crockpot and let it do the work while you relax or focus on other things.
Flavor-Packed: A perfect blend of spices combined with fire-roasted tomatoes delivers bold, smoky, and slightly spicy notes that make each bite unforgettable.
Juicy, Tender Chicken: Slow cooking ensures the chicken absorbs all those amazing flavors and becomes super tender, perfect to shred for fajitas.
Versatility: You can easily customize the heat level, protein choice, or veggies based on what you love or have on hand.

The image shows a black slow cooker filled with shredded light brown chicken mixed with colorful strips of green, red, yellow, and orange bell peppers and translucent white onions, all soaking in a light broth with small pieces of red tomato. The slow cooker is placed on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Crockpot Chicken Fajitas Recipe lies in the simple but thoughtful ingredient combo — each one plays a role in layering flavor and texture without complicating the process. Plus, it’s easy to find everything at your local store.

Chicken breast: Lean and tender, it easily shreds after slow cooking, absorbing spices perfectly.
Garlic powder: Adds aromatic depth without the hassle of peeling and chopping fresh garlic.
Chili powder: Brings that classic fajita warmth with a touch of spice that’s not overpowering.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the spices.
Onion powder: Boosts savory notes along with fresh onions for layers of flavor.
Ground cumin: Gives a subtle earthiness and smokiness essential to fajitas.
Black pepper: Adds just a hint of heat and complexity.
Smoked paprika: This is the secret to a smoky vibe without needing a grill.
Dried oregano: Brings a fresh herbal touch that ties everything together.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds juiciness, vibrant color, and a gentle kick.
Bell peppers: Sweet and crunchy, they give fajitas their iconic color and texture.
Yellow onion: Sweetness and slight bite balance the spices and peppers.
Lime juice: Adds brightness and a fresh citrus finish to cut through the richness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Crockpot Chicken Fajitas Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to what you like or have on hand. Don’t hesitate to swap in your favorite peppers, add a little jalapeño if you want more spice, or even try chicken thighs for a juicier bite.

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts: I tried this once and loved how the meat stayed extra tender and juicy, especially if I forgot to check the crockpot on time.
Add jalapeños or poblano peppers: For those who like a little kick, these are easy to toss in with the bell peppers for some smoky heat.
Cook peppers for less time: If you prefer your veggies crisp, pop them in for only 30 minutes before serving instead of 45.
Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for a combo of beans, mushrooms, and extra peppers for a tasty meatless twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken Like a Pro

I start by mixing all the spices – garlic powder, chili powder, salt, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano – right on the chicken breasts. Coating both sides well ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. Don’t rush this step; take a minute to rub those spices in gently, it really sets the foundation.

Step 2: Layer Your Crockpot and Cook

Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom of your slow cooker, then pour the fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chilies right over the top. The juices help keep the chicken moist while infusing that smoky tang. Cover and set the cooker to low for 5 hours or high for 3 hours — both work great depending on your schedule.

Step 3: Add the Veggies

About 45 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in your sliced bell peppers and onions. They soften just enough to keep some bite but soak in the savory juices. If you want them crisper, I’ve found 30 minutes is perfect.

Step 4: Shred and Finish

Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. I like to shred right in the kitchen to avoid mess. Then, add the shredded chicken back to the crockpot, stir in a splash of fresh lime juice, and let everything mingle for a few minutes before serving.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Skip the Lime: The fresh lime juice brightens the whole dish and balances the spices beautifully — I always make sure to squeeze it fresh at the end.
Even Slices Matter: Cutting your peppers and onions into even slices helps them cook uniformly so no one’s biting into a raw crunch while others are soft.
Shred While Warm: Shredding the chicken soon after cooking makes it easier and keeps it juicier — wait too long, and it firm ups and becomes a pain.
Avoid Overcooking Peppers: Toss them in during the last 30-45 minutes to keep their color and texture vibrant.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Crockpot Chicken Fajitas Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I always serve these fajitas with a generous scoop of guacamole for creamy richness and a dollop of sour cream to cool down the spice. A sprinkling of shredded cheese melts perfectly on the warm tortillas, and fresh salsa adds a zesty kick. Fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges on the side brighten the whole experience — you can’t go wrong with these simple toppings.

Side Dishes

When I’m making Crockpot Chicken Fajitas Recipe, I love pairing it with Mexican street corn (elote) or a light cilantro-lime rice to soak up all the juicy fajita goodness. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette also adds a nice fresh crunch to the meal. Plus, black beans or refried beans work wonders for extra protein and fiber.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at a casual party, I’ve served these fajitas as a build-your-own taco bar with various tortillas, salsas, and toppings laid out. You can even try stuffing the filling into warm pita pockets or use lettuce wraps to keep it light and gluten-free. Fancy it up by topping with pickled red onions or a drizzle of chipotle crema for an unexpected flavor boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep everything fresh, I like to store the tortillas separately and warm them up just before eating. The chicken and veggies actually taste even better the next day because the flavors have melded nicely.

Freezing

Freezing leftovers works well too — I portion the shredded chicken and veggies into freezer-safe bags and squeeze out as much air as possible. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the fajita mix on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a teaspoon or two of water or broth prevents it from drying out. Microwave works in a pinch, but I find stovetop reheating preserves the texture best.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Crockpot Chicken Fajitas Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option if you want juicier and a bit more flavorful meat. Just make sure they are boneless and skinless for even cooking. The slow cooker will render them tender and shred beautifully.
How do I keep bell peppers from getting mushy in the slow cooker?

To maintain a bit of crunch, add peppers and onions to your crockpot during the last 30 to 45 minutes of cooking instead of at the beginning. This way they soften slightly but keep their vibrant texture and color.
Is this Crockpot Chicken Fajitas Recipe spicy?

This recipe has a mild to medium spice level thanks to chili powder and fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chilies. You can adjust the heat by adding jalapeños or increasing chili powder if you like it spicier, or omit the chiles for a gentler flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken with spices a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Then, just assemble and cook in the crockpot when you’re ready. It’s a great way to save time on busy days.
What are the best tortillas to use?

Both corn and flour tortillas work wonderfully — it depends on your preference or dietary needs. Warm them up before serving to make rolling your fajitas easier and tastier.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so satisfying about coming home to a crockpot that’s done all the heavy lifting, especially when it’s serving up something as colorful and flavorful as these chicken fajitas. This Crockpot Chicken Fajitas Recipe has become a staple because it’s flexible, forgiving, and downright delicious every single time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own — you might just find it becoming your go-to weeknight winner like I did.