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Shredded slow cooker chicken fajitas with bell peppers and onions in flour tortillas

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas

Juicy shredded chicken fajitas with bell peppers, onions, and homemade fajita seasoning — a dump-and-go Tex-Mex dinner that cooks itself in the slow cooker.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients
  

For the Homemade Fajita Seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
For the Chicken Fajitas
  • 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) (700g)
  • 3 bell peppers a mix of red, yellow, and green, sliced into strips
  • 1 large yellow onion sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (14.5 oz / 400g), drained (or use salsa)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice about 1 lime
For Serving
  • 8–10 warm flour tortillas
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa or pico de gallo
  • Guacamole or sliced avocado
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Fresh cilantro and extra lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Mix the Fajita Seasoning — In a small bowl, stir together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
  2. Step 2: Layer Everything in the Slow Cooker — Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter the sliced bell peppers and onion over and around the chicken. Sprinkle the garlic and the entire batch of fajita seasoning evenly over everything. Drizzle with the olive oil and lime juice. Spread the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies over the top.
  3. Step 3: Cook Low and Slow — Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–2½ hours, until the chicken is very tender and shreds easily with a fork (internal temperature at least 165°F / 74°C). Don't overcook.
  4. Step 4: Shred the Chicken — Remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board and shred with two forks (or slice into strips). Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the peppers, onions, and juices. Let it rest on warm for 10 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Warm the Tortillas and Assemble — Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side (or wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F / 175°C oven for 10 minutes). Set out the toppings and let everyone build their own fajitas.
  6. Step 6: Serve — Spoon the fajita chicken and peppers into warm tortillas and top with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, lettuce, cheese, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Thighs stay juicier than breasts for long cooks; drain canned tomatoes to avoid soggy fajitas; add peppers later for crisp-tender texture; leftovers keep 4 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen.