Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas

Crockpot Chicken Fajitas Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These cook up tender and shred or slice easily. If using frozen chicken, defrost it overnight before making this recipe.
Fajita seasoning mix: Brings the familiar spice blend in one step.
Salsa: Adds moisture plus tomato flavor.
Bell peppers: Add sweetness and color. You can use any colors, perhaps a mix of red and green bell pepper for pops of color, or even orange or yellow if you want to include sweet peppers.
Red onion: Adds bite and softens as it cooks.
Lime juice: Brightens the finished filling.
Cilantro: For a fresh garnish.

How to Make Chicken Fajitas in the Crockpot

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Start the base: Add chicken, fajita seasoning and salsa to the slow cooker and cook until the chicken is tender.
Add vegetables: Stir in sliced bell peppers and onion during the last hour so they soften but keep some bite.
Finish with lime: Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything and let it cook a little longer.
Cut the chicken: Remove chicken and slice into thin strips or shred, then return it to the slow cooker.
Mix it up: Stir until the shredded chicken and vegetables are evenly coated, then wrap in warmed tortillas.
Add cilantro: Sprinkle cilantro over the top right before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

Chicken thighs swap: Boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay very juicy, if you want to use dark meat.
Beef version: Use a cut such as flank steak or skirt steak. Cooking times will be similar, just cook the meat until tender, add the peppers and onions during the last hour of cooking, and then shred the meat.
Homemade seasoning blend: Use 4 or 5 Tablespoons of homemade fajita seasoning instead of a packet mix. Homemade taco seasoning would also work. Include any other additions such as minced garlic.
Tomato salsa: Any kind of canned or fresh salsa would work here. You could use homemade tomatillo hot salsa or even a can of Rotel tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes and a dash of hot sauce or drained can of green chilies instead.
Cut style preference: Slice the chicken for defined strips or shred it for a softer texture.
Extra spicy: Throw in some serranos, habaneros, jalapenos, cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Gluten-free serving: Use corn tortillas or serve over rice.
Low carb option: Make lettuce wraps instead of using tortillas. Include sliced avocado and plenty of shredded cheese to make it satisfying.
Red onion: You can use yellow onion or white onion if preferred.

Serving Suggestions

Popular sides: Sour cream, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, refried or charro beans, chunky guacamole, and either flour tortillas or corn tortillas work well with slow cooker chicken fajitas for a complete meal.
More side dish ideas: Pair your fajitas with an elote corn kale salad or smoked elote. You could also make quesadillas or burritos, or serve the chicken fajitas over tortilla chips to make nachos.
Desserts: Finish the meal with Mexican rice pudding or Mexican ice cream.
Drink pairing: Enjoy a passion fruit margarita, homemade horchata or strawberry paloma with your Crockpot chicken fajitas.

How to Store

Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooled fajita filling in sealed containers for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.