Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas with Sauteed Onions and Bell Peppers

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas with Sautéed Onions and Bell Peppers

If you’re looking for a delicious and effortless weeknight dinner, look no further than Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas with Sautéed Onions and Bell Peppers. This recipe brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and an array of spices that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker, this dish infuses the chicken with rich flavors while keeping it juicy and succulent.

Ingredients

For the Fajitas

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 bell peppers (red and green), thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 lime (juiced)
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

For Serving

Flour or corn tortillas
Avocado or guacamole
Sour cream
Shredded cheese
Salsa

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

In your slow cooker, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom. Next, layer the sliced onions and bell peppers on top. Add minced garlic and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies.

Step 2: Season the Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour this spice mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring that everything is well coated.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be perfectly cooked when it can be easily shredded with a fork.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Shred the chicken using two forks, and then return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Squeeze the lime juice over the top and mix well.

Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables (Optional)

For added texture and flavor, you can sauté the cooked onions and bell peppers in a skillet with a bit of olive oil for 5-7 minutes until they are slightly caramelized. This step is optional, but it enhances the overall taste of the fajitas.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the chicken fajitas hot with warm tortillas and your choice of toppings such as avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, and salsa. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Tips

Ingredient Selection: Choose fresh, colorful bell peppers for a vibrant dish. You can also experiment with different colors and varieties such as yellow or orange for added sweetness.
Spice Level: Adjust the level of heat by choosing mild or spicy diced tomatoes. For extra heat, you can add sliced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can double the ingredients and freeze half for a quick meal in the future.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with a mix of black beans, chickpeas, or tofu for a vegetarian version that still packs a flavorful punch.

Pairing Suggestions

To complement the flavors of your fajitas, consider serving them with a side of Mexican rice or a refreshing corn salad. A light margarita or iced tea can also be a great beverage pairing that enhances the dining experience.

Food Photography Ideas

Capture the vibrant colors of your fajitas by arranging the assembled tortillas on a rustic wooden board. Use natural lighting to highlight the freshness of the ingredients. Don’t forget to include vibrant garnishes like lime wedges and cilantro sprigs for an extra pop in your photos.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas with Sauteed Onions and Bell Peppers