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Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas - Easy, Flavorful, and Hands-Off

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 3 bell peppers, sliced (mix of red, yellow, and green)
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained (optional but adds moisture and flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper or cayenne (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (plus extra wedges for serving)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 8–10 flour or corn tortillas, warmed
  • Favorite toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado or guacamole, salsa, pickled jalapeños

Method
 

  1. Prep the vegetables: Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Mince the garlic. Keep everything roughly the same size so it cooks evenly.
  2. Mix the spices: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander (if using), crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Layer the slow cooker: Add half the sliced peppers and onions to the bottom. Place the chicken on top. Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the chicken, then add the minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil.
  4. Add tomatoes (optional): If using, scatter the drained diced tomatoes over the chicken. Top with the remaining peppers and onions.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or on High for 2–3 hours. The chicken should be tender and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Finish with lime and cilantro: Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred or slice it. Return it to the slow cooker juices. Stir in lime juice and cilantro. Taste and adjust salt, lime, or heat as needed.
  7. Warm the tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or wrap in foil and warm in a low oven. Soft, warm tortillas make a big difference.
  8. Serve: Use tongs to pile chicken, peppers, and onions into tortillas. Add your favorite toppings and extra lime wedges on the side.