These Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas are perfect for meal prep! Dump in the ingredients then set it to cook all day for a hands-off dinner.

This dish make amazing leftovers, so you’ll have a delicious, fuss-free meal prepped and ready to go for the week. Trust me, this is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to!
Why you'll love this recipe
- Easy dinner: Throw everything in the crockpot and let it cook all day. Easy peasy!
- Meal prep friendly: Make it ahead of time and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Chicken breasts – boneless skinless chicken thighs would also work.
- Fresh salsa – use jarred or homemade salsa instead.
- Garlic – jarred minced or garlic powder will work in a pinch.
- Chili powder – you can use a blend of cayenne, paprika or taco seasoning instead. You could also try using homemade fajita seasoning and omit the cumin.
- Cumin – coriander is the best substitute here, or you can just add more chili powder.
- Yellow onion – red onion, white onion or shallots can be used too.
- Bell peppers – use any colour combination like yellow, red, orange and/or green bell pepper.
Optional toppings
- Grated cheddar cheese – Monterey Jack or a Tex Mex blend would also work.
- Chopped cilantro – leave this off if you’re not a fan of cilantro.
- Corn tortillas – flour tortillas can be used instead.

How to make fajitas in the crockpot

Step 1: Prep all your ingredients.
This makes it easier to add to the crockpot all at once.
Step 2: Add the chicken and spices to the crockpot.
Add the chicken, salsa, garlic and spices.

Step 3: Cook the chicken.
Cook the chicken on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.
Step 4: Add the veggies.
Remove the chicken and add in the onions and peppers.

Step 5: Shred the chicken.
While the peppers and onions cook, shred the chicken.
Step 6: Add everything back to the pot.
Mix together the chicken, peppers and onions. Serve in corn tortillas with cheese and cilantro.

Chicken fajitas tips & tricks
Here are some of my top tips and tricks for this recipe:
- Use fajita seasoning: Instead of chili powder, you can make your own fajita seasoning.
- Go low-carb: For a low-carb option, serve the fajitas in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice.
- Adjust the spice: If you want them spicier, go for a hot salsa. For a milder flavor, opt for a mild fresh salsa.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?
I'd recommend thawing the chicken before cooking in the slow cooker to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature evenly.
How do I prevent the vegetables from becoming too soft?
For crisper veggies, add your bell peppers later in the cooking process, about 15-30 minutes before serving.
Can I cook on high to reduce cooking time?
Yes, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours instead of low for 6-8 hours, but make sure to monitor it to prevent overcooking.

What to serve with chicken fajitas
Here are some ideas on what to serve with these slow cooker chicken fajitas:
- With tortillas and all the fixings like guacamole, pico de gallo, cheese, cilantro and fresh lime wedges
- Over Mexican rice with all your favourite toppings or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- With a side of cowboy caviar or refried beans
- Over cooked pasta like this chicken fajita pasta recipe
How to store and reheat
Make-ahead: Prep all ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, then store in the fridge until ready to cook.
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Freeze & reheat from frozen: Freeze cooked fajita filling in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

More crockpot chicken recipes
Meal prep tools
- Here's the slow cooker I use.
- Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on making crockpot chicken fajitas as your weekly lunches.
- I get all my free-range chicken from Butcher Box, conveniently delivered to me frozen.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (500mL) container fresh salsa (or jarred salsa)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- 1 green pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow pepper, sliced
Optional toppings
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro
- Corn tortillas, to serve
Instructions
- Add chicken, salsa, garlic, chili powder, cumin and salt to slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.
- In the last half hour of cooking time, remove chicken and shred. Meanwhile, switch crockpot to high and add onions and peppers. Cook for the remaining half hour.
- Add chicken back to the peppers and onions, then stir to combine. Top with cheese and cilantro and serve in corn tortillas if desired. Enjoy!
Comments & Reviews
Laura says
Hello!
This looks like a tasty, yet simple recipe! Can you tell me if the cooking time increases if I would double or triple the recipe?
Thank you!
Taylor Stinson says
Hi Laura! I don’t think it should but I haven’t tested it myself. You can always try shredding the chicken after the time is up and seeing if it’s cooked through and needs more time. The peppers should cook in 30 minutes even if doubled but again you can always cook for a bit longer. I always say you can cook more but you can’t undercook something hah. Hope you enjoy!
Maddie says
Hi! If I have frozen chicken breast, should I still throw everything in at the same time or should I let the chicken cook a little before putting everything in?
Taylor Stinson says
Hi Maddie, you’re not supposed to cook frozen chicken breast in a crockpot, it’s unsafe. Frozen pieces will take longer to reach a safe internal temperature and could possibly result in foodborne illness (source: https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/Is-it-safe-to-cook-frozen-foods-in-a-slow-cooker-or-crock-pot#:~:text=Information&text=It%20is%20best%20to%20thaw,else%20in%20the%20slow%20cooker.) I would recommend thawing your chicken first.
Heidi Reesor says
Hi Taylor,
This looks delicious!! Just wondering if you add the shredded chicken back in with the onions and peppers to cook for an additional 30 mins or just add back in and mix then serve?
Taylor Stinson says
Hi Heidi! You add the chicken back after the onions and peppers have a chance to cook for 30 minutes. You could add it with the onions and peppers though, it doesn’t make too much of a difference.
Nicole says
These were very good and easy to make! I used my hand held mixer to shred the chicken which was nice. I used half mild and half medium salsa, and my husband thought it had a strong vinegar flavor as a result. Next time I will use half salsa and half canned tomatoes to help with that flavor. Overall recommend!
Taylor Stinson says
I’m happy you enjoyed!
JEANETTE says
Great recipe! I’ve tried others and this is the best one yet. And so easy!
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed!
Nellie says
Thank you for a good family recipe. Even my picky eaters ate this meal. And came back for seconds. Will definitely make again. .
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed 🙂
David says
Can you cook this on high for 4 hours instead of low for 8
Taylor Stinson says
Yes, you should be able to 🙂
Renee says
Hi Taylor,
I am a bit confused. what does it mean by 1.5 red pepper? 1.5 cup red pepper?
Thanks,
Renee
Taylor Stinson says
Hi Renee – I’m wondering if there’s been some sort of confusion here. The recipe card says 1 red, 1 yellow and 1 green pepper. There’s nothing listing 1.5 red pepper.
Stacey Dimes says
Hi, I was wondering if the total number of calories per serving included the corn tortilla or is it without the corn tortilla.
Also, it says it makes 8 servings – what is the portion size per serving?
I’ve had this recipe before and it is wonderful. I have recently joined Noom and I’m being more mindful of calorie intake etc.
Thanks for your help!
Taylor Stinson says
Hi Stacey – this recipe makes 4 servings (it’s listed in the recipe card) and the nutritional info does not include corn tortillas. Hope that helps!
Stacey Dimes says
Thank you – sorry, “8” was a typo.
It makes 4 servings – do you know the size per serving – is it about a cup?
Thanks!
Taylor Stinson says
I don’t provide servings by weight/cup unfortunately! You will need to take the number of servings listed and divide into portions. Each portion is a serving. If I absolutely had to guess, a serving is maybe 1.5 cups?