EASY recipe with ALL THE FLAVOR of traditional Chicken Fajitas, yet, just dump in the crockpot and go! Come home to a dinner that is ready to sit down and enjoy! In this post I'll show you everything you need to know to prepare Easy Shredded Chicken Fajitas in the crockpot today!
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy
- Fast
- Ingredients you probably already have at home!
Here's How To Make These....
STEP 1. Dump it all in the crockpot. Cover and heat for 6-8 hours on low.
STEP 2. Shred the chicken, put it back into the crockpot, stir well, allow to stand for 15 minutes. Serve Hot!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) About Easy Shredded Chicken Fajitas in the Crockpot
Can I Use a Different Cut Of Chicken?
Yes! Of course! You'll see from the video that I sometimes use bone in/skin on chicken. Thighs work just as well also. In fact, my family prefers the thigh meat because we think it is more flavorful.
Bone in meat does require longer to cook, however, so take that into your consideration when thinking about this recipe.
Can I Slice the Chicken Instead of Shredding It?
Yes! Of course! Simply stop cooking the breasts about 2 hours before and slice them!
How Do I Make Stovetop Chicken Fajitas?
- Cut the chicken into bite size pieces, cook over medium heat.
- Add the other ingredients when chicken is ½ done.
- Stir well. Add ½ cup water.
- Continue to cook until the chicken is an internal temperature of 165.
What Do I Serve With These?
You will want to offer some of the following....
- sour cream
- shredded cheese
- soft tortillas or hard taco shells
- tortilla chips
- guacamole
- salsa
- Queso Blanco
- Lime Wedges
- A splash of Lime Juice
How Long Do Chicken Fajitas Last?
I bet your family will gobble them up in one sitting, but if not, they taste EVEN BETTER the next day! Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Don't allow them to sit out for more than 2 hours.
Can I Freeze These?
Yes! You sure can! Simply put into a freezer safe container, squeeze as much air out as possible and then freeze for up to three months!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts For This Recipe?
It isn't really recommended to use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe. While you CAN do it and you might be fine, the chicken is likely to stay in the "dangerous" temperature range" for too long if using frozen.
This could cause you to end up sick later. We don't want that. Here's what the USDA has to say.
Tips and Tricks
- For more crisp peppers, add those about an hour before you are ready to eat.
- To change this recipe up, serve the fajitas over rice, noodles or baked potatoes!
- It's important to put the shredded chicken back into the juices, give it a stir and then allow the juices to reabsorb into the meat. If you don't do this, the chicken will be dry.
- Add more color to your dish by using a variety of bell pepper colors!
- To shred chicken, put the chicken on the cutting board, use two forks facing away from one another and pull the chicken in opposite directions. Catch the juice that runs out and put it all back in the crockpot.
- It's fine to use either Taco Seasoning or Fajita Seasoning, we like them both for this recipe.
- Peppers and onions are delicious melted into the meat of this recipe, but you might consider having some that are slightly grilled to go with this recipe as that is delicious too.
- Use salt and pepper judiciously and not until the end if you are using the Goya seasoning as it is already quite salty.
- The cooking time on these slow cooker chicken fajitas is based on the size of the chicken breasts, but generally if cooking on low then 6-8 hours and if on high cover and cook 3-4 hours.
- Its a nice flavor to add a can of drained diced tomatoes at the end as well.
Try Some Of These Other Tex Mex Recipes Here on Loaves and Dishes...
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Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
Ingredients
- 1 onion – cut in half and then cut into slices
- 1 green or red bell pepper – cut into slices
- 1 can of black beans
- 1 package of fresh chicken breasts 3-4 breasts
- 1 small can chopped green chilis
- 2 packets of taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place ½ of the onions in the bottom of the crock pot, followed by half of the bell pepper and half the can of black beans. Lay the chicken breasts over the top of this.
- Cover the chicken breasts with the other half of the onion, bell pepper and beans. Empty the can of chopped green chilis over the top as well as the packet of seasoning, salt and peppers. Give a little stir to the things on top (I don’t know if this is necessary – but it is what I did – I had to feel like I was doing something).
- Place cover on the crockpot, set on low and come back in 8 hours. Turn the crock pot off. Remove the chicken breasts to a plate or cutting board and shred with a fork. Place the chicken breast meat back in the crockpot and stir. Allow to set for 15- 30 minutes to absorb the extra liquid. Serve with taco shells, soft taco shells, chips, salsa, tomato, lettuce, sour cream and cheddar cheese.
Notes
- For more crisp peppers, add those about an hour before you are ready to eat.
- To change this recipe up, serve the fajitas over rice, noodles or baked potatoes!
- It's important to put the shredded chicken back into the juices, give it a stir and then allow the juices to reabsorb into the meat. If you don't do this, the chicken will be dry.
- Add more color to your dish by using a variety of bell pepper colors!
- To shred chicken, put the chicken on the cutting board, use two forks facing away from one another and pull the chicken in opposite directions. Catch the juice that runs out and put it all back in the crockpot.
Nutrition
***This post was originally published on October 23, 2015 and has been updated with "why this recipe works", "How its done", Frequently Asked Questions, Tips and Tricks, recipe instructions updated to include video, photo, equipment, nutrition information, recipe notes, pro tip and more***
A VERSE TO SHARE
I JUST read an excellent article about how would someone know that you are a Jesus follower? I mean, if you didn't tell them. They would look to your example, right?
Given that Jesus is God here on earth, it's a tall order, right?
But we know a few things about Jesus, right?
We know that he championed the poor, widows, women, outcasts, non Jews and the lowly. So, maybe try on a few of those and see how they fit.
Luke 3:11
And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”
Eileen Hightower says
Thanks so much for the recipe. And by the way I use the chicken noodle recipe you gave a while back and added rice to it this time.
This is an excellent recipe for Wednesday evenings before church services.
Thank you for the uplifting recipes and message. My husband is Diabetic 1 and is vulnerable to this disease.
Wendi Spraker says
Hi Eileen! I'm so glad that you are enjoying some of these recipes. I have a close family member who is also a Type 1 Diabetic and these are scary times. We are called to "be not afraid", so, let's just keep helping each other out and doing our best. Lift up your prayers and Praise God.I think that is the best we can do. 🙂 Peace.
Stephanie @ Sustaining the Powers says
I just popped by to see what you've been up to lately, and I now totally regret not seeing these in time to add them to my meal plan for the week! Yum! Fajitas are a favorite of mine (being from Texas and all where they originated). The recipe I make is one that you marinate overnight, so a crokpot version sounds fun and easy! Maybe this will make it on my meal plan for next week. 🙂
Wendi Spraker says
Hey!! How cool is that!!! These were pretty good if I say so myself! And I LOVE those recipes where you throw it all in and when you come home BAM- dinner is ready.What an honor that would be to be included in your meal plan! Dinner - Texas style. 🙂
The Surprised Gourmet says
Great recipe. Simple, easy and delicious, now that's the way to cook. I use my slow cooker so much it's been named Lucille and Lucille loves chicken.
Wendi Spraker says
Good Morning! I think Lucille is a TERRIFIC name for a Crockpot! I always joke that my crockpot is like a dependable ol' lunch lady - she slaves away all day over there in the corner of the kitchen fixing dinner for us - and we never appreciate her enough. She deserves an award!