Fall-Apart Slow Cooker Fajita Salsa Chicken Recipe

Juicy chicken simmers in a zesty fajita salsa that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Vibrant peppers and aromatic spices meld together, creating a mouthwatering meal that practically cooks itself.

Weekend meal planning just got easier with this hands-off approach to dinner.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze when you can toss ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away.

Each bite promises a burst of southwestern flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Mexican-inspired comfort food meets convenience in this simple yet incredibly delicious dish.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those busy days when time is tight but flavor is non-negotiable.

Cooking Chicken That’s Packed with Fajita Flavor

Step 1: Prep The Protein

Place the chicken at the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a delicious foundation for this mouthwatering meal.

Step 2: Season Like A Pro

Generously sprinkle fajita seasoning over the chicken, ensuring every inch gets coated with flavor-packed goodness.

• Fajita seasoning blend
• Chicken

Step 3: Add Colorful Veggie Magic

• Sliced bell peppers
• Chopped onions

Step 4: Drench In Tangy Goodness

Pour salsa and fresh lime juice all over the chicken and vegetables. If desired, drizzle with olive oil for extra richness.

Step 5: Slow Cook To Perfection

• Low setting: 6-7 hours
• High setting: 3-4 hours

Cook until the chicken becomes incredibly tender and fully cooked.

Step 6: Shred And Mix

Use two forks to shred the chicken, then stir everything together in the flavorful sauce.

Step 7: Serve With Creativity

• Stuffed in tacos
• Over rice or cauliflower rice
• Alongside chips and guacamole

Tips for Layering Salsa and Spices Right

• Choose the Right Chicken Cut: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for even cooking and easy shredding in this slow cooker recipe.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust fajita seasoning intensity by using mild, medium, or hot versions to match your family's taste preferences.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of chicken broth or a sprinkle of cumin to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Meal Prep Magic: Freeze shredded chicken in portion-sized containers for quick future meals like enchiladas, salads, or quesadillas.
• Control Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too runny, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate.

How to Store and Reheat Fajita Chicken with Ease

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool chicken completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Avoid freezing with fresh vegetables to maintain texture.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm chicken in skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of salsa or water to keep moisture and prevent sticking. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What to Pair with This Salsa Chicken Bowl

• Blend tequila, fresh lime juice, and triple sec for a tangy cocktail that complements the spicy fajita chicken. The citrus notes will enhance the lime in the dish.
• Reach for a cold Corona or Modelo to cut through the richness of the shredded chicken. The light beer balances the bold salsa and fajita seasoning flavors.
• Whip up a smooth avocado dip packed with cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime. This cool side perfectly offsets the warm, spicy chicken and adds a fresh texture.
• Cook white rice with fresh cilantro and a splash of lime juice to create a bright, zesty base that brings out the Mexican-inspired flavors of the chicken.

New Takes on a Fajita Classic

• Low-Sodium Fiesta: Replace fajita seasoning with homemade blend using salt-free herbs like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika for heart-healthy option.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit, keeping same cooking method and seasoning for plant-based protein alternative.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Eliminate bell peppers, use green peppers sparingly, serve over cauliflower rice, and add extra olive oil for higher fat content.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure fajita seasoning is certified gluten-free, use corn tortillas instead of flour, and verify salsa contains no wheat-based additives.

Fajita Chicken FAQs at a Glance

• What is fajita seasoning and can I make my own?

Fajita seasoning is a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. You can easily make homemade fajita seasoning by mixing these spices in your kitchen, which allows you to control the salt and heat levels.

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken directly in the slow cooker. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

• What are the best peppers to use in this fajita chicken recipe?

Bell peppers work best – use a mix of red, green, and yellow peppers for color and flavor variety. These peppers provide sweetness and crunch that complement the tender chicken perfectly.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use a gluten-free fajita seasoning and salsa. Always check ingredient labels to confirm, especially with pre-packaged seasonings and sauces.

Why Fajita Salsa Chicken Is a One-Pot Wonder

• Toss ingredients into the slow cooker with minimal effort, creating a hands-off meal that practically cooks itself.
• Enjoy versatile dish options from tacos to rice bowls, making it perfect for picky eaters or mixed family preferences.
• Batch cook this chicken for multiple meals throughout the week, saving time and reducing daily cooking stress.
• Combine protein-rich chicken with colorful bell peppers and zesty salsa for a balanced, satisfying meal that doesn't compromise on taste.

What You’ll Need for This Tex-Mex Favorite

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, best when boneless and skinless.

• Fajita Seasoning: Adds classic Mexican-style spices and warmth to the chicken, can be store-bought or homemade.
• Lime Juice: Provides bright, citrusy acidity that tenderizes the meat and adds freshness.
• Olive Oil: Optional ingredient that helps keep chicken moist and adds subtle richness.

• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and crunch, red and green varieties work best.
• Onion: Provides depth of flavor and aromatic base for the dish, white or yellow onions recommended.
• Salsa: Adds moisture, tanginess, and additional flavor complexity, choose your preferred heat level and style.

Slow Cooker Fajita Salsa Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker fajita salsa chicken brings Mexican-inspired flavors straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Zesty peppers, tender chicken, and bold spices combine for a mouthwatering meal that satisfies you with its rich, comforting taste.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 16-ounce (454 grams) jar of favorite salsa (chunky or smooth)
• 1 packet fajita seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade fajita mix)

Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for richer flavor)
• Juice of 1 lime

Serving Suggestions (Optional):

• Chopped cilantro
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Avocado

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Instructions

1. Arrange raw chicken breasts in a single layer at the base of the slow cooker, ensuring even distribution.
2. Generously coat chicken with zesty fajita seasoning, making sure to cover all surfaces for robust flavor infusion.
3. Layer vibrant sliced bell peppers and onions directly on top of the seasoned chicken, creating a colorful vegetable blanket.
4. Gently cascade salsa and fresh lime juice over the entire mixture, which will help tenderize and enhance the dish’s overall taste profile.
5. Optional: Lightly drizzle olive oil across the surface to add a subtle richness and prevent potential drying.
6. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the ingredients to simmer and meld together – cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender and fully cooked.
7. Using two forks, carefully shred the chicken directly within the cooking liquid, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the aromatic sauce and vegetable medley.
8. Serve this versatile protein in warm tortillas, atop fluffy rice or cauliflower rice, or alongside crisp tortilla chips and creamy guacamole for a complete meal experience.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting the fajita seasoning or choosing mild to hot salsa for personalized heat.
• For a leaner protein option, use chicken breasts instead of thighs, ensuring they remain moist by not overcooking.
• Make this dish gluten-free by selecting a certified gluten-free fajita seasoning and checking salsa ingredients.
• Prep ingredients the night before and store in the slow cooker insert overnight for quick morning cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg