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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Arrange raw chicken breasts in a single layer at the base of the slow cooker, ensuring even distribution.
- Generously coat chicken with zesty fajita seasoning, making sure to cover all surfaces for robust flavor infusion.
- Layer vibrant sliced bell peppers and onions directly on top of the seasoned chicken, creating a colorful vegetable blanket.
- Gently cascade salsa and fresh lime juice over the entire mixture, which will help tenderize and enhance the dish’s overall taste profile.
- Optional: Lightly drizzle olive oil across the surface to add a subtle richness and prevent potential drying.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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