If you’re craving the rich, slow-simmered flavors of tender meat, peppers, and onions in a zesty blend of chili and lime, you’ll love these fuss-free fajitas. With minimal prep and a few hearty ingredients, this recipe transforms everyday chicken into a bold, mouthwatering meal that practically cooks itself. Just gather your favorite tortillas, garnish with fresh fixings, and let your slow cooker work its magic.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (any color combination you like)
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- Flour or corn tortillas, for serving
- Your choice of toppings (guacamole, sour cream, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese)
Instructions
Begin by coating your slow cooker bottom with a spoonful of olive oil or cooking spray. Arrange the sliced onions and bell peppers on the bottom as a flavorful bed. In a small bowl, whisk together the chipotle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the chicken.
Place the chicken on top of the peppers and onions, then drizzle with lime juice and zest. Add the chicken broth around the sides to keep the chicken moist while it cooks. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low. Allow it to cook for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender.
Before serving, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker or on a cutting board, mixing it with the peppers, onions, and cooking juices. Fill warm tortillas with generous scoops of this sumptuous mixture. Pile on crunchy lettuce, tangy sour cream, fresh guacamole, and whatever else strikes your fancy.
These fajitas are a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, game nights, or any time you need a laid-back, hearty meal without hovering over the stove. Treat them as a protein-packed option that’s easy on the budget and can be customized to fit dairy-free or low-carb preferences—simply swap the tortillas for lettuce cups or gluten-free wraps.
No matter how you serve them, the warm spices, tender meat, and bright lime tang make these smoky fajitas irresistible for just about everyone.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
