If you love fajitas but don’t always have the time to stand over the stove, this Easy Crockpot Fajitas recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. By using a slow cooker, you get all the flavors of classic sizzling fajitas without the constant stirring and watching. Juicy chicken or tender beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and perfectly seasoned peppers and onions come together for a delicious, hands-off meal that’s ready when you are.
I first started making slow cooker fajitas on busy days when I wanted a Tex-Mex dinner but had little time to cook. The beauty of this recipe is that the slow cooker does the heavy lifting, and all you need to do is add the veggies near the end for that fresh, tender-crisp bite.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 2 lbs flank steak
- 1 large onion, sliced into strips
- 3 bell peppers (any color), sliced into strips
- 1 (10 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chiles or 1 cup salsa
- 1 packet fajita or taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade fajita seasoning (see below)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Tortillas, for serving
- Toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole, cilantro, or jalapeños
Homemade Fajita Seasoning (optional):
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease your slow cooker insert or use a liner for easy cleanup.
- Layer Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts or flank steak in the bottom. Pour diced tomatoes (or salsa) on top, then sprinkle with fajita seasoning.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Add Vegetables: About 30–60 minutes before cooking is done, add sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir gently.
- Finish & Serve: Remove the meat, shred or slice it, then return it to the crockpot. Stir in lime juice. Serve the mixture in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Tender-crisp vegetables: For fajitas with more texture, add the peppers and onions only during the last 30–60 minutes.
- Rest the meat: If using flank steak, let it rest 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Spice it up: Add a sliced jalapeño or extra chili powder for more heat.
- Low-carb option: Skip the tortillas and serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
- Cheesy twist: Mix in shredded cheese at the end for creamy fajitas.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
Note: Values vary depending on protein choice and toppings.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze fajita filling (without tortillas) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw first for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, add 30–45 minutes to the cook time.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace chicken or beef with portobello mushrooms, jackfruit, or tofu for a meatless option.
3. What toppings go best with crockpot fajitas?
Classic choices include sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
4. Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough, and the cooking time may need slight adjustments.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Crockpot Fajitas bring the bold flavors of Tex-Mex straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you use chicken or beef, the result is tender, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining. Just grab some warm tortillas, load them up with the juicy filling, and add your favorite toppings for a satisfying, customizable meal.
