Say hello to a breezy, flavor-packed dinner solution: No-Fuss Chicken Fajitas. This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, laced with colorful bell peppers, savory spices, and juicy chicken, all brought together in one trusty slow cooker. Your reward? A family-friendly, hands-off weeknight feast that piles high into warm tortillas with all your favorite toppings—no complicated steps or extra mess to clean up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its wonderfully simple list of ingredients—each one is a heavy hitter in the taste department. From bold spices to fresh veggies, these staples unite for a vibrant, mouthwatering skillet classic made effortless.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 lbs): The tender, juicy hero of No-Fuss Chicken Fajitas that absorbs all the smoky, flavorful spices.
- Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (14.5 oz, drained): Adds tang and a gentle kick—don’t skip the green chilies for that signature zing.
- Red bell pepper (thinly sliced): Sweet, colorful, and crisp, for that iconic fajita crunch.
- Yellow bell pepper (thinly sliced): Adds a mild, sunshine-bright note to balance the spices.
- Green bell pepper (thinly sliced): Delivers a touch of bitterness and rounds out the rainbow of veggies.
- Medium onion (thinly sliced): Brings caramelized sweetness to the party and melds into the sauce.
- Chili powder (2 teaspoons): The bold, smoky backbone of fajita flavor.
- Ground cumin (1 1/2 teaspoons): Adds earthy, warm undertones—absolutely essential!
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): For deep color and a pop of peppery sweetness.
- Ground coriander (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a fresh, citrusy depth that brightens the dish.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and ties all the flavors together harmoniously.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For gentle heat and robust aroma.
- Fresh lime juice (1 tablespoon): A zesty, finishing flourish that brings everything to life.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons): Infuses fresh and herbal essence at the very end.
- Warm flour or corn tortillas, for serving: Your cozy, pillowy fajita carriers—choose what you love!
- Optional toppings: Avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, salsa, lime wedges—pile them on to taste!
How to Make No-Fuss Chicken Fajitas
Step 1: Layer the Veggies
Start by making a comfortable bed of half your sliced peppers and onions in the bottom of your slow cooker. This acts as a flavorful base and prevents the chicken from sticking to the bottom, while filling your kitchen with the most inviting aroma as they cook down.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Seasonings
Next, nestle your chicken breasts on top of the veggies. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. This spice blend will infuse the meat with classic fajita flavor in every bite, no extra mixing bowl required!
Step 3: Top with Tomatoes and Finish Veggies
Pour the drained tomatoes with green chilies over everything, spreading them out gently. Then add the rest of your sliced peppers and onions for an irresistible tangle of colors and textures that top the chicken as it cooks.
Step 4: Slow Cook Magic
Cover and set your slow cooker on low for 6 hours (or high for 3–4 hours), and bask in the knowledge that a fantastic meal is working its magic. When the chicken is fork-tender and the veggies melt-in-your-mouth, you know it’s ready!
Step 5: Shred and Mix
Once done, carefully remove the chicken and shred it with two forks until nice and stringy. Return it to the slow cooker with the veggies and all those fabulous juices, mixing well so every bit is perfectly coated.
Step 6: Add Final Touches and Serve
Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for a burst of bright flavor right at the end. Then, scoop everything into warm tortillas, add your favorite toppings, and let everyone build their own No-Fuss Chicken Fajitas creation!
How to Serve No-Fuss Chicken Fajitas
Garnishes
A handful of vibrant garnishes not only boosts flavor but also transforms these fajitas into a showstopper. Think creamy avocado slices, a dollop of cool sour cream, tangy salsa, shredded cheese for melt-in-your-mouth richness, and extra lime wedges for a final citrusy squeeze. Let each person play fajita artist at the table!
Side Dishes
Keep it classic with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a tossed green salad if you’re after something lighter. Chips and guacamole fit right in at the party, too. The versatility means your No-Fuss Chicken Fajitas fit any mealtime mood, from weeknight casual to weekend celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning effect, arrange the shredded chicken and veggies on a large platter with a rainbow of garnishes nestled on the side. Or, let everyone build their own straight from the slow cooker, taco-bar style. Feeling adventurous? Try spooning leftovers atop a rice bowl or inside lettuce wraps for a low-carb spin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover No-Fuss Chicken Fajitas store beautifully! Once fully cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen by the next day, making your lunchtime leftovers the envy of the office.
Freezing
If you’re thinking about making a double batch, go for it. Portion out the chicken and veggies (without toppings or tortillas) into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to three months, and let future you thank present you for the meal-prep magic!
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm up gently on the stove until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or a squeeze of lime if the mixture seems a bit thick, and serve hot with fresh tortillas and toppings.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay even more tender during slow cooking, adding a richer flavor. Just trim excess fat and prepare as directed.
Is it possible to make No-Fuss Chicken Fajitas without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can bake everything in a covered casserole dish at 375°F for about 35–40 minutes, or even simmer on the stovetop in a large Dutch oven until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.
What’s the best way to prevent soggy fajitas?
Drain the tomatoes well before adding them, and don’t skip the final mixing step, which helps blend and reduce excess liquid. Serving with slotted tongs also helps you scoop up all that saucy goodness without sogginess.
Can I make these fajitas spicier?
Of course! Feel free to add more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne, or extra green chilies. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side so everyone can adjust their own spice level.
Are No-Fuss Chicken Fajitas gluten-free?
The filling is naturally gluten-free, so just serve with gluten-free corn tortillas or your favorite GF wraps to keep the whole dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking to add a supremely satisfying, vibrant meal to your weeknight rotation, these No-Fuss Chicken Fajitas are your answer. With minimum prep, maximum flavor, and plenty of room for customization, you’re just a slow cooker away from a festive family dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Print
No-Fuss Chicken Fajitas Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This No-Fuss Chicken Fajitas recipe makes flavorful, juicy fajitas with barely any effort! Simply layer all the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work—no sautéing required. With tender shredded chicken, vibrant peppers, and zesty spices, this dish is perfect for busy nights and guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings for an easy, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
Spices & Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Warm flour or corn tortillas, for serving
Optional Toppings
- Avocado
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Layer Vegetables: Spread half of the sliced peppers and onions evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a base for the chicken to sit on and ensures the vegetables cook down nicely.
- Add Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly on top of the vegetables. Try to keep them in a single layer for even cooking.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken breasts. This step helps infuse the chicken with classic fajita flavor as it cooks.
- Add Tomatoes & Remaining Vegetables: Pour the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies over the seasoned chicken, followed by the remaining sliced peppers and onions.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing well with the vegetables and flavorful juices.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro, then serve the fajita mixture warm with tortillas and your choice of toppings like avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, salsa, or lime wedges.
Notes
- For even more flavor, add a minced garlic clove with the spices.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred.
- Great for meal prep: leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- If you want extra heat, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies or add a sliced jalapeño.
- Serve with lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (excluding tortillas and toppings)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg