Ever had one of those days where juggling work, errands, and family feels like a never-ending circus act? Well, let’s toss in a twist—something that makes you feel like a culinary wizard without the extra effort. Imagine this: tender chicken, vibrant peppers, and zesty spices mingling effortlessly in your slow cooker, filling your home with an aroma so glorious you might just forget the chaos.
Steps
- Begin by placing half of the diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic into the bottom of a 6 or 7-quart slow cooker.
- Lay the boneless skinless chicken breasts on top of the vegetable layer.
- In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, cumin, paprika, coriander (or oregano), salt, and pepper. Sprinkle half of this seasoning mixture over the chicken, then flip the chicken breasts and apply the remaining seasoning.
- Add the remaining tomatoes, followed by the rest of the bell peppers and onions on top of the chicken.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and either slice it into strips or shred it. Discard one cup of the slow cooker broth, mostly consisting of tomato liquid.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and honey, then stir this mixture back into the slow cooker along with the chicken. Add salt to taste, and optionally, chopped cilantro.
- Gently toss all ingredients and serve warm, using tortillas and optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, or sliced avocados.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (or plain diced tomatoes with a 4 oz. can of green chilies)
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green, or any combination)
- 1 yellow onion (or red onion)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (or substitute with oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 12 6-inch flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: cilantro, sour cream, salsa, guacamole or sliced avocados, shredded Mexican cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2592 | Calories from Fat: 432 | Total Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 576mg | Sodium: 6042mg | Potassium: 6492mg | Total Carbohydrates: 288g | Dietary Fiber: 30g | Sugars: 78g | Protein: 204g | Vitamin A: 20280IU | Vitamin C: 751.2mg | Calcium: 738mg | Iron: 27mg
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?
- While you can use chicken thighs, they tend to shred apart more easily than chicken breasts. If you prefer your chicken in slices, chicken breasts are recommended.
- What if I can’t find canned diced tomatoes with green chilies?
- If you can’t find them, you can use regular canned diced tomatoes and add a 4 oz. can of green chilies separately. Alternatively, you can skip the green chilies altogether.
- Can I add the bell peppers later to keep them crisp?
- Yes, if you prefer your bell peppers to be tender-crisp, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking instead of at the beginning.
- How should I store leftovers, and how long will they last?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be good for up to 3 days.
- Can I use a different type of tortilla or serving method?
- Absolutely! You can use either corn or flour tortillas, and warming them before serving is recommended. Alternatively, you can serve the fajita mixture over rice or quinoa to create a burrito bowl.
Tips
- For firmer bell peppers, add them to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking rather than at the beginning.
- If you prefer sliced chicken instead of shredded, cook the chicken for a shorter amount of time.
- Enhance the flavor by serving the fajitas with toppings like sour cream, salsa, avocado slices, or a dash of Mexican hot sauce.
- Consider using either corn or flour tortillas and warm them before serving to enhance the texture and taste. Alternatively, serve the fajita mix over rice or quinoa for a delicious burrito bowl option.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (6 or 7-quart)
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
