Alright, let me tell you—this Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup is basically like a warm hug after a long day, but with a spicy kick that keeps things interesting. Imagine tender chicken mingling with fresh bell peppers and onions, all simmered to perfection in a broth that smells so good it fills your whole kitchen with those mouthwatering fajita vibes. Throw it all in the slow cooker in the morning, and come dinner time, you’ve got a bowl of cozy, vibrant flavors that tastes like it took hours but actually just took patience (and a little bit of love). Don’t worry if you’re new to slow cooker soup — I’m here to share my tips so you’ll nail it every single time!
Quick Facts
Yield: Serves 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours on High or 7 hours on Low
Total Time: Approximately 4–7 hours (mostly unattended)
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Garnish:
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese
Fresh lime wedges
Avocado slices or sour cream (optional)
Tortilla chips or strips for crunch
How I Make It
Step 1:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your chicken breasts just to get a light golden crust on each side—about 2 minutes per side. This step isn’t about cooking through, but about locking in flavor and adding a little texture before slow cooking.
Step 2:
Place the browned chicken in the slow cooker. Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic on top. Pour in the chicken broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes with all the juice. Don’t skip the juice from the tomatoes—that’s where a lot of the soup’s rich flavor comes from.
Step 3:
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the spices without disturbing the chicken too much.
Step 4:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 7 hours. The chicken should be so tender it practically falls apart when you shred it with two forks.
Step 5:
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using forks. Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir to combine everything evenly.
Step 6:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, a squeeze of lime, and if you’re feeling fancy, avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream. Don’t forget a handful of crunchy tortilla chips on top for that perfect fajita crunch!
Variations & Tips
Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer richer flavor and more moisture.
If you don’t have fresh bell peppers, frozen sliced peppers are a good substitute—just add them midway through cooking to retain texture.
Add a can of black beans or corn for extra heartiness and protein.
For a creamier version, stir in ½ cup of cream cheese or sour cream just before serving.
Control spice heat by adjusting crushed red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño if you like it hotter.
If you want a thicker soup, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let excess liquid evaporate.
How I Like to Serve It
This soup is fantastic served on chilly fall evenings with warm, crusty bread or tortilla chips ready to scoop. It also makes a great game-day meal—just keep a bowl of lime wedges and fresh cilantro handy so each person can customize their taste. Leftovers are perfect for a quick lunch the next day, especially topped with a little extra cheese and avocado.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick.
Closing: This Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup is one of those recipes that feels like a flavor celebration in a bowl—easy, cozy, and reliably delicious every time.
