Chicken “Fajitas” Crock Pot Style

It’s finally Friday!  I’ve heard from some of you that you are looking for some more crock pot recipes from the Gringo.  Look no further because this one right here is not only easy, but you can use the chicken in all sorts of ways.

Okay, really.  How easy is that recipe?  Not only is it super easy to put together (set that timer and I bet you can assemble it in less than 5 minutes), but it makes a lot.  Maybe you worry that there’s not enough liquid in the crock pot, but rest assured that the chicken will release some natural juices and all will be well.  I’ve added some pictures below to show you the before and after so you can see how you can literally just throw the ingredients into the crock pot.  Once the chicken has cooked and it’s time to ladle the liquid – save it!  It’ll be so flavorful, and you can use it in other recipes that call for chicken broth.  I sometimes will save chicken broth by freezing it in ice cube trays.  Once frozen, add to a reusable freezer bag and add in future recipes (I also do this with wine, juice from oranges and lemons, and even fresh herbs; we strive for very little food waste in our casa).  My only other suggestion would be to cut your onions and peppers a little on the thicker side (maybe 1″) just because they’ll experience some shrinkage.  But oh golly, the meat is moist and has so much flavor from the taco seasonings, yet is easy enough to use in various other recipes.  It would also freeze really well so you could eat a little now and save some for later in a few months.  Play around with the toppings.  Make tacos or quesadillas.  Squeeze some fresh lemon or lime on top and serve as a burrito bowl for a low carb meal.  Add the meat into some chicken broth and top with tortilla chips.  The possibilities go on and on and on and on…you get the point.  Remember how I always say that recipes are just suggestions and should be adapted?  Here’s an example:  I thought we had canned corn in the pantry, but we really had cream of corn.  Guess what?!  I used it in the recipe and the Payaso was none the wiser.  Have fun in the kitchen; it shouldn’t be something you dread.  Yep, I’m talking to you…you know who you are (smile).

I actually made this overnight Wednesday, and we woke up to the whole house smelling like a Mexican taqueria.  A quick glance in the kitchen showed Lola up on her hind legs, dancing in circles, as she tried to see what was cooking on the counter.  Talk about excitement! As the Payaso was shredding the chicken, she took her famous meerkat pose.  We see this a lot when she’s curious or thinks she needs something we’ve got or we’re eating.  Here’s her infamous pose from some night when we were eating popcorn; her absolute favorite.  I sure do love that silly chiweenie of a pooch.

I knew that the Payaso and I were going to be really busy Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week.  Last night we went to see Little Big Town perform (more on that adventure later).  Tonight we are having dinner with friends, tomorrow brunch, and then off to see Kinky Boots at the Ordway.  I needed something that would be easy to make, and would be easy to re-purpose and heat up as we dashed from commitment to commitment.  So far we’ve used this shredded chicken in a salad, as tacos, and I plan on adding it to some chicken broth and veggies to make a hearty chicken soup.  Can you believe it’s only going to be about 15 degrees here in Minnesota (factoring the wind chill)?  That wind is fierce this morning!   Stay safe, my friends, and have a great weekend!