Sous Vide Tequila-Lime Chicken Fajitas Recipe (IP) (2024)

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Cooking is like working magic, especially when you have the ability to use techniques once reserved for the pros. Sous vide cooking is still rather new to the home. You can now enjoy sous vide cooking at home without spending a fortune. If you’re new to this cooking method, let’s start with a recipe that we all know and love, chicken fajitas.

What is the point of sous vide?

Sous vide cooking is all about precision. The sous vide cooking method allows for precise temperature control. If you want to cook to impress, you’ll be able to replicate restaurant quality at home.

What is the benefit of sous vide cooking?

Sous vide cooking allows you to vacuum seal your ingredients, place them into the water, and walk away. You don’t have to worry about standing over your meal as it cooks. If you need to get laundry done or help the kids with the homework, or simply relax, you can do so without overcooking your food.

What toppings go on fajitas?

Fajitas can be topped with whatever ingredients you like. You can use sour cream, cheese, salsa, guacamole, fresh cilantro, and different sauces.

Sous Vide Tequila-Lime Chicken Fajitas Recipe (IP) (1)
What are the ingredients to make Instant Pot Sous Vide Tequila-Lime Chicken Fajitas?

To make this Instant Pot sous vide tequila-lime chicken fajitas you are going to need the following ingredients:

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Honey
  • Tequila
  • Lime juice
  • Olive oil
  • Chili powder
  • Ground cumin
  • Salt
  • Cayenne powder
  • Black pepper
  • Cilantro
  • Red, yellow, and green peppers
  • Yellow onion
  • Olive oil
  • Chicken broth
  • Flour tortillas

How to make Instant Pot Sous Vide Tequila-Lime Chicken Fajitas

Now that you have gathered your ingredients it is time to make Instant Pot sous vide tequila-lime chicken fajitas. All you have to do is follow the steps below:

Sous Vide Tequila-Lime Chicken Fajitas Recipe (IP) (2)

Preheat your Instant Pot Ultra or immersion circulator to 165F.

To make the chicken, combine all spices, olive oil, tequila, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. Pour this mixture into a sous vide bag.

Add the chicken, turning it in the bag several times to thoroughly coat. Add the cilantro and seal the bag.It’s important here to remove as much air as possible.

Vacuum sealing is preferred, but not necessary as you can also use the water displacement method.To do this, slowly lower the bag into water, keeping the open top above the surface. The water pressure will force the air out of the bag, allowing you to seal it once removed.

For the peppers and onion, slice the peppers into strips. Halve the onion, and cut to similar size as the pepper strips, breaking apart any larger chunks that stick together.

Sous Vide Tequila-Lime Chicken Fajitas Recipe (IP) (3)

Toss the veggie strips in a large bowl with the olive oil, add to another sous vide bag, and seal -vacuum sealing is preferred.If that isn’t an option, you can add a scant 1/2 to 3/4 cup of chicken broth to the veggies, allowing you to use the water displacement method to effectively remove the air.

Sous Vide Tequila-Lime Chicken Fajitas Recipe (IP) (4)

Submerge both bags in the Instant Pot, close the lid, and set for 1 hour.

Just before done, preheat your broiler. You will use the broiler to char the ingredients a bit to mimic cooking the ingredients in a cast-iron skillet rather than the sous vide bag.

Once finished, carefully remove both bags and pat dry.

Using a broiler pan, or similar sheet, cut open the veggies -discarding the broth if used -and spread them evenly over the pan, leaving room for the chicken.

Remove the chicken, discard the cilantro, and place next to the veggies.

Sous Vide Tequila-Lime Chicken Fajitas Recipe (IP) (5)

Broil for approximately 2-4 minutes or until just starting to brown and char, turn the chicken, mix the veggies with tongs, and broil for another couple of minutes.

Sous Vide Tequila-Lime Chicken Fajitas Recipe (IP) (6)

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, then slice thinly against the grain.

Serve on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Your Instant Pot sous vide tequila-lime chicken fajitas is ready to serve!

Sous Vide Tequila-Lime Chicken Fajitas Recipe (IP) (7)

Instant Pot Sous Vide Tequila-Lime Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Now that you know everything you need to know about how to make Instant Pot sous vide tequila-lime chicken fajitas it is time to print the recipe.

To print the recipe, click the print button below. Want to save this recipe for later? All you have to do is use the share button to Pin it for later, Mix it or add it to your Yummly account.

Sous Vide Tequila-Lime Chicken Fajitas Recipe (IP) (8)

Sous Vide Tequila-Lime Chicken Fajitas Recipe (IP)

Yield: 8 Servings

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Cooking is like working magic, especially when you have the ability to use techniques once reserved for the pros. Unfortunately, sous vide cooking is still rather new to the home. However, you can now enjoy sous vide cooking at home without spending a fortune. If you’re new to this cooking method, let’s start with a recipe we all know and love, chicken fajitas.

Ingredients

  • 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 oz honey
  • 2 oz tequila
  • 2 oz lime juice
  • 2 T olive oil
  • 1.5 T chili powder
  • 2 t ground cumin
  • 1 t salt
  • 1/4 to 1/2 t cayenne powder (depending on heat desired)
  • 1/4 t black pepper
  • Small bunch of cilantro
  • 2 each: red, yellow, and green peppers
  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 2 T olive oil
  • 1/2 – 3/4 c. chicken broth (if required)
  • Flour tortillas

Instructions

  1. Preheat your Instant Pot Ultra or immersion circulator to 165F.
  2. Combine all spices, olive oil, tequila, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl to make the chicken. Pour this mixture into a Sous vide bag.
  3. Add the chicken, turning it in the bag several times to thoroughly coat.
  4. Add the cilantro and seal the bag. It’s important here to remove as much air as possible. Vacuum sealing is preferred but not necessary as you can also use the water displacement method.
  5. To do this, slowly lower the bag into the water, keeping the open top above the surface. The water pressure will force the air out of the bag, allowing you to seal it once removed.
  6. For the peppers and onion, slice the peppers into strips.
    Halve the onion, and cut to a similar size as the pepper strips, breaking apart any larger chunks that stick together.
  7. Toss the veggie strips in a large bowl with the olive oil, add to another Sous vide bag, and seal -vacuum sealing is preferred. If that isn’t an option, you can add a scant 1/2 to 3/4 cup of chicken broth to the veggies, allowing you to use the water displacement method to remove the air effectively.
  8. Submerge both bags in the Instant Pot, close the lid, and set for 1 hour.
    Just before done, preheat your broiler.
    Once finished, carefully remove both bags and pat dry.
  9. Using a broiler pan or similar sheet, cut open the veggies -discarding the broth if used -and spread them evenly over the pan, leaving room for the chicken.
    Remove the chicken, discard the cilantro, and place next to the veggies.
  10. Broil for approximately 2-4 minutes or until just starting to brown and char, turn the chicken, mix the veggies with tongs, and broil for another couple of minutes.
    Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, then slice thinly against the grain.

Notes

Serve on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 288Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 576mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 1gSugar: 7gProtein: 29g

These nutritional calculations might not be accurate. Please speak with a licensed nutritionist to assist you.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

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Sous Vide Tequila-Lime Chicken Fajitas Recipe (IP) (2024)

FAQs

Does sous vide tenderize chicken? ›

The Benefits of Cooking Chicken Breast Sous Vide

Tender enough to cut with a butter knife, glistening with flavorful juices. It's got texture and flavor that just aren't attainable via traditional high-heat cooking methods.

How do you finish sous vide chicken breast? ›

Gently lay chicken in skillet, skin side down, using your fingers or a set of tongs. Hold chicken down flat in pan with a flexible metal spatula or your fingers (be careful of splattering oil). Cook until golden brown and crisp, about 2 minutes.

How thin to cut chicken for fajitas? ›

If you have chicken breasts that are around a half pound each or more, you will want to slice them in half horizontally, so that the center thickness is around 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick. (We do not recommend pounding the chicken breasts, doing so will not result in the right texture/consistency for fajitas.)

What is the best temperature to sous vide chicken? ›

That's why the optimal temperature for cooking chicken sous vide is 145ºF for at least 1 hour. Now before you start thinking “that can't be safe!” let's talk about why this is actually perfectly safe. Killing bacteria is a function of heat and time. At 165ºF, the bacteria is dead in 3 seconds.

How long to leave chicken in sous vide? ›

Chicken
Preferred DonenessTemperatureMin Time
Soft and juicy chicken breast145°F / 63°C1h 30m
Traditionally firm chicken breast155°F / 69°C1h
Juicy and tender chicken thigh165°F / 74°C1h
Off-the-bone tender chicken thigh165°F / 74°C4h

Should you marinate chicken breast before sous vide? ›

Can I sous vide my food in marinade? Technically, yes and no. Flavor-boosting marinades without a lot of salt and citrus are fine to cook in due to their mild nature. Those with tenderizing or brining capabilities (and also alcohol) will be detrimental to the food, as it will cause over-marination.

Do you put marinade in sous vide? ›

The key to successful sous vide cooking is to add the flavour to the main ingredient before, during and after the entire cooking process. A favoured way of doing this is through the use of marinades and brines.

Are Ziploc bags safe for sous vide cooking? ›

No need to splurge on a vacuum sealer -- cheaper Ziploc bags and water work just fine.

What is fajita marinade made of? ›

Fajita Marinade Ingredients

Olive oil: Two tablespoons of olive oil keeps the meat moist. Garlic: Fresh garlic lends a bold flavor. Soy sauce: You'll need two tablespoons of olive oil. Salt: A teaspoon of salt enhances the other flavors.

What cut of meat do Mexican restaurants use for fajitas? ›

Steak Fajitas: While skirt steak is the traditional cut of meat used in fajitas, other cuts of steak can also be used, such as flank steak or sirloin steak. The steak is marinated in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices, then grilled with onions and peppers.

What's the best way to tenderize fajitas? ›

Tricks to Tender Fajita Meat
  1. Cut the Beef Against the Grain. Slicing meat against the grain helps tenderize it. By looking closely at the steak, you'll be able to see the direction the grain is running. ...
  2. Marinade with an Acid. Acids like citrus juice or vinegar tenderize meat by breaking down its fibers.
Feb 2, 2024

How many pounds of chicken do I need for 20 fajitas? ›

Fajitas start with the meat: You'll need 1/4 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, chicken cutlets or skirt steak for each person. If you're using chicken breasts, pound them until they're about 1/2 inch thick; if you're using skirt steak, cut each steak in half so that it fits easily in your skillet.

Should I cut chicken before cooking for fajitas? ›

Slicing will save you cook time.

When it comes to skillet fajitas, you want to cook everything hot and fast. You can avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken by slicing the peppers, onions, and chicken into 1/4-inch strips.

Which bell peppers are best for fajitas? ›

Red Bell Pepper - These peppers are sweet and are great for adding color and texture to dishes like fajitas and stir fry recipes. Yellow Bell Pepper or Orange Bell Peppers - These peppers are ideal for adding extra flavor and vibrancy. White Onion - Red onions make an excellent substitution.

What does sous vide do to chicken? ›

This is normally due to cooking at high temperatures that are difficult to regulate. Cooking sous vide ensures that this is never the case as the temperature of the chicken will not exceed the optimum temperature of 64°C, giving a perfect, consistently cooked product every time.

Does sous vide tenderize tough meat? ›

The sous vide method transforms tough cuts of meat like beef brisket, pork shoulder, and short ribs. If not cooked properly, connective tissues make these cuts taste chewy. Sous vide allows for long, slow cooking at a low temperature, which breaks down these tissues and results in tender, juicy meat.

Does meat get more tender the longer you sous vide? ›

I call it a “redneck sous vide.” So what is it about sous vide cooking that makes tough meats tender? Cooking meat for hours at low heat will break down connective tissues over time. Once tender, the meat can be held in the sous vide bath for hours.

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