Sous vide chicken thighs are a perfect weeknight meal. They’re tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and only require a few simple ingredients. Sous vide chicken thighs are cooked in a bag submerged in hot water, which ensures that the meat is moist and tender.
This simple yet elegant dish can be served with a variety of sides, including mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. In this post, we’ll show you how to make sous vide chicken thighs using a sous vide machine. We’ll also share a few of our favorite recipes for sous vide chicken thighs.
We’ll also give you some tips on how to season your chicken thighs for the best flavor. So, if you’re looking for a delicious and easy dinner idea, be sure to try out our sous vide chicken thigh recipe!
What are the benefits of cooking chicken thighs sous vide?
Sous vide chicken thighs are a great weeknight meal because they’re easy to prepare and only require a few simple ingredients. Plus, sous vide cooking ensures that the chicken is moist and tender.
There are many benefits to cooking chicken thighs sous vide.
1. Sous vide chicken thighs are cooked in a bag submerged in hot water. This ensures that the meat is cooked evenly and prevents it from drying out.
2. Sous vide chicken thighs are cooked at a low temperature for a long period of time. This allows the flavors of the seasonings to penetrate the meat and results in a juicier, more flavorful dish.
3. Sous vide chicken thighs can be served with a variety of sides, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
How Does Sous Vide Work?
Sous vide is a cooking method that involves cooking food in a sealed bag submerged in hot water.
This cooking method has several advantages.
- Ensures that the food is cooked evenly.
- Allows the food to retain its nutrients and flavors.
- Prevents the food from drying out.
To learn more about sous vide, check out our comprehensive guide to sous vide cooking.
Do chicken thigh sous vide temperature?
When cooking chicken thighs, it’s important to find the right balance between juicy and well-done. For most people, this means cooking them at a moderate temperature.
However, there is some debate about what temperature is best. Some people recommend cooking chicken thighs at a higher temperature, around 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to crisp the skin and lock in the juices.
However, it’s important to watch the chicken closely so that it doesn’t overcook and dry out. Others recommend cooking chicken thighs at a lower temperature, around 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This will take longer, but it can help to prevent the chicken from drying out.
For chicken thighs, we recommend cooking at a temperature of 155 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-24 hours.
This temperature will ensure that the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
-150°F (66°C) for 1 to 4 Hours: Very Juicy and Quite Firm.
-165°F (74°C) for 1 to 4 Hours: Very Juicy and Fully Tender:
-165°F (74°C) for 4 to 8 Hours: Moderately Juicy, Pull-off-the-Bone Tender.
Tips for Cooking Sous Vide Chicken Thighs
Now that you know how to cook sous vide chicken thighs, here are a few tips to help you get the best results:
1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper before cooking. This will help to lock in the flavors and ensure that the meat is juicy and flavorful.
2. If you’re planning to crisp the skin, be sure to pat it dry before cooking. This will help to prevent the skin from sticking to the bag and ensure that it gets nice and crispy.
3. Cook the chicken thighs for 12-24 hours at 155 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
4. Serve the chicken thighs with your favorite sides and enjoy!
If you’re looking for more sous vide recipes, be sure to check out our collection of delicious sous vide recipes.
Bone in or Boneless Chicken Thighs?
One of the great things about sous vide chicken thighs is that they can be cooked with or without the bone.
If you’re looking for a juicier, more flavorful dish, we recommend cooking chicken thighs with the bone in. The bone will help to keep the chicken moist and tender.
However, boneless chicken thighs are also a good option. They’ll cook a bit faster and will be easier to eat.
If you’re cooking chicken thighs with the bone in, we recommend using kitchen twine to tie them together so that they cook evenly.
How to Make Sous Vide Chicken Thighs
Now that you know all about sous vide chicken thighs, it’s time to learn how to make them!
Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 pound of chicken thighs
– Salt and pepper
– Your favorite seasonings (optional)
– Kitchen twine (if cooking chicken thighs with the bone in)
1. Prepare the Sous Vide:
Preheat the sous vide machine to 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Season the Chicken Thighs
Season the sous vide chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Seasoning the chicken before cooking will help to ensure that it is flavorful and moist.
For best results, season the chicken thighs an hour or so before cooking. This will give the spices time to penetrate the meat and infuse it with flavor.
3. Package the Chicken Thighs
Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a sous vide bag. If you’re cooking with the bone in, be sure to tie the chicken thighs together so that they cook evenly.
Seal the chicken in vacuum bags or Ziploc bags. Keep the chicken in a single layer, using no more than 3-4 pieces of chicken per bag.
Once the chicken is in the bag, seal it using the water displacement method or your vacuum sealer.
If using a vacuum sealer, be sure to follow the instructions for your specific machine.
If using a zipper-lock bag, place the bag in a bowl of water and seal it, making sure that all of the air has been removed from the bag.
4. Cook the Chicken in the Sous Vide
Once the cooker reaches 165 F drop the chicken and cook for 1 to 4 hours.
- Boneless chicken thighs: 1 – 4 hours.
- Bone in thighs: 1 1/2 – 4 hours.
5. Ice Water Bath (only necessary if not used right away)
After the chicken has cooked, remove it from the sous vide and place it in an ice water bath. This will stop the cooking process and help to keep the chicken juicy.
6. Finishing Steps
–CAST IRON SKILLET: Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add some oil to the pan and cook the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side, or until crispy and golden brown.
–AIR FRYER: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken in the basket and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
–NON-STICK: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
How to Serve Sous Vide Chicken Thighs
There are a few different ways that you can serve sous vide chicken thighs.
If you’re looking for a simple and delicious option, we recommend serving them with your favorite sides. Some of our favorites include roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, and a salad.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
-Roasted vegetables
-Mashed potatoes
-Steamed rice
-Salad greens
-Crusty bread
If you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, you could try serving the chicken thighs with a creamy sauce or gravy.
No matter how you choose to serve them, we guarantee that you’ll love these sous vide chicken thighs!
Variations
-Spicy thighs: Season the chicken thighs with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika for a spicy twist.
-Herbed thighs: Season the chicken thighs with a blend of dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
-Lemon garlic chicken: Season the chicken thighs with lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried thyme.
-Honey soy chicken: Season the chicken thighs with soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar.
-Italian thighs: Season the chicken thighs with a blend of Italian herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme.
-BBQ chicken: Season the chicken thighs with your favorite BBQ sauce.
-Sweet and sour chicken: Season the chicken thighs with a blend of sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce.
-Teriyaki chicken: Season the chicken thighs with soy sauce, mirin, and honey.
Using Sous Vide Chicken Thighs for Meal Prep
Special Equipment
-Sous Vide Machine
-12-quart Container
-Container Lid
-Cast Iron Skillet
-Next Level Sous Vide
Sous-Vide Chicken Thigh Temperature and Timing Chart
Texture | Temperature | Timing Range |
Very juicy but quite firm, with a few tougher spots | 150°F (66°C) | 1 to 4 hours |
Very juicy and completely tender | 165°F (74°C) | 1 to 4 hours |
Moderately juicy, pull-off-the-bone tender | 165°F (74°C) | 4 to 8 hours |
This guide was produced for Serious Eats as part of our partnership with Anova, the makers of the Anova Precision Cooker.
Sous Vide Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of chicken thighs
– Salt and pepper
– Your favorite seasonings (optional)
– Kitchen twine (if cooking chicken thighs with the bone in)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your sous vide water bath to 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings.
3. If cooking chicken thighs with the bone in, tie them together with kitchen twine so that they cook evenly.
4. Place the chicken thighs in sous vide bag and seal it using the water displacement method.
5. cooked chicken thighs in the water bath for 12-24 hours.
6. When the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the bag and pat dry with paper towels.
7. If desired, crisp the skin in a skillet over medium-high heat.
8. Serve the chicken thighs with your favorite sides and enjoy!
These sous vide chicken thighs recipe is easy to follow and yields juicy, flavorful chicken that can be enjoyed with a variety of sides. Simply season the chicken, bag it up, and cook it in a water bath for 12-24 hours. When it’s finished cooking, remove it from the bag and crisp the skin, if desired. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes:
-If cooking chicken thighs with the bone in, be sure to tie them together with kitchen twine so that they cook evenly.
-For extra crispy skin, crisp the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat before serving.
-The cooking time for these chicken thighs will vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken. We recommend checking the chicken after 12 hours of cooking to ensure that it is cooked through.
-Leftover chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
-This recipe can also be made with chicken breasts, although the cooking time will need to be adjusted accordingly.
FAQ Of Sous Vide Chicken Thighs Recipe
What to serve with sous vide bone-in chicken thighs
-Potatoes or rice sides: roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, fried rice, white rice, brown rice
-Vegetable side: sauteed vegetables, steamed vegetables, roasted vegetables
-Salad: green salad, Caesar salad, potato salad, pasta salad
How About Sous Vide Chicken Legs?
Sous vide chicken legs are cooked in the same way as boneless, skinless chicken thighs. The only difference is the cooking time, which will be shorter for chicken legs since they are smaller. We recommend cooking sous vide chicken legs for 8-12 hours.
Can I cook frozen chicken thighs using the sous vide method?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken thighs using the sous vide method. Simply place the frozen chicken thighs in the sous vide bag and cook them for 12-24 hours. There is no need to thaw the chicken before cooking.
How long do I cook sous vide chicken thighs?
The cooking time for these chicken thighs will vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken. We recommend checking the chicken after 12 hours of cooking to ensure that it is cooked through.
Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts?
Yes, this recipe can also be made with chicken breasts, although the cooking time will need to be adjusted accordingly. We recommend cooking chicken breasts for 8-10 hours.
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Do I Need to Season My Chicken Thighs?
Yes, we recommend seasoning your chicken thighs before cooking them sous vide. This will help to enhance their flavor and make them more delicious.
Some of our favorite seasonings for chicken thighs include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add other herbs and spices to taste.
How long does it take to cook sous vide chicken thighs?
The cook time for sous vide chicken thighs will vary depending on the temperature that you’re cooking at.
For example, if you’re cooking at 145 degrees Fahrenheit, it will take 20 to 40 minutes. However, if you’re cooking at 155 degrees Fahrenheit, it will take 12 to 24 hours.
What temperature should I cook sous vide chicken thighs at?
The best temperature to cook sous vide chicken thighs will vary depending on your preferences.
If you’re looking for juicier and more tender chicken, we recommend cooking at 145 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you’re looking for crispier skin, we recommend cooking at 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I store sous vide chicken thighs?
Sous vide chicken thighs can be stored in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to six months.
When reheating, we recommend cooking them at 145 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 40 minutes. This will help to ensure that they’re juicy and flavorful.
How do I make sous vide chicken thighs crispy?
If you’re looking for crispy skin on your sous vide chicken thighs, we recommend cooking at 155 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to crisp up the skin without overcooking the meat.
You can also finish them off in a skillet or under the broiler if you’re looking for extra crispy skin.
What can I use sous vide chicken thighs for?
Sous vide chicken thighs can be used in a variety of different dishes. Some of our favorites include chicken salad, chicken soup, and chicken tacos.
No matter how you choose to use them, we guarantee that you’ll love these sous vide chicken thighs!
Conclusion
The sous vide chicken thighs recipe is an easy way to cook a delicious and healthy meal. Chicken thighs are a great source of protein, and they’re low in fat and calories. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
You can serve the chicken with your favorite dipping sauce or on a bun as a sandwich. If you’re looking for something new to try in the kitchen, give these sous vide chicken thighs recipes a try. You won’t be disappointed. Have you cooked with sous vide before? What’s your favorite dish to make?
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As a chef, I have always been fascinated by the way food can bring people together. I love to experiment with new flavors and techniques in the kitchen, and I take great pride in serving up delicious dishes that my guests will love.
My culinary career began at a young age when I started working in my family’s restaurant. I quickly fell in love with the art of cooking, and I knew that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Since then, I have worked at some of the most prestigious restaurants in the country, and I am now considered one of the top chefs in the industry.
When I’m not cooking in the kitchen, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two young children. I also like to stay active by playing basketball and hiking outdoors.