When it comes to cooking chicken, achieving the perfect balance of tenderness and crispiness can often be a challenge. But what if we told you there’s a cooking method that guarantees juicy and flavorful meat with irresistibly crispy skin?
Introducing sous vide cooking, a technique that allows for precise temperature control and results in mouthwatering chicken thighs that are both tender and crispy. In this article, we will share with you our foolproof recipe for the most delicious crispy sous vide chicken thighs you’ve ever tasted.
But how exactly does sous vide cooking work? And what makes it different from traditional methods?
Keep reading to discover the secrets behind this technique and unlock the key to impressing your family and friends with the ultimate crispy chicken dish.
Ingredients and Equipment
In order to create the best crispy sous vide chicken thighs recipe, you will need a few key ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- Your favorite seasoning (such as garlic powder and dried thyme)
- Unsalted butter, lard, or duck fat for cooking
Additionally, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools to execute this delicious sous vide chicken recipe:
- A vacuum sealer to ensure proper sealing of the chicken thighs
- A SousVide Supreme, or any other sous vide cooker, to maintain precise temperature control during the cooking process
By gathering these ingredients and having the necessary equipment, you are setting yourself up for success in creating an easy sous vide chicken thigh recipe with a perfectly crispy texture!
Preparation and Cooking
In order to create juicy sous vide chicken thighs with a flavorful taste, there are a few key steps to follow. Start by drying the chicken thighs thoroughly and seasoning the flesh side with a generous amount of salt, pepper, and your preferred seasoning. This will help enhance the flavors of the meat as it cooks.
Next, place a pat of butter or ghee on top of each thigh. The rich fat will melt during the cooking process, resulting in added moisture and richness. To ensure the chicken thighs remain juicy throughout, vacuum seal them in a bag, removing any excess air before sealing.
Now it’s time to cook the thighs. Set your SousVide Supreme to 150°F and place the vacuum-sealed thighs in the water bath. Allow them to cook for around 1.5 hours, ensuring they reach the desired internal temperature and achieve their juicy texture.
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the bags. Pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help create a crispy and golden skin when searing the chicken.
In a pan, heat up some lard until it reaches a high temperature. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot pan and sear them until the skin turns crispy and beautifully golden. The result will be tender and succulent chicken with a delectably crispy exterior, tantalizing your taste buds with every bite.
Now that the sous vide chicken thighs are perfectly cooked and beautifully crispy, it’s time to serve them and relish in their incredible flavors. Whether you’re enjoying them on their own or incorporating them into a dish, these juicy and flavorful chicken thighs are sure to impress.
Temperature and Timing
When it comes to sous vide cooking, getting the temperature and timing right is key to achieving the perfect results with your chicken thighs. We’ve experimented with different combinations to bring you the best sous vide chicken recipe.
For a meaty texture with a slightly chewy tendon, set the SousVide Supreme to 150°F and cook the chicken thighs for a short period. This temperature will give you a firm and substantial bite, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial texture in their chicken.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for tender and juicy meat, you can opt for a higher temperature. Cooking the chicken thighs at 165°F for a shorter time will result in meat that is more tender. The chicken will still maintain its juiciness; it might just sacrifice a little bit of the firmness of the meat. It’s a matter of personal preference.
For those who want their chicken thighs falling-apart tender, cooking them at 165°F for an extended period will yield a fully tender and shreddable texture. The meat will practically melt in your mouth and be perfect for pulled chicken sandwiches or tacos.
Remember, finding the right temperature and timing combination is crucial for achieving the texture and juiciness you desire in your sous vide chicken thighs. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the cooking parameters to suit your personal taste.
Continue reading to learn how to achieve the perfect crispy skin on your sous vide chicken thighs.
Crisping the Skin
To achieve the perfect crispy skin on your flavorful sous vide chicken thighs, there are a few key steps to follow. First, after cooking the thighs sous vide, it is recommended to chill them in an ice bath. This step helps to firm up the skin and prepare it for the final crisp.
Once the chicken thighs are chilled, it’s time to finish them under the broiler. This method allows for longer cooking time over moderate heat, ensuring the skin becomes extra-crispy without drying out the meat. Before placing the thighs under the broiler, it’s important to dry them thoroughly to remove any excess moisture.
An additional tip for achieving a crispy skin is to press the chicken thighs flat before frying in a skillet. This helps to create even contact between the skin and the hot surface, resulting in a more consistent crispness.
When it comes to choosing the right skillet for crisping the chicken thighs, nonstick or cast iron skillets are the most effective options. Nonstick skillets prevent the skin from sticking, making it easier to achieve a crispy texture. Cast iron skillets, on the other hand, retain heat well and help to create a beautifully browned and crispy skin.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have prepared the perfect crispy sous vide chicken thighs, it’s time to think about the delicious accompaniments that will elevate your meal to new heights. The tender and flavorful meat of the chicken thighs pairs well with a variety of vegetable sides, allowing you to create a well-rounded and satisfying dish. Here are a few serving suggestions to inspire your creativity:
- Herb Potato Salad: Whip up a refreshing potato salad tossed in a tangy dressing and fresh herbs. The creamy potatoes complement the crispy chicken thighs perfectly.
- Mashed Potatoes: Indulge in creamy and buttery mashed potatoes as a classic side dish. The velvety texture will harmonize with the chicken’s tender meat.
- Green Beans: Serve vibrant, blanched green beans for a healthy and refreshing touch. The natural crunch of the beans provides contrast to the juicy chicken thighs.
- Roasted Veggies: Create a medley of roasted vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers. The roasted flavors and caramelization will complement the chicken’s savory taste.
- Fresh Salad with Tangy Dressing: Toss together a crisp and refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette. The brightness of the salad will balance the richness of the chicken.
The versatility of the sous vide chicken thighs makes them a great option for both casual weeknight dinners and special dinner parties. They can be prepared ahead of time and finished just before serving, allowing you to spend more time with your guests. With these serving suggestions, you can create a memorable and delicious meal that will leave everyone wanting more.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Options
One of the advantages of sous vide cooking is the ability to prepare delicious sous vide chicken thighs ahead of time. With this easy sous vide chicken thigh recipe, you can sous vide the thighs several days in advance and store them in the fridge. This makes weeknight dinners quick and convenient, as the chicken thighs only need to be finished under the broiler for a few minutes when you’re ready to enjoy them.
But what if you want to extend the shelf life of your sous vide chicken thighs? No worries! You can also freeze the cooked chicken thighs for several months and reheat them whenever you need a quick and delicious meal. Freezing the chicken thighs not only gives you the flexibility to plan ahead but also ensures that you always have a satisfying and flavorful option on hand.
So whether you’re looking to make your weeknight dinners easier or want to have a stock of delicious sous vide chicken thighs in your freezer, this recipe has got you covered. Prepare the chicken thighs ahead of time, chill them, and store them in the fridge or freezer. Then, when the time comes, just finish them under the broiler or reheat them from frozen. It’s that easy to have a scrumptious and convenient meal whenever you crave it!