Juicy Sous Vide Chicken Thighs: Irresistibly Tender & Flavorful

I’m Jasmine, the home cook behind SousVideRecipe.com. If you love juicy sous vide chicken thighs, you’re in the right place. Discovering sous vide transformed my cooking. Growing up in sunny Florida, I was inspired by fresh coastal flavors, but sous vide changed everything. The first time I made perfectly cooked chicken thighs, it felt like magic.

Sous vide isn’t just for restaurants—it’s a game-changer for home kitchens too. The melt-in-your-mouth texture of juicy sous vide chicken thighs is unbeatable. Whether you’re new to this technique or looking to refine your skills, I’m here to guide you.

I believe cooking should be joyful, forgiving, and full of delicious surprises. With sous vide, achieving juicy sous vide chicken thighs is easier than ever. Let’s explore how you can create these succulent dishes at home.

Juicy Sous Vide Chicken Thighs

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Learn how to make juicy sous vide chicken thighs with this easy recipe. Perfectly cooked every time, these chicken thighs are a delicious addition to any meal.

• Author: Jasmine
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sous Vide and Pan-Seared
• Cuisine: Various

Ingredients

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• 1 pound (454g) boneless skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil
• 6 sprigs thyme
• Salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Fill a large container with water and set up your sous vide device, heating the water to 165°F.
2. Sprinkle salt and ground black pepper on both sides of each chicken thigh.
3. Put the chicken thighs, along with some pats of butter and thyme sprigs, into a ziplock bag and remove the air using the water displacement method, or use a vacuum sealer with a vacuum bag.
4. Place the sealed bag into the preheated water and cook the chicken sous vide for an hour and a half.
5. Take the ziplock bag out of the water with tongs and submerge it in an ice bath for a couple of minutes to halt the cooking.
6. Afterward, warm up vegetable oil in a large cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
7. Take the chicken out of the sous vide bag, pat it dry with a paper towel, and lay it in the skillet in a single layer, skin facing down, in the heated oil.
8. Cook the chicken in the hot oil until it turns a light golden brown, then turn the chicken over, pour in the chicken juices from the sous vide bag, and add extra butter and thyme to make a sauce in the pan.

Notes

• Make sure to thoroughly dry the chicken thighs before searing to achieve a crispy skin.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking to ensure even browning.
• Check the chicken’s doneness with a meat thermometer to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 40g

Mastering Juicy Sous Vide Chicken Thighs

Fundamentals

Understanding the basics is key to mastering juicy sous vide chicken thighs. Sous vide, a French term meaning “under vacuum,” involves cooking food sealed in airtight bags in a precisely controlled water bath. This technique ensures even cooking and retains moisture, making it ideal for chicken thighs.

The process starts with seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. The use of thyme adds a subtle earthy flavor, enhancing the taste of the chicken. By sealing the thighs with butter and thyme in a bag, you lock in the flavors and moisture, resulting in tender, juicy chicken.

Preparation/setup

Before you start, gather your ingredients: 1 pound of boneless skin-on chicken thighs, vegetable oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Fill a large container with water and set your sous vide device to 165°F. This temperature is perfect for achieving juicy sous vide chicken thighs.

Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Place the thighs in a ziplock bag with thyme sprigs and a few pats of butter. Use the water displacement method to remove air from the bag or a vacuum sealer if available. This step is crucial for even cooking.

Sous Vide Chicken Thighs: Technique and Tips

Technique

Once the water reaches 165°F, submerge the sealed bag into the water bath. Cook the chicken sous vide for 90 minutes to achieve the perfect texture. This slow cooking method ensures the thighs are cooked evenly throughout without drying out.

After cooking, remove the bag from the water and quickly submerge it in an ice bath for a couple of minutes. This step halts the cooking process and helps maintain the desired doneness. Pat the chicken dry before searing to get that perfect golden crust.

Tips/tricks

For the best results with juicy sous vide chicken thighs, use a cast-iron pan for searing. Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat and place the chicken skin side down. The key is to cook until the skin turns light golden brown, enhancing the flavor and texture.

Pour in the juices from the sous vide bag to create a rich sauce. Adding extra butter and thyme during this step enhances the flavors further. For a delicious variation, try using different herbs or spices.

Achieving Perfection with Sous Vide Chicken Thighs

Perfecting results

The secret to perfect juicy sous vide chicken thighs lies in precision and patience. Ensure your water bath maintains a constant temperature. This consistency is vital for achieving the desired tenderness and juiciness.

Experiment with flavors by pairing chicken thighs with different herbs and spices. Consider trying a sous vide curry chicken thighs recipe for a spicy kick or a sous vide lemon tahini chicken thighs for a tangy twist.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your chicken thighs aren’t turning out as expected, check the temperature accuracy of your sous vide device. Ensure the bag is properly sealed to prevent water from seeping in. Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your chicken to ensure it’s cooked through.

For a variation, try different cooking times to find your perfect texture. Explore options like crispy sous vide chicken thighs or opt for a flavorful marinade from birria spice-rubbed chicken thighs.

Serving and Storing Juicy Sous Vide Chicken Thighs

Serving/presentation

Presentation elevates the dining experience. Serve juicy sous vide chicken thighs with fresh herbs for a pop of color. Slice the chicken against the grain for the best texture and serve with seasonal vegetables or a light salad.

For a complete meal, consider pairing your chicken with a side of roasted potatoes or a tangy chimichurri sauce. The versatility of chicken thighs allows for countless serving options, making it a family favorite.

Pairings/storage

Pair juicy sous vide chicken thighs with complementary flavors for a balanced meal. Vegetables like asparagus or broccoli work well, and grains such as quinoa or couscous add texture. To store leftovers, keep the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain the juiciness. Consider trying different recipes like sous vide chicken thighs Trader Joe’s style or exploring a sous vide garlic cilantro spatchcock chicken for variety.

Conclusion

Mastering juicy sous vide chicken thighs transforms your home cooking. The precision of sous vide ensures tender, flavorful results every time. By understanding the fundamentals, perfecting your technique, and exploring variations, you can create mouthwatering dishes that impress.

The versatility of sous vide makes it an invaluable tool in any kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or experimenting with new flavors, sous vide offers endless possibilities. Embrace the technique and enjoy the culinary magic of perfectly cooked chicken thighs.

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