Sous vide is a fantastic method for cooking chicken thighs, as it results in perfectly tender and juicy meat. Here’s a simple recipe for sous vide chicken thighs:

Sous Vide Chicken Thighs Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs (skin-on or skinless, as preferred)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or your favorite herbs (like thyme or rosemary)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• Optional: fresh herbs (for garnish)

Equipment:

• Sous vide immersion circulator
• Large container or pot for water
• Vacuum sealer or zip-top bags
• Skillet (for searing, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sous Vide Water Bath:

   • Fill a large container or pot with water and attach your sous vide immersion circulator. Set the temperature to your desired doneness:
     • 165°F (74°C) for traditional cooked chicken
     • 150°F (65.5°C) for tender and juicy chicken (cook for longer time)

2. Season the Chicken:

   • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or any herbs you like.

3. Bag the Chicken:

   • Place the seasoned chicken thighs into a vacuum-seal bag or a zip-top bag. If using a zip-top bag, use the water displacement method to remove air: seal the bag almost all the way and slowly lower it into the water, letting the pressure of the water push out the air before sealing completely.

4. Sous Vide Cooking:

   • Once the water bath has reached the target temperature, submerge the bagged chicken thighs in the water. Cook for 1.5 to 4 hours (the longer time will result in even more tender chicken without overcooking).

5. Sear the Chicken (Optional):

   • After the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels (this helps achieve a good sear).
   • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil or butter. Once hot, sear the chicken thighs skin-side down (if skin-on) for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 1-2 minutes.

6. Serve:

   • Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve with your choice of sides.

Tips:

• You can add slices of lemon or sprigs of herbs to the bag for extra flavor.
• Sous vide chicken thighs are versatile and can be incorporated into salads, tacos, or served with a variety of sauces.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked sous vide chicken thighs!