Sous Vide Chicken Breast is a tender, juicy, and flavorful dish that will elevate your chicken game to new heights. The sous vide method ensures that the chicken stays perfectly moist and cooked through, while the quick sear at the end gives it a delicious crispy exterior.
Not only is this recipe foolproof, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite herbs or spices to the bag before cooking, or serve it with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Full Recipe:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 sprigs rosemary
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2 sprigs thyme
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1 clove garlic, smashed
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
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Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
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Place the chicken breasts in a vacuum-seal bag with rosemary, thyme, and smashed garlic.
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Seal the bag and immerse it in the preheated water bath. Cook for 1.5 to 2 hours.
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After cooking, remove the chicken breasts from the bag and pat dry with paper towels.
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Sear the chicken breasts in a hot pan with a little olive oil for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
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Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 1.5 – 2 hours | Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 190 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Recipe Overview
Sous vide chicken breast has emerged as a beloved method for cooking chicken, and for good reason. This technique ensures perfectly tender and juicy chicken every time, without the risk of drying out the meat. The sous vide process involves cooking the chicken in a vacuum-sealed bag, submerged in a precisely controlled water bath for a specific period of time. The result is a chicken breast that is uniformly cooked, incredibly moist, and tender. Whether you’re new to sous vide cooking or already an expert, this recipe is a simple yet foolproof way to create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
History and Origin
The technique of sous vide, which translates to “under vacuum” in French, was first developed in the 1970s by French chef Georges Pralus. Initially, it was used for cooking foie gras, as the method allowed the fat to remain intact, preserving its delicate texture. However, sous vide cooking didn’t gain popularity outside the professional kitchen until much later. In the early 2000s, with the advent of affordable precision cookers, home cooks began to experiment with sous vide cooking, leading to a surge in its use for everyday meals.
Sous vide chicken breast, specifically, became popular because of its ability to produce perfectly cooked poultry that retains moisture and flavor. Traditionally, chicken breasts could easily become dry and bland when cooked using conventional methods, but sous vide cooking allows the meat to retain its natural juices and flavor. This method is now a favorite in many modern kitchens, offering a simple yet sophisticated way to cook chicken to perfection.
Variations and Adaptations
While the basic sous vide chicken breast recipe is delicious on its own, there are many variations that can be explored depending on your tastes or dietary preferences.
Herb and Spice Variations: One of the easiest ways to elevate sous vide chicken breast is by experimenting with herbs and spices. You can infuse the chicken with a variety of flavors by adding rosemary, thyme, garlic, or lemon zest to the vacuum-seal bag. For those who love bold flavors, adding smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes can give your chicken an extra kick.
Marinades and Sauces: While sous vide chicken breast is known for its juicy tenderness, pairing it with a complementary marinade or sauce can take it to the next level. A zesty citrus marinade with orange and lemon, or a tangy honey mustard sauce, can balance the richness of the chicken. You could also go for a creamy mushroom sauce or a tangy balsamic glaze.
Vegetarian Alternatives: For those who prefer plant-based options, sous vide cooking can be adapted to vegetables such as portobello mushrooms, cauliflower steaks, or even tofu. These alternatives can benefit from the same slow cooking process that helps meat retain moisture and flavor.
Sous Vide Chicken Thighs: While the chicken breast is the star of this recipe, sous vide cooking is also perfect for chicken thighs. These tend to have a higher fat content, which makes them even more flavorful and forgiving during the cooking process. You can apply the same sous vide technique to chicken thighs, and even experiment with different seasonings or glazes.
Nutritional Information
Sous vide chicken breast is not only flavorful but also a healthy choice for a balanced meal. Chicken breast, in general, is a great source of lean protein, and when cooked using the sous vide method, it retains most of its nutrients and does not require excess fat or oils. A typical 4-ounce serving of sous vide chicken breast provides around 25-30 grams of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
Chicken breast is low in fat and contains no carbohydrates, making it an ideal choice for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets. Additionally, it is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including:
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B Vitamins (especially niacin and B6): Important for energy production and metabolism.
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Phosphorus: Helps with the formation of healthy bones and teeth.
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Selenium: A powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system.
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Potassium: Helps regulate fluid balance and maintain normal blood pressure.
Though chicken breast is quite lean, it’s important to balance your meal with a variety of vegetables and healthy fats to ensure you’re getting a well-rounded intake of nutrients.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Sous vide chicken breast can be served in numerous ways, depending on the occasion or the flavor profile you’re aiming for. Here are a few ideas for serving it:
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With Roasted Vegetables: Pair your chicken with a side of roasted vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts. The natural sweetness of roasted veggies complements the mild flavor of chicken beautifully.
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On a Salad: Slice the chicken breast thinly and serve it on top of a fresh salad. You can use leafy greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed greens, and top it off with a tangy vinaigrette.
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With Pasta: Serve the chicken alongside your favorite pasta. A creamy Alfredo sauce or a bright pesto sauce would pair perfectly with the juicy chicken. You could also incorporate some vegetables into the pasta for a more balanced dish.
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In a Sandwich or Wrap: For a more casual meal, slice the chicken and place it in a whole-grain wrap or sandwich, adding some avocado, lettuce, and a zesty dressing.
As for drink pairings, a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé would complement the chicken’s delicate flavors. For non-alcoholic options, a refreshing iced tea or lemon water can provide a pleasant contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Tips and Tricks for Success
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Temperature Control: The key to a perfect sous vide chicken breast is maintaining the right temperature. If you prefer your chicken more on the tender side, cook it at 140°F. For a firmer texture, 150°F is a great choice. Don’t go higher than 165°F, as this will result in dry meat.
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Sealing the Bag: Make sure the vacuum-seal bag is sealed tightly to prevent water from entering. You can use a vacuum sealer for the best results, or the water displacement method with a zipper lock bag if you don’t have a vacuum sealer.
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Quick Searing: After cooking, always finish the chicken with a quick sear in a hot pan. This not only adds flavor but gives your chicken a beautiful golden-brown exterior. Be careful not to over-sear it, as it will lose its juiciness.
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Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after searing to lock in its juices. This step is essential for ensuring your chicken remains moist.
Potential Health Benefits
Sous vide chicken breast offers a range of health benefits due to the nutritional profile of chicken and the cooking method. Because it is low in fat and high in protein, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain or build muscle mass. The absence of added oils and fats during cooking also helps to keep the meal light, making it suitable for anyone on a calorie-controlled diet.
Additionally, the slow cooking process used in sous vide cooking helps to preserve the vitamins and minerals in the chicken, making it a nutrient-dense food. The process of cooking chicken at a lower temperature also reduces the formation of harmful compounds that can occur with high-heat cooking methods like grilling or frying.
Conclusion
Sous vide chicken breast is an incredibly versatile and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or trying to impress your guests, this method guarantees perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time. With endless possibilities for seasoning, sauces, and pairings, you can enjoy this dish again and again with a variety of different flavors. So grab your sous vide machine, season your chicken breast, and treat yourself to a truly delicious and nutritious meal!