Mastering Sous Vide Bbq Chicken: A Step-By-Step Guide

Sous vide BBQ chicken is a delicious way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken with a BBQ twist. This method of cooking chicken involves sealing the meat with seasonings and sauces in a vacuum bag and cooking it in a water bath at a precise temperature. The result is perfectly cooked chicken that can be finished on the grill for a crispy, char-grilled flavour.

The sous vide method is ideal for cooking chicken as it ensures the meat is cooked at a low, controlled temperature, preventing overcooking and drying out. This technique also locks in moisture and flavour, resulting in tender, juicy chicken breasts every time.

To get started, simply season the chicken with salt, pepper, and other desired seasonings, and seal it in a vacuum bag with your favourite BBQ sauce. Set your sous vide cooker to the recommended temperature of around 150°F (65.5°C) and cook the chicken for 1-2 hours.

Once cooked, the chicken can be removed from the bag, seared on a grill for added texture, and then shredded or sliced to be served in sandwiches, tacos, salads, or any other desired dish.

How to season chicken for sous vide BBQ

The beauty of sous vide BBQ chicken is that it's easy to make and guarantees juicy and tender chicken every time. The key to success is in the seasoning and preparation. Here are the steps to follow to ensure your chicken is full of flavour:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start with fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you're using frozen chicken, ensure it's fully thawed before proceeding. Remove any excess fat or connective tissue from the chicken. Place the chicken breasts into a suitable bag: you can use a vacuum-sealable bag, a heavy-duty zip-top freezer bag, or a large reusable sous vide bag. Pound the chicken to an even thickness—this helps ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Seasoning

Take the chicken breasts out of the bag and season both sides generously. A basic seasoning mix includes salt and pepper, but you can also add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or chilli powder for a kick. If you want a stronger garlic flavour, use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder. Don't be afraid to be liberal with the seasoning, as this will enhance the flavour of the chicken.

Step 3: Bag and Seal

Place the seasoned chicken breasts side-by-side back into the bag. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and, if you like, add half a teaspoon of liquid smoke for a subtle smoky flavour. If you're using a reusable bag, seal it and remove the excess air with a pump. If you're using a vacuum sealer, follow the manufacturer's instructions to seal the bag. If you're using a zip-top bag, use the water displacement method: slowly lower the bag into the water bath, allowing the pressure to push out the air, and seal the bag just before the water reaches the top.

Step 4: Sous Vide Cooking

Now it's time to cook your seasoned chicken using the sous vide method. Fill a large container or pot with water and attach your sous vide precision cooker. Set the temperature to 150°F (65.5°C) and let the water reach this temperature. Submerge the sealed bag of chicken into the preheated water bath, ensuring there's at least one inch of water above the chicken. Cook for 1.5 to 2 hours. This duration ensures the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once the chicken is cooked, remove the bag from the water bath and take the chicken breasts out of the bag. Pat them dry with paper towels. You can now finish the chicken by searing it in a skillet or grilling it to add a nice crust and enhance the flavour. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden-brown crust.

And there you have it! Delicious, juicy, and tender sous vide BBQ chicken, perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection.

The best temperature and time for sous vide BBQ chicken

The ideal temperature and time for sous vide BBQ chicken depends on the type of chicken being cooked.

Boneless Chicken Breasts

For boneless chicken breasts, the ideal temperature is between 145°F and 155°F. Cooking at 145°F for 2.5 hours will result in very moist and tender chicken, while cooking at 155°F will give the chicken a firmer texture. A temperature of 150°F for 1.5 to 2 hours is recommended for the best combination of juiciness and texture.

Bone-In Chicken Breasts

Bone-in chicken breasts should be cooked at a slightly lower temperature than boneless breasts, with 150°F being the ideal temperature. The cooking time is longer, at around 3 to 4 hours.

Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are best cooked at a higher temperature than breasts to ensure that the connective tissues are rendered. A temperature of 165°F for 5 to 6 hours is recommended.

Finishing

Regardless of the type of chicken, it is important to finish the cooking process by searing the chicken on a hot grill for 1 to 2 minutes per side. This will give the chicken a nice colour and grill flavour, as well as crisping up the skin.

How to seal the bag for sous vide

There are several ways to seal a bag for sous vide without needing to use a vacuum sealer. One way is to use a resealable, zipper-locking bag, such as a gallon-sized freezer bag from brands like Glad or Ziplock. These bags are cost-effective, easy to find, and convenient. To seal the bag, simply place your ingredients inside, and use the immersion technique or a straw to remove as much air as possible before placing the bag in the heated water bath. For longer cooking times, higher temperatures, or rigid materials, it is recommended to double bag your ingredients.

Another method for sealing sous vide bags without a vacuum sealer is the water displacement method. First, place your ingredients in a single layer within the bag, pressing out as much air as possible with your hands. Then, partially seal the bag, leaving enough room for air to escape. Slowly submerge the bag into a pot of water, holding it by the seal. The pressure of the water will force the remaining air out of the bag. Once the bag is fully submerged, finish sealing the bag.

If you are using a vacuum sealer, it is recommended to fold over the edge of the bag to keep it clean before adding your ingredients. Then, fill the bag with your ingredients, being careful not to overfill as this can make it difficult to get a seal. Place the open edge of the bag into the machine, following the manufacturer's instructions, and press the "vacuum" button. The sealing will usually happen automatically after the vacuuming process, but this may vary depending on the brand of the machine.

How to finish sous vide chicken on the grill

Once you've cooked your chicken using the sous vide method, it's time to finish it off on the grill. This will give your chicken a nice char-grilled flavour and crispy skin. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect grilled chicken finish:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the sous vide bag and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is important as it will help to create a nice crust on the chicken when grilled. You can also season the chicken with your desired spices at this stage.

Step 2: Heat Your Grill

Get your grill nice and hot. For charcoal grills, you want to aim for a temperature of around 500°F, or until you can hold your hand 1 inch above the grates for 1 to 2 seconds. This will give your chicken those beautiful grill marks and a nice sear.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken on the hot grill, skin-side down first. Grill for 1 to 2 minutes, then flip and grill for another 1 to 2 minutes on the other side. If you're using BBQ sauce, baste the chicken with it during the grilling process. This will give your chicken a nice glaze and added flavour.

Step 4: Flip and Grill Again

Continue to grill the chicken, flipping and basting with BBQ sauce as needed. Remember, the chicken is already cooked, so you're only looking to sear the outside and add those delicious grill marks. A total grilling time of around 4 to 6 minutes should be enough.

Step 5: Remove from Grill and Serve

Once your chicken is nicely grilled and charred, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a clean platter. It's now ready to be served! You can garnish with herbs or sesame seeds, or simply enjoy it as is.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken:

• Make sure your chicken is patted dry before placing it on the grill. This will help create a nice crust and enhance the flavour.
• Don't overcook the chicken on the grill. Remember, it's already cooked through from the sous vide process, so you're just looking to add a sear and some char-grilled flavour.
• If using BBQ sauce, baste the chicken generously during the grilling process for added flavour and a nice glaze.
• If you want extra crispy skin, consider finishing the chicken with a quick blast of high heat or even a flamethrower (if you're feeling adventurous!).

What to serve with sous vide BBQ chicken

Sous vide BBQ chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:

Classic Sandwiches

Serve the BBQ chicken on buns with a side of coleslaw for a classic, crunchy contrast. For added flavour, drizzle a bit of apple juice over the chicken before placing it on the bun to keep it extra juicy.

Rice Bowls

For a wholesome meal, serve the BBQ chicken over rice. Top with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chilli pepper, and some fresh herbs. The richness of the sour cream and the heat from the chilli pepper create a perfect balance with the smoky chicken.

Tacos

Use the BBQ chicken as a filling for tacos. Add your favourite toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, and a squeeze of lime. A touch of sour cream and a sprinkle of chilli pepper will elevate the flavours. You can also add a dash of your favourite spice rub to the chicken before assembling the tacos for an extra kick.

Salads

Add the BBQ chicken to a bed of greens and your favourite salad vegetables. Some good options for salad toppings include tomatoes, onions, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing.

Pizza

Slice up the BBQ chicken and add it on top of pizza dough with your favourite toppings. Some suggested toppings include BBQ sauce, red onions, cilantro, and mozzarella cheese.

Quesadillas

Slice the chicken and add it to a quesadilla for a scrumptious spin on a Mexican food favourite. Try adding some peach and bacon for a unique flavour combination.

Mac & Cheese

Dice up the chicken and add it to a creamy mac & cheese recipe. You can also try mixing in some BBQ sauce to the mac & cheese for a smokey flavour.

Wraps

Slice the BBQ chicken and add it to a tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and cheddar cheese for a tasty wrap. You can also add your favourite dressing or sauce to spice things up.

Frequently asked questions