Sous Vide Pulled Chicken : If you’re looking for the juiciest, most tender pulled chicken, sous vide is the way to go! While traditionally slow-cooked or braised, sous vide pulled chicken elevates the texture and flavor to new heights. Whether you’re new to sous vide or a seasoned pro, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive in!
Why Sous Vide Pulled Chicken?
Sous vide, French for “under vacuum,” is a cooking technique where food is sealed in a bag and cooked at a precise, low temperature in a water bath. This method results in a perfectly even cook, with poultry retaining its natural juices and flavors, creating tender, succulent meat. It’s especially great for pulled chicken, which can often dry out with traditional cooking methods.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Sous Vide Pulled Chicken
Cool the chicken slightly before shredding: Hot chicken can be harder to shred. Letting it sit for 5-10 minutes ensures you get those perfect, juicy shreds.
Marinate for more flavor: If you have extra time, marinate your chicken before cooking. A mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs works wonders.
Add aromatics: Include fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary) or garlic cloves in the bag for added flavor.
Don’t skip the searing: For a smokier, charred flavor, sear the chicken in a hot pan or grill after sous vide, even if you plan to shred it.
Variations on Sous Vide Pulled Chicken
BBQ Pulled Chicken:
Toss the shredded chicken in your favorite barbecue sauce. Serve on brioche buns with coleslaw for a classic pulled chicken sandwich.
Buffalo Pulled Chicken:
Mix the chicken with buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese dressing. Perfect for wraps, sandwiches, or even as a pizza topping.
Mexican-Inspired Pulled Chicken:
Season the chicken with cumin, chili powder, and lime before cooking. Serve in tacos with avocado, salsa, and fresh cilantro.
Asian-Style Pulled Chicken:
Add soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to the sous vide bag for a subtle Asian flavor. Once shredded, toss with teriyaki sauce or hoisin and serve in bao buns or lettuce wraps.
How to Serve Sous Vide Pulled Chicken
The beauty of sous vide pulled chicken is its versatility. Here are some great serving ideas:
Casseroles: Mix pulled chicken with pasta or rice, cheese, and veggies for a comforting casserole.
Pulled chicken sandwiches: Pile the shredded chicken onto a soft roll, top with pickles and coleslaw, and drizzle with your favorite sauce.
Tacos and burritos: Use the pulled chicken as a taco or burrito filling. Add guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for a fresh, vibrant meal.
Salads: Toss the shredded chicken into a green salad for added protein. It pairs well with ranch, Caesar, or honey mustard dressing.
Pizza topping: Spread BBQ sauce on a pizza crust, top with pulled chicken, onions, and cheese, then bake until bubbly.
How to Store and Reheat Sous Vide Pulled Chicken
Storing:
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Sous vide pulled chicken freezes exceptionally well. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it will last for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating:
Sous vide reheat: For the best results, you can reheat the chicken using the sous vide method at 150°F (65°C) for about 30 minutes.
Microwave: Heat the chicken in the microwave with a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying out.
Stovetop: Warm the chicken in a skillet with a bit of oil or sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Recipe FAQs
What temperature should I sous vide pulled chicken?
For optimal tenderness, cook your chicken at 150°F (65°C). If you prefer a more traditional texture similar to oven-roasted chicken, opt for 165°F (74°C).
How long should I sous vide chicken for shredding?
The sweet spot is between 2-3 hours. Cooking it any longer won’t hurt, but there’s no need to exceed 4 hours.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are fattier, which makes them even more flavorful. The cooking time and temperature remain the same.
Do I need a vacuum sealer for sous vide?
While a vacuum sealer is ideal for sous vide, you can use resealable freezer bags with the water displacement method. Slowly lower the bag into the water to push out air before sealing it.
Sous Vide Pulled Chicken
If you're looking for the juiciest, most tender pulled chicken, sous vide is the way to go!
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds of skinless, boneless chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Water Bath: Preheat your sous vide machine to 150°F (66°C).
- Season the Chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Bag It: Place the chicken in a Stasher silicone bag or a zip-top/vacuum-sealer bag. Arrange them in a single layer and press out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Sous Vide It: Submerge the bag into the preheated water and set your timer for 1 hour (or leave it for up to 4 hours for flexibility).
- Cool and Shred: Once the time is up, remove the chicken from the water. Let it cool for a few minutes, or place it in an ice bath for quick cooling. Shred the chicken with two forks.
- Store for Later: Keep the shredded chicken in its juices in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, just thaw in the fridge.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 282Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 271mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 53g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Sous vide pulled chicken is a game-changer for meal prep, family dinners, and easy entertaining. The sous vide method guarantees a moist, tender, and flavorful chicken every single time, no matter how you serve it.
With endless variations and simple storage options, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves versatile, delicious meals. So, grab your sous vide circulator and start cooking!
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