Sous Vide Chicken Breast Recipe: Perfectly Juicy Every Time

Have you ever found yourself staring at chicken breasts in your fridge, dreading another evening of dry, flavorless protein? We’ve all been there. After a long day at work, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen only to end up with disappointing results. That’s where this Sous Vide Chicken Breast Recipe comes to the rescue. Using the gentle precision of sous vide cooking, you’ll transform ordinary chicken into extraordinarily tender, juicy perfection that’s impossible to achieve with traditional methods.

The magic of this Sous Vide Chicken Breast Recipe lies in its foolproof technique. The slow, temperature-controlled water bath ensures your chicken cooks evenly from edge to edge with no dry spots. When you slice into these breasts, you’ll be greeted with a juicy, tender texture and an infusion of flavors that will make even the simplest weeknight dinner feel like a restaurant-quality meal.

Why You’ll Love This Sous Vide Chicken Breast Recipe

• ✅ Achieves the best sous vide chicken breast cooking time for consistently perfect results
• ✅ Follows a precise sous vide chicken breast temperature guide for food safety and optimal texture
• ✅ Offers easy sous vide chicken breast marination ideas for endless flavor combinations
• ✅ Creates incredibly juicy sous vide chicken breast results without any special culinary skills
• ✅ Perfect for sous vide chicken breast meal prep – make once, enjoy all week
• ✅ Ideal for high protein sous vide chicken breast meal ideas for fitness enthusiasts
• ✅ Teaches the sous vide chicken breast cooking method explained simply for beginners

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Ingredients for Sous Vide Chicken Breast Recipe

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 6-8 oz each)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish and serving)

Ingredient Notes:

• For an herbaceous flavor profile, try using fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage.
• Feel free to customize with your favorite sous vide chicken breast with herbs and spices.
• For a dairy-free option, skip butter and use only olive oil.
• Choose organic, free-range chicken for the best flavor and texture.

How to Make Sous Vide Chicken Breast Recipe – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Your Sous Vide Setup

Set your sous vide precision cooker to 145°F (63°C) for juicy, tender chicken breasts. This is the optimal temperature according to our sous vide chicken breast temperature guide. Allow the water bath to come to temperature before proceeding.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This ensures the seasoning adheres properly. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Prepare for Vacuum Sealing

Place each chicken breast in a vacuum-seal bag or ziplock bag suitable for sous vide cooking. Add minced garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh herbs to each bag. For easy sous vide chicken breast marination ideas, you could also add a tablespoon of your favorite marinade or sauce at this stage.

Step 4: Remove Air and Seal

If using a vacuum sealer, seal according to manufacturer’s instructions. If using ziplock bags, use the water displacement method: slowly lower the bag into the water with the seal just above the waterline, allowing the water pressure to push out the air, then seal the bag.

Step 5: Cook Sous Vide

Submerge the sealed bags fully in the preheated water bath. Cook for 1.5 to 2 hours. This best sous vide chicken breast cooking time ensures both safety and perfect texture. The beauty of sous vide is that an extra 30 minutes won’t overcook your chicken.

Step 6: Finish the Chicken (Optional)

For an attractive finish, heat a skillet over high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Remove the chicken from the bags and pat dry with paper towels. Sear the chicken breasts for 30-60 seconds per side until golden brown.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and additional herbs if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Sous Vide Chicken Breast Recipe

• Temperature flexibility: The sous vide chicken breast temperature guide suggests 145°F (63°C) for most preferences, but you can adjust to your liking: 140°F for very soft texture, 150°F for firmer texture.
• Don’t skip drying: Always pat the chicken dry before searing to get the best golden crust.
• Season liberally: Since you’re cooking in a sealed environment, be generous with your seasonings.
• Try marinades: Experiment with easy sous vide chicken breast marination ideas like lemon-herb, teriyaki, or honey-mustard.
• Batch cooking: This method is perfect for sous vide chicken breast for meal prep – cook extras to use throughout the week.

Best Ways to Serve Sous Vide Chicken Breast Recipe

The versatility of this chicken makes it perfect for countless flavorful sous vide chicken breast side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

1. Sliced over salads: Add protein to any green salad for a complete meal.
2. With roasted vegetables: Pair with roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or a medley of seasonal vegetables.
3. In grain bowls: Serve with quinoa, brown rice, or farro for hearty high protein sous vide chicken breast meal ideas.
4. In sandwiches or wraps: Slice thinly for the perfect sandwich filling.
5. With sauce: Drizzle with pesto, chimichurri, or a simple lemon butter sauce to enhance the flavor.

Nutritional Information for Sous Vide Chicken Breast Recipe

Per Serving (1 chicken breast):

• Calories: 165 kcal
• Protein: 31g
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 345mg

This sous vide chicken breast for fitness enthusiasts is high in protein while remaining low in fat and carbohydrates, making it an excellent option for those following a fitness-focused diet.

Storage & Leftovers

One of the best aspects of this sous vide chicken breast for meal prep is how well it stores:

• Refrigerator: Store cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat sous vide chicken using the sous vide method again at 140°F for 30 minutes, or gently in the microwave at reduced power.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to sous vide chicken breast?

The recommended best sous vide chicken breast cooking time is 1.5 to 2 hours at 145°F (63°C). This ensures the chicken is pasteurized and achieves the perfect texture. Unlike traditional cooking methods, sous vide is forgiving—you can leave it cooking for an extra 30-60 minutes without overcooking it.

What temperature should sous vide chicken breast be cooked at?

According to our sous vide chicken breast temperature guide, 145°F (63°C) provides the ideal balance of safety and juiciness. For firmer chicken, you can go up to 150°F, or for softer texture, try 140°F (ensure correct timing for pasteurization at lower temperatures).

Do you need to season chicken breast before sous vide?

Yes, seasoning before sous vide cooking is essential for flavor development. Salt and pepper are the minimum, but don’t be afraid to experiment with various sous vide chicken breast with herbs and spices. The sealed environment allows flavors to penetrate the meat effectively during cooking.

Can you sous vide chicken breast from frozen?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken breasts using the sous vide chicken breast cooking method explained here. Simply add 30-60 minutes to the cooking time. The sous vide process will safely thaw and cook the chicken to perfection, making it convenient for meal planning.

Conclusion

Mastering this Sous Vide Chicken Breast Recipe will revolutionize your weeknight meals and meal prep routine. With minimal active preparation time and foolproof results, you’ll never have to endure dry, flavorless chicken again. The precise temperature control of sous vide cooking ensures perfect chicken every time, while offering endless opportunities to experiment with flavors and serving options.

Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast looking for high protein sous vide chicken breast meal ideas or simply someone who appreciates juicy, flavorful chicken, this technique deserves a regular spot in your cooking rotation. The best part? Once you’ve mastered the basic Sous Vide Chicken Breast Recipe, you can customize it endlessly with your favorite herbs, spices, and marinades.

Have you tried this Sous Vide Chicken Breast Recipe? Share your favorite flavor combinations or serving ideas in the comments below!