Craving something tender and packed with flavor? This sous vide shredded chicken recipe promises juicy perfection every time. It’s a breeze to prepare and perfect for adding to salads, tacos, or even enjoying on its own. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy chicken with minimal effort and maximum taste!
Steps
- Season the chicken breasts thoroughly with chicken seasoning on all sides. Place them in a sous vide bag with sliced onion, ½ cup of BBQ sauce, and jalapeño slices if desired. Seal the bag securely using a vacuum sealer or the water displacement technique.
- Fill a large pot with hot water and submerge the sealed bag. Attach the sous vide cooker to the pot, setting it to 150°F. Cook the chicken for 1.5 to 2 hours until it’s fully done and exceptionally tender.
- Remove the bag from the pot carefully and pour its contents into a large heat-safe bowl. Shred the chicken using two forks, mix it with the cooked onions, and add more BBQ sauce to your preference.
- Prepare the tacos by warming the tortillas in a toaster or microwave. Place the shredded BBQ chicken on the tortillas and top with your favorite garnishes like salsa, cabbage, or lime crema. Enjoy your delicious tacos with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts (approximately 1 to 1.5 pounds total)
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons chicken seasoning (alternatively, a mix of salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried oregano)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, divided
- Optional: Sliced jalapeño
- Tortillas
- Salsa or shredded cabbage (cole slaw can also be used for a twist)
- Garnishes: Fresh lime, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sliced radishes, sour cream or lime crema (to make lime crema, mix 1 teaspoon lime juice with ¼ cup sour cream, season with salt, and add 1-2 tablespoons water to desired consistency)
- Sous vide cooker
- Sous vide bags
- Large pot or sous vide cooking container
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1064kcal | Carbohydrates: 128g | Protein: 100g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: N/A | Cholesterol: 292mg | Sodium: 3468mg | Potassium: 2528mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 100g | Vitamin A: 884IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 184mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- What is the main advantage of cooking chicken using the sous vide method?
- The sous vide technique ensures chicken that is exceptionally juicy, flavorful, and tender. Unlike other methods, it maintains these qualities even when the chicken is reheated as leftovers. This method also minimizes cleanup since all cooking is done within a sealed bag.
- How do you ensure the chicken is safely cooked using sous vide?
- The chicken is cooked at a constant temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period. This consistent temperature cooks the chicken thoroughly without exposing it to higher temperatures that can cause drying.
- Can I make non-spicy sous vide shredded chicken?
- Absolutely! To make non-spicy chicken, simply omit the jalapeño from the recipe. This prevents the BBQ sauce from absorbing any spiciness during cooking.
- What are some alternative seasonings if I don’t want to use BBQ sauce?
- If BBQ sauce isn’t preferred, you can season the chicken with taco seasoning or a blend of salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried oregano for a different flavor profile.
- How do I prevent overcooking the chicken with sous vide?
- Sous vide cooking is designed to prevent overcooking as the chicken is cooked at a precise temperature. This means you can leave it in the water bath for longer than the suggested time without the risk of it becoming dry or overdone.
Tips
- Seal the Bags Properly: Ensure that the sous vide bags are sealed correctly using either a vacuum sealer or the water displacement method. This will prevent any water from entering the bag and ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and retains all its flavors.
- Control the Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, consider skipping the jalapeños, as they can infuse the BBQ sauce with heat. However, if you enjoy a bit of spice, the jalapeños add a delicious kick to the dish.
- Utilize the Juices: After cooking, be sure to transfer the juices from the sous vide bag to your mixing bowl along with the chicken. This will enhance the flavor and keep your shredded chicken moist.
- Plan for Meal Prep: Sous vide chicken is perfect for meal prepping. Cook a large batch at once and store portions for easy meals throughout the week. Just ensure the chicken is spread evenly in the bags for consistent cooking.
Equipment
- Sous vide cooker
- Sous vide bags
- Vacuum sealer (optional, if not using the water displacement method)
- Large pot or sous vide cooking container
