Name: Easy Sous Vide Frozen Chicken Breast
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Ingredients: 2 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and black pepper to taste; Optional: fresh herbs (like rosemary or parsley) for garnish

If you’re looking for an easy yet delicious dinner option that can simplify your busy weeknights, look no further than this sous vide frozen chicken breast recipe. With minimal prep time and the ability to deliver perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful chicken straight from the freezer, this dish is the go-to solution for anyone striving for convenience without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. The sous vide method ensures even cooking, resulting in tender meat that can be used in various meals — from salads to wraps and everything in between. Plus, it’s a low-calorie meal that fits into most healthy eating plans.

This sous vide frozen chicken breast recipe takes away the stress of figuring out what to cook on a hectic evening or during those times when you’ve forgotten to thaw your proteins ahead of time. With this method, you simply set your immersion circulator, season your chicken, and let the sous vide do the rest. The result? Restaurant-quality chicken you can enjoy at home, any night of the week!

Why You’ll Love This Sous Vide Frozen Chicken Breast

Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Achieve consistent results every time, with juicy and tender chicken.
Convenience: Start with frozen chicken, making meal prep a breeze.
Healthy Eating Made Easy: Low-calorie dish that fits great into any diet plan.
Versatile Usage: Use in many recipes like salads, wraps, and meal prep bowls.
Minimal Cleanup: Most of the cooking happens in a sealed bag, reducing mess.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking process, preparation is key to ensure a smooth experience with your sous vide frozen chicken breast recipe. First, gather your cooking tools — a large pot (or container), a sous vide immersion circulator, a vacuum sealer or heavy-duty zip-top bags, and a skillet for optional searing.

Fill your large pot with water and attach your immersion circulator, setting it to the desired temperature of 149°F (65°C). This temperature not only cooks the chicken thoroughly but also ensures it remains juicy and tender. As the water heats, take a moment to season your frozen chicken breasts. You can coat them in olive oil and generously sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to provide flavor. Once seasoned, package the chicken properly to ensure water doesn’t get inside; using the water displacement method will help remove the excess air. Remember to keep the workspace clean and organized to make the process easier!

Ingredients

2 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: fresh herbs (like rosemary or parsley) for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sous Vide Setup

Begin by filling a large pot with water and securely attaching your sous vide immersion circulator. Preheat the water to a temperature of 149°F (65°C). This controlled temperature will allow the chicken to cook slowly and evenly, retaining its moisture for optimal tenderness.

Step 2: Season the Chicken Breasts

While the water reaches the desired heat, take your frozen chicken breasts and coat them in olive oil. This step not only adds flavor but also helps the seasonings stick better. Generously apply the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper to both sides of the frozen chicken. Don’t be shy with your seasonings, as they will infuse throughout the cooking process, making the chicken flavorful.

Step 3: Seal the Chicken

Next, place the seasoned chicken breasts into a vacuum-sealed bag or a heavy-duty zip-top bag. If you’re using a zip-top bag, practice the water displacement method to remove as much air as possible to prevent floating during cooking. Seal it tightly to ensure no water enters the bag during the sous vide process.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Once the water bath has reached 149°F, submerge the bagged chicken into the water. Cook for a total of 1 hour and 45 minutes. This timing is essential; the chicken should not only reach a safe internal temperature but also become incredibly tender without being overcooked.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the water bath and the bag. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. For an additional layer of flavor and texture, sear the chicken in a hot skillet drizzled with a little olive oil for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden-brown. This is optional but highly recommended for a delicious crust. Finally, slice the chicken and serve immediately, or store it for later use in salads, wraps, bowls, or meal prep containers.

Variations

Protein: Swap chicken for turkey or fish for a different protein option.
Vegetables: Add chopped vegetables in the bag for a one-pot meal.
Spices: Experiment with other spices like cumin or lemon zest to create unique flavors.

Cooking Notes

For best results, ensure your sous vide circulator is correctly calibrated for accurate temperature control.
Use high-quality chicken for the best flavor; organic or free-range options are excellent.
The sous vide method perfectly retains moisture; however, don’t skip the patting dry step if you plan on searing the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of grilled vegetables and quinoa for a wholesome meal.
Add to a fresh garden salad with your favorite dressing for a light lunch.

Tips

Don’t overcrowd the bag if cooking more than two chicken breasts; allow space for water to circulate.
For those who enjoy extra flavor, marinate the chicken in your favorite seasoning overnight before cooking.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 240 calories per serving
Protein: 42g
Sodium: Varies depending on seasoning

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh chicken breasts; adjust the cooking time to approximately 1 hour.

What if I don’t have a vacuum sealer?

You can use a heavy-duty zip-top bag and the water displacement method to remove air effectively.

Can I sous vide chicken at a higher temperature?

Yes, cooking at higher temperatures (up to 165°F) will yield a firmer texture, but you risk drying it out if not monitored properly.

How long can I store cooked sous vide chicken?

Sous vide chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This sous vide frozen chicken breast recipe is more than just a cooking technique; it’s a game-changer for anyone needing to balance convenience with nutrition. With minimal prep and the ability to use frozen chicken, you can prepare meals that are not only healthy but also bursting with flavor. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices and pairings to customize the dish to your liking. We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below — let’s inspire each other to discover more delicious variations of this simple dish!