Sous-Vide Chicken Thighs with Greek Yogurt and Spices

Looking for a delicious, juicy chicken dish with an Indian twist? These sous-vide chicken thighs with a rich yogurt-spice sauce are perfect for a flavorful meal. The sous-vide cooking process ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy, while the spices provide an explosion of flavor. This recipe is ideal for a cozy dinner with friends or family.

Ingredients (for 4 servings)

• 6 chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 cm fresh ginger, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for color)

Equipment

• Sous-vide stick
• Vacuum sealer
• Vacuum bags
• Grill pan or barbecue

Preparation method

• Prepare the Sous-Vide Water Bath: Fill a sous-vide water bath or large pot with water. Attach the sous-vide stick and set the temperature to 70°C (158°F).
• Season and Marinate the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garam masala. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze some juice over the chicken. Rub everything in well to distribute the flavors evenly.
• Vacuum Seal the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a vacuum bag and seal tightly with a vacuum sealer. Submerge the sealed bag in the preheated water bath and cook for 1 hour. This ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy.
• Prepare the Yogurt-Spice Coating: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the coating. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, crushed garlic, chopped ginger, lemon juice, turmeric, ground cumin, fenugreek seeds, garam masala, chili flakes, and red food coloring. Stir well until smooth.
• Coat the Chicken: After 1 hour, remove the chicken thighs from the vacuum bag. Discard the broth (or save it for soups or sauces). Evenly coat the cooked chicken with the yogurt-spice mixture.
• Grill for a Crispy Finish: Heat a grill pan or barbecue until very hot. Grill the chicken thighs for 1 minute per side until grill marks appear. Since the chicken is already cooked, this step is just to crisp up the outside.
• Serve & Enjoy: Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs for added flavor. Serve with Indian-spiced rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Extra Tip: Enhance the Flavor with Smoked Spices

For an extra depth of flavor, try adding smoked paprika or smoked salt to the yogurt-spice mixture. This will enhance the richness of the dish and give it a slightly smoky, tandoori-like taste.