Author Topic: Chicken legs  (Read 1563 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline muebe

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 14918
  • Santa Clarita,Ca
Chicken legs
« Reply #-1 on: May 04, 2016, 01:59:39 PM »
I want to make Sous Vide chicken legs. I have done the boneless skinless chicken breasts before and they turn out amazing. I have not done legs however. There are various recipes out there. I plan on finish grilling them on the Cook-Air. I was thinking a bath temp of 148F for like 3 hours but looking for ways to make them. Maybe remove the skin? Then put the skin back on?

Who has made them and suggestions thanks...
Member #22
2 TBEs(1 natural gas & 1 LP gas)
OBS(Auberins dual probe PID, 900w finned element & convection fan mods)
2011 Memphis Select Pellet Smoker
Traeger PTG with PID
PBC
BBQ Grillware vertical smoker(oven thermostat installed & converted to natural gas)
Uuni 2 Wood Fired Pizza Oven

Offline Jaxon

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3467
Re: Chicken legs
« on: May 04, 2016, 02:32:01 PM »
Now that'll be a challenge...

I'm thinking maybe take 'em out and dust 'em with Mies breading or just plain corn starch then flash fry 'em for the crunch.
It just might work.

just sayin'...
<><
You're at the top of the food chain...eat like it!

Offline muebe

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 14918
  • Santa Clarita,Ca
Re: Chicken legs
« Reply #1 on: May 12, 2016, 12:14:09 PM »
So following Jack's advice I went with flash frying them.

First I salted the chicken legs heavily in sea salt before bagging. I decided to leave them as found with skin on...



Into the fish tank at 148F for 3 hours...





After they were done in the bath I put them in the freezer for a bit to cool down. The legs did not look appetizing as most SV cooked items do when out of the bag. But the broth that was created in the bags smelled amazing. I opted not to keep it and am regretting that decision although there is always a next time.

I heated a cast iron skillet with a shallow layer of cooking oil. Then I coated the legs with some Soileau's Cajun seasoning and a light dusting of corn starch. I flash fried the legs trying to crisp up the skin and give them some color. The moisture content of the legs was so much that it was taking more time than I expected to get color and the legs were almost fall apart tender so I did not get them the look I wanted and very crispy skin.

Here they are after frying...





And plated...







The legs did not get the look I wanted but were so very moist. They had a great flavor and almost too tender. Some of the skin got crisp but not like I wanted. I believe the moisture was cooling the oil too much. Next time I will use the Cook-Air or the oven broiler.


Member #22
2 TBEs(1 natural gas & 1 LP gas)
OBS(Auberins dual probe PID, 900w finned element & convection fan mods)
2011 Memphis Select Pellet Smoker
Traeger PTG with PID
PBC
BBQ Grillware vertical smoker(oven thermostat installed & converted to natural gas)
Uuni 2 Wood Fired Pizza Oven

Offline tailfeathers

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 618
  • To blessed to be distressed!
Re: Chicken legs
« Reply #2 on: May 12, 2016, 12:23:56 PM »
I've never tried drumsticks but have done thighs in the SV a few times, not sure I will do them that way again. They are the only thing I've done SV that I didn't really care for and I think its like you said, the texture isn't how I like my chicken. To tender. I finish mine on a screaming hot grill so I get nice crisp skin but don't like the mouth feel of the meat.
Bradley 6 rack digital w/ 900w mod
auber pid
Rec Tec 680
Ducane gasser
weber kettles
Anova precision SV
Kitchenaide mixer/chef's choice grinder
LEM stuffer
Vacmaster VP112 chamber sealer
A-maze-n Qmatz/tubes
Cabela's 10" slicer
Cook-Air grill
Cabela's 80L dehydrator

Offline hikerman

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6662
Re: Chicken legs
« Reply #3 on: May 12, 2016, 01:20:57 PM »
Nice looking legs Mike! SV chicken is a treat but for the skin-factor. Yes I would think that a little oil and a not-so-high temp would not promote crispiness of the skin. But maybe a quick deep-fry may seal the moisture in while crisping the skin. New territory! :-\

Offline Pappymn

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 12342
Chicken legs
« Reply #4 on: May 12, 2016, 02:20:04 PM »
Maybe a day in the fridge after SV to dry them out more? They look great
Pappy

Proud Owner of Mak 2 Star General #1,000
Weber Performer
Blackstone SS Griddle
Member #109

Offline muebe

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 14918
  • Santa Clarita,Ca
Re: Chicken legs
« Reply #5 on: May 12, 2016, 02:37:37 PM »
Maybe a day in the fridge after SV to dry them out more? They look great

Maybe...

I just think the grill would have worked better or the broiler.
Member #22
2 TBEs(1 natural gas & 1 LP gas)
OBS(Auberins dual probe PID, 900w finned element & convection fan mods)
2011 Memphis Select Pellet Smoker
Traeger PTG with PID
PBC
BBQ Grillware vertical smoker(oven thermostat installed & converted to natural gas)
Uuni 2 Wood Fired Pizza Oven

Offline Jaxon

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3467
Re: Chicken legs
« Reply #6 on: May 12, 2016, 04:47:30 PM »
DEEP-FRYING at 375* is what I had in mind, though I still haven't tried it.
What I HAVE done, per that scientific kitchen, is to pressure-cook wings for 15 minutes, chill them for 2 hours, then coat with Mies Breading (can I say that?), and deep-fry for 2 minutes. (they recommend 392*)
Chilling dries the skin so it will get nice and crispy.
Some of the best wings we've ever cooked.
<><
You're at the top of the food chain...eat like it!