Sous Vide Sticky BBQ Chicken: Temperature & Time Guide
BBQ chicken always burns the sauce before the chicken cooks. Sous vide cooks the chicken first; the sauce goes on at the end.
Our top pick
Anova Precision Cooker 3.0
A circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking.
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Quick comparison
| Pick | Why we like it | |
|---|---|---|
| Anova Precision Cooker 3.0 | A circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking. | View → |
| Instant-read meat thermometer | Use one to verify your water bath and spot-check the finish — a $15 probe removes all guesswork. | View → |
Anova Precision Cooker 3.0
Editor’s PickA circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking.
- + On-device temperature control
- + 1100W heats fast
- + Recipe library for temps
- − Premium price
- − Some app features paywalled
Free shipping on eligible items
Use one to verify your water bath and spot-check the finish — a $15 probe removes all guesswork.
- + Verifies actual temperature
- + Cheap insurance
- − Not needed if your circulator is accurate
Free shipping on eligible items
Buying advice
1) Season chicken, cook at 149°F for 1.5 hours. 2) Pat dry. 3) Brush with BBQ sauce. 4) Grill or broil 3-4 minutes per side until sticky and charred. 5) Rest 5 minutes, serve with extra sauce.
FAQ
What temperature for the chicken?
149°F (65°C) for 1.5 hours — juicy and safe.
Why does sauce burn?
Sugar caramelizes fast — that's why it goes on last, briefly.
What's the best sauce?
Any smoky-sweet BBQ sauce; brush in layers for a sticky build.
Ready to cook perfectly?
Our top pick for this guide — check today’s price and clip any on-page coupon on Amazon:
Anova Precision Cooker 3.0
A circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Want exact temps and times? Use our free sous vide calculators.