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    Home » Recipes » Dinner

    Easy Miso Chicken Thighs

    Published: Jun 5, 2023 · Modified: Oct 11, 2023 by Jo Keohane · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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    If you love Asian inspired flavors then my Easy Miso Chicken Thighs is a recipe you must try. Simply coat the chicken in a simple miso glaze for an unbeatable umami flavor. This is a great speedy weeknight dinner that's sure to become a family favorite.

    Bowl filled with steamed white rice topped with 2 miso glazed chicken thighs garnished with sesame seeds, sliced green onion and red chili.

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    This garlic miso chicken recipe is the perfect easy weeknight meal. It is quick and easy to prepare and cook, full of flavor and good for you too!

    Hands on prep time is minimal, only 5 minutes. Then you place the tray in the oven while you get on with preparing any additional sides.

    I will often make up the miso glaze and coat the garlic miso chicken thighs earlier in the day, leaving the chicken to marinate. This really adds to the intense savory umami flavors in the dish.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love These Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs
    • Miso Chicken Thighs Ingredients
    • How to Make Miso Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe - Step-By-Step
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Variations & Substitutions for Miso Chicken Thighs
    • Tips & Tricks For Making Miso Glazed Chicken Thighs
    • Pin This Easy Miso Chicken Thighs Recipe For Later
    • What Do You Think?!
    • More Easy Dinner Recipe Ideas
    • Printable Recipe
    • Easy Miso Chicken Thighs
    • Reader Comments & Ratings

    Why You'll Love These Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs

    • When the chicken is cooking, you have plenty time to prepare any other sides and cook some rice.
    • This is a chicken dish the whole family will enjoy as there is just enough sweetness in the miso glaze so the kids will love these too.
    • Shred up leftover chicken thighs and add to salads, tacos or sandwiches the next day.
    • Double the recipe up if you are feed a larger group of people.
    • Try some of my favorite recipes using chicken thighs:
      • Chicken Thighs with Lemon & Garlic
      • Asian Bone-in Chicken Thighs
      • Honey Lime Chicken Thighs 
      • Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs
      • Rainbow Chicken Kabobs
    Bowl filled with steamed white rice topped with 2 miso glazed chicken thighs garnished with sesame seeds, sliced green onion and red chili and a tray of miso chicken thighs set alongside.

    Miso Chicken Thighs Ingredients

    Find the full list and quantities in the recipe card below.

    Chicken - I've used skinless chicken thighs as this a juicy and flavorful cut of chicken. You could also use bone-in thighs, chicken legs or drumsticks, or chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times as needed.

    Miso - I've used white miso paste as it has a milder and sweeter flavor compared with other types of miso. 

    Garlic - For the best flavor I use fresh crushed garlic cloves, however garlic puree can also work in a pinch.

    Vinegar - I've used rice vinegar, but you could substitute with sherry or apple cider vinegar.

    Honey- This adds a mellow sweetness. It's fine to substitute with maple syrup if you prefer.

    Fresh Ginger - I like to add ginger for it's zingy flavor and mild heat.

    A line baking sheet with miso chicken thighs garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

    How to Make Miso Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe - Step-By-Step

    Find the full printable recipe below.

    Make the miso glaze by combining the white miso paste, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger in a large bowl. Mix well then add the chicken and coat thoroughly.

    A white bowl filled with the ingredients for a miso glaze being whisked together.
    A white bowl of skinless boneless chicken thighs covered in a miso glaze.

    Place the chicken thighs on a large baking sheet in a single layer then generously coat each chicken thigh with any leftover miso glaze, making sure to cover all sides.

    Transfer the baking sheet to a preheated oven and bake for about 25-35 minutes, turning half way through.

    The chicken is fully cooked once the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165°F (75°C) or there is no sign of pink when you cut into the thickest part.

    If you like your chicken to be a darker brown for best results turn the oven to broil (or grill in the UK) and broil on high for around 3 minutes until the chicken starts to turn a deep brown color.

    A lined baking sheet with cooked miso glazed chicken thighs.
    A lined baking sheet of miso chicken thighs garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

    Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if using and serve!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is miso flavor?

    Miso paste is made with fermented soya beans and has an intense savory, salty, sweet, rich umami flavor that adds depth to dishes.

    What is miso paste?

    Miso means "fermented beans" in Japanese. Miso paste is a paste commonly used in Japanese cooking and is made with fermented soybeans. Other ingredients like rice, barley or seaweed are sometimes added.

    Where can I buy Miso paste?

    Most grocery stores now carry miso paste in the refrigerated section. It can also usually be found in Asian markets, if you're lucky enough to have one nearby. 

    What are the different kinds of miso?

    There is a large variety of miso available, including white, yellow, red, mixed, kome and mame, to name a few.

    White miso has a light, mild flavor compared with red or brown miso as it has not been fermented for so long. This makes white miso suitable to be used in soups, salad dressings and marinades.

    Red and brown miso is fermented for longer so tends to be saltier and has more depth of flavor. This intense flavor is more suited to heartier soups, stews and braised dishes, but can also be used in marinades and glazes.

    What is white miso?

    White miso is a fermented soybean paste that has a salty, sweet and lighter flavor that red or brown miso pastes. This makes it ideal to use in light broth based soups and marinades like this one.

    What can I use as a substitute for miso

    Soy sauce is the best substitute for miso paste as it has a salty and savory umami flavor. However soy sauce is a lot thinner than miso paste which has a creamy texture, so you would only need half the quantity of soy sauce to miso paste.

    A good substitute for white miso would be light tahini combined with some soy sauce or tamari added to achieve the right levels of saltiness. This would give the creamy texture you get from using a paste.

    Steamed white rice topped with 2 miso glazed chicken thighs garnished with sesame seeds, sliced green onion and red chili.

    Is miso healthy?

    Yes, miso is a healthy nutrient rich ingredient, as it is fermented it aids digestion and the immune system.

    Is miso ok to eat raw?

    Yes, you can eat miso raw, there is no need to cook it first. That makes it a perfect ingredient for adding to salad dressings.

    What else can I do with miso paste?

    Miso paste is a really versatile product which gives incredible depth of flavor. It can be used in miso soup, stews, braised dishes, salad dressing, glazes and marinades.

    I use white miso in my Quick Miso Ginger Chicken Broth and also these Miso Glazed Aubergines.

    Variations & Substitutions for Miso Chicken Thighs

    • Swap the chicken thighs for chicken legs or chicken drumsticks.
    • Try this easy miso glaze with other proteins like salmon and cod.
    • I've used white miso, but for a richer umami flavor substitute for red or brown miso.
    • I've sweetened the glaze with honey but you could also use maple syrup.
    • Try adding some lime juice on the chicken before serving to freshen the flavors.
    • If you love sesame oil add a tablespoon to the marinade.
    Bowl filled with steamed white rice topped with 2 miso glazed chicken thighs garnished with sesame seeds, sliced green onion and red chili.

    Tips & Tricks For Making Miso Glazed Chicken Thighs

    • Take the chicken out of the fridge around an hour before using to bring it to room temperature for faster cooking.
    • For a more intense and delicious savory flavor or if you like your chicken to be a darker brown, turn the oven to broil (grill if you are in the UK), and grill on high for around 3 minutes.
    • Don't walk away from the oven while grilling or you risk burning the chicken.
    • Always let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving as this allows the meat fibers to relax and seal in the juices.

    How To Serve Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs

    These delicious glazed chicken thighs make an easy weeknight meal. I like to serve it with some soba noodles or steamed white or brown rice. For something a little different try my Coconut Rice with Lime.

    To add some greens to the plate, try Charred Broccolini with Lemon & Chili, stir fried bok choy, or my Easy Buttered Kale.

    How To Reheat Miso Chicken Thighs?

    This is a dish that is best served fresh from the oven, as the miso glaze can very easily overcook and become bitter if cooked too long.

    Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container and either eaten cold or heated up under the broiler the next day. Just take care to heat through until hot but no longer, otherwise the chicken could overcook and become dry.

    Pin This Easy Miso Chicken Thighs Recipe For Later

    Pinnable image with recipe title and image of a bowl filled with steamed white rice topped with 2 miso glazed chicken thighs garnished with sesame seeds, sliced green onion and red chili.

    What Do You Think?!

    I'd love to know what you think about this recipe! I'd be so grateful if you scroll down to the bottom of the page and leave a star rating and comment.

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    More Easy Dinner Recipe Ideas

    • Creamy Cauliflower & Blue Cheese Soup Recipe
    • Easy Roast Tenderstem Broccoli with Lemon & Garlic
    • Easy Pork Curry with Mushrooms (Tomato Base)
    • Easy Chicken Alexander Recipe with Mushrooms & Bell Peppers

    Printable Recipe

    Easy Miso Chicken Thighs

    If you love Asian inspired flavors then my Easy Miso Chicken Thighs is a recipe you must try. Simply coat the chicken in a simple miso glaze for an unbeatable umami flavor. This is a great speedy weeknight dinner that's sure to become a family favorite.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Share Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 40 minutes mins
    Total Time 45 minutes mins
    Course Ingredient, Main Course
    Cuisine Asian
    Servings 8 thighs
    Calories 167 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 8 Chicken Thighs - boneless & skinless, approx 5oz/140g each
    • 3 tbsp White Miso
    • 2 tbsp Honey
    • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
    • 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
    • 2 cloves Garlic - minced
    • 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger - minced

    Optional To Serve:

    • Sesame Seeds
    • Scallions (Spring Onions) - sliced

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 425°F (210°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
    • Make the miso glaze by combining the white miso paste, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger in a large bowl.
    • Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
    • Add the chicken to the bowl and thoroughly massage the glaze into the meat so it is evenly coated.
    • Place the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer so they cook evenly.
    • Using a spoon or a basting brush, generously coat each chicken thigh with any leftover miso glaze, making sure to cover all sides.
    • Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for about 25-35 minutes, turning half way through
    • The chicken is fully cooked once the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) or there is no sign of pink when you cut into the thickest part.
    • Optional: If you like your chicken to be a darker brown, turn the oven to broil (or grill in the UK)
    • Grill on high for around 3 minutes, watching carefully, until chicken starts to turn a deep brown color.
    • Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
    • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onion if using. Serve!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 167kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 23gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 590mgPotassium: 307mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 33IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 1mg
    Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be taken as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and the Family Food Kitchen can't guarantee the accuracy of this information.
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    Comments

    1. Janet Dinger says

      October 11, 2023 at 7:25 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is so easy.The whole family love it and has become a regular go to. Delicious nutritious and speedy.

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        October 12, 2023 at 7:40 am

        Thank you for your great feedback Janet - so glad to hear the family love this one!!

        Reply
    5 from 1 vote

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