Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep, savory umami flavor from the miso and garlic combination.
- Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
- Perfect for both weeknight dinners and meal prep.
- Versatile—can be grilled, baked, or pan-seared.
- Delicious served with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken thighs or breasts
- White or red miso paste
- Soy sauce
- Mirin or rice vinegar
- Honey or brown sugar
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, minced
- Sesame oil
- Green onions, for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil until smooth.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken to the bowl and coat well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Cook the chicken:
- Pan-sear method: Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Bake method: Bake at 400 °F (200 °C) for 20–25 minutes, until cooked through and slightly caramelized.
- Grill method: Grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice or vegetables.
Servings and timing
- Serves: 4 people
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Marinating time: 30 minutes (minimum)
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
Variations
- Spicy Garlic Miso Chicken: Add chili paste or Sriracha to the marinade.
- Creamy version: Mix in a spoonful of mayonnaise for a richer flavor.
- Lighter option: Use chicken breast or turkey cutlets instead of thighs.
- Sweet twist: Add a splash of orange juice or grated apple for natural sweetness.
- Vegetarian version: Use the marinade on tofu or roasted vegetables.
- Charred flavor: Broil for the last few minutes to create a caramelized crust.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze marinated raw chicken or cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking or reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
- Tip: For best flavor, reheat on low heat to preserve the glaze.
FAQs
1. What kind of miso should I use?
White miso gives a milder, sweeter flavor, while red miso offers a deeper, saltier profile.
2. Can I make this recipe without mirin?
Yes, substitute rice vinegar with a small pinch of sugar for balance.
3. How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes, but up to overnight for maximum flavor.
4. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but reduce the cook time to prevent drying out.
5. Is Garlic Miso Chicken spicy?
No, it’s savory and slightly sweet, but you can add chili paste for heat.
6. Can I bake this in the oven?
Yes, bake at 400 °F (200 °C) for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.
7. What sides go best with Garlic Miso Chicken?
Steamed rice, sautéed greens, or miso soup pair beautifully.
8. Can I use the same marinade for other meats?
Absolutely! It works well with pork, beef, tofu, or salmon.
9. How can I thicken the sauce?
Simmer leftover marinade (boil it first to make it safe) until it reduces to a glaze.
10. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, marinate the chicken overnight and cook just before serving for the best flavor.
Conclusion
Garlic Miso Chicken is a deliciously simple dish that highlights the deep, savory flavors of Japanese-style cooking. The blend of miso, garlic, and soy creates an umami-packed glaze that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary. Quick to prepare and endlessly versatile, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again for both casual dinners and special occasions.
PrintGarlic Miso Chicken
Garlic Miso Chicken is a savory, umami-rich dish featuring tender chicken marinated in miso, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness. Juicy and caramelized when cooked, this Japanese-inspired meal delivers deep, complex flavor perfect with rice or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-seared or baked
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tbsp white or red miso paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin or rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking, if pan-searing)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil until smooth.
- Add the chicken and coat well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Pan-sear method: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Bake method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the chicken for 20–25 minutes, until fully cooked and caramelized.
- Grill method: Grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side, until lightly charred and cooked through.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Serve hot with rice or vegetables.
Notes
- White miso gives a milder flavor, while red miso creates a deeper, saltier taste.
- Marinate longer (up to overnight) for a stronger miso flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add chili paste or Sriracha to the marinade.
- Simmer leftover marinade into a glaze after cooking (ensure it’s boiled first).
- Pairs perfectly with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
