Garlic Miso Chicken (Printable version)

Juicy chicken thighs with a savory garlic-miso marinade, roasted until caramelized and tender.

# What you'll need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.3 pounds)

→ Marinade

02 - 3 tablespoons white miso paste
03 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
04 - 2 tablespoons mirin (or dry sherry)
05 - 1 tablespoon honey
06 - 2 tablespoons sesame oil
07 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
09 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
10 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish (optional)

11 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
12 - 2 spring onions, finely sliced

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
02 - Add chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor development.
03 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Arrange thighs on the prepared baking tray in a single layer.
05 - Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and edges are nicely caramelized. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
06 - Transfer chicken to a serving platter. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced spring onions if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The marinade does all the heavy lifting, infusing every bite with deep umami flavor
  • Chicken thighs stay incredibly juicy even after roasting at high heat
  • Everything comes together in one bowl and one pan with minimal cleanup
02 -
  • The high sugar content from honey and mirin means the chicken can burn quickly, so watch closely in the final minutes
  • Patting the chicken slightly dry before roasting helps it caramelize instead of steaming in its own moisture
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully in a pan over medium heat, which restores the crispy edges
03 -
  • Whisk the miso paste vigorously before adding other ingredients to break up any clumps
  • Line your baking tray with foil for easier cleanup, especially since the caramelized sugars can stick

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