Savory Miso-Glazed Chicken

Name: Savory Miso-Glazed Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless chicken thighs; 1/4 cup white miso paste; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons mirin; 1 tablespoon sake; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tablespoon chopped scallions, for garnish

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 20 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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Savory Miso-Glazed Chicken is a delightful twist on your usual chicken dish, combining the umami richness of miso with the sweet notes of mirin. It's a perfect blend of flavors that's versatile enough for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Ingredients for Savory Miso-Glazed Chicken

Chicken Thighs: Boneless thighs are juicy and flavorful, absorbing the marinade beautifully.

White Miso Paste: The star of the show, providing depth and umami to the glaze.

Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, savory backbone to the marinade.

Mirin: A sweet rice wine that balances the saltiness and gives a subtle sweetness.

Sake: Enhances the flavor complexity, adding a bit of sharpness.

Sesame Oil: Infuses a nutty aroma that complements the miso perfectly.

Sugar: Helps with caramelization, providing a lovely glaze on the chicken.

Fresh Ginger: Adds a bit of zing and freshness to the dish.

Garlic: A must-have aromatic that enhances the overall flavor.

Scallions: Used as a garnish, they add a fresh, vibrant touch to the finished dish.

Tips & Tricks

For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
If you don't have a grill, a stovetop grill pan works just as well.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked.

Serving Suggestions

This savory chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad. You might also try it with roasted vegetables or a simple side of sautéed greens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?: Yes, but keep in mind that breasts can dry out more easily, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is there an alternative to mirin?: You can substitute mirin with a small amount of sugar dissolved in rice vinegar.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?: Sure, bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Savory Miso-Glazed Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

First up, grab a small bowl and mix together the white miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, sake, sesame oil, sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir until you have a smooth, well-blended marinade.

Next, place your chicken thighs into a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and give it a good massage to ensure every piece is well-coated. Pop this in the fridge for at least 2 hours. If you have the time, leaving it overnight will intensify the flavors.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill the thighs for about 5-6 minutes per side. You're aiming for a nice caramelization and an internal temperature of 165°F.

Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and juicy. Before serving, garnish with chopped scallions for that extra pop of color and freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation with a marinade that does all the work.
Rich, umami-packed flavor that adds sophistication to a simple meal.
Perfectly caramelized chicken with a glossy finish.
Pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making it a versatile choice.

Ingredients

4 boneless chicken thighs

1/4 cup white miso paste

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons mirin

1 tablespoon sake

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tablespoon chopped scallions, for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine white miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, sake, sesame oil, sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.

2. Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage to coat the chicken thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off.

4. Grill the chicken thighs for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and the chicken is caramelized and cooked through.