Description
Deliciously savory and slightly sweet, these Roasted Miso Chicken Thighs are coated in a flavorful miso butter glaze, then oven-roasted to achieve a caramelized, tender, and juicy finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines the umami richness of miso paste with a hint of spice and ginger for a comforting Asian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 3 tablespoons white miso paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
For Serving (Optional)
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with a silicone baking mat, parchment paper, or foil to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare the Miso Glaze: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons white miso paste, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons softened butter, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Use a fork to mash and blend these ingredients until smooth and well combined.
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels. Trim away any excess fat or dangling pieces using kitchen scissors. Place the thighs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Coat the Chicken: Dollop the miso glaze onto each chicken thigh. Use your hands to evenly spread and press the mixture over the surface of the chicken, ensuring every piece is well coated.
- Roast the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Keep an eye on the glaze; if the miso butter melts off during baking, spoon it back on the chicken 1 to 2 times to maintain a rich coating.
- Finish and Glaze: If there are any caramelized bits stuck to the pan, add a splash of water and scrape them up to create a flavorful glaze. Use a pastry brush to brush this glaze over the chicken for added color and taste.
- Serve: Serve the roasted miso chicken thighs hot, garnished with sliced green onions if desired. Pair with steamed rice, noodles, Asian slaw, stir-fried vegetables, or your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry helps the miso glaze stick better and promotes caramelization.
- You can adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder taste.
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftover chicken makes great salad toppers or sandwich fillings.
- Use a silicone brush or clean hands to evenly apply the glaze during cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
