Delicious Miso-Garlic Chicken Recipe for Dinner Tonight
Friends, foodies, indulge me for a moment as I present to you one of my all-time favorite chicken recipes – Miso-Garlic Chicken! This dish is a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors with an umami-packed miso-garlic sauce that our taste buds will surely love.
Now, some may think cooking chicken can be boring, but not if you know the right recipe to make. And trust me, this miso-garlic chicken recipe will take your dining experience to a whole new level.
This recipe boasts tender and juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs that are oven-baked to golden perfection, then glazed with a mouth-watering miso butter garlic sauce made from shiro miso, garlic, and butter for added richness. The dish is both flavorful and healthy, as it contains wholesome ingredients like soy sauce and rice vinegar.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests at your next dinner party, this miso-garlic chicken recipe should be at the top of your list. So let’s dive into the ingredients list and get our aprons on!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready to add a new dish to your dinner rotation because this Miso-Garlic Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite. If you love the combination of savory and sweet, this recipe is for you!
The marinade for the chicken is made with shiro miso, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and beer – yes, beer! The blend of these unique ingredients creates a flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory. It’s heaven in every bite.
Not only is this recipe super flavorful, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts for this recipe. Plus, it can be baked in the oven or cooked in an air fryer depending on what you have available. So no matter how you choose to make it, the miso garlic sauce will taste just as wonderful.
Lastly, because this recipe uses ingredients that aren’t too hard to find, it won’t break the bank either. Don’t let the word “Miso” scare you- most grocery stores now carry miso paste making it easily accessible to add into your dinner rotation.
Trust me; your taste buds will thank you after trying this Miso-Garlic Chicken Recipe.
Ingredient List
Here is a list of ingredients you’ll need to create this savory Miso-Garlic Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp shiro miso paste
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- sesame oil
- kosher salt
These items can be easily found in most grocery stores, but if some of them aren’t available in your area, don’t fret – there are substitutions and variations mentioned in the upcoming sections that may work for you.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all our ingredients, let us dive into the recipe. This miso-garlic chicken recipe is incredibly easy and comes together in no time. It is the perfect recipe for those busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without having to spend hours in the kitchen.
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Heat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C), so it’s ready to go when you are.
Step 2: Mix the marinade
In a large bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of white miso paste, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of garlic paste, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup until well combined.
Step 3: Prepare the chicken
Pat 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper. Then add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss until they are evenly coated.
Step 4: Bake the chicken
Arrange the marinated chicken on a sheet pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake until cooked through, about 25-30 minutes.
Step 5: Make a quick garlic sauce
In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat. Add minced garlic (2 cloves) and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly. Pour in some of the leftover marinade and add a little bit of brown sugar (1 tablespoon), then raise heat to medium-high. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens into a delicious sauce.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy!
Take out the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. Place it on a plate with some steamed vegetables or rice on the side to complete your meal. Drizzle generously with garlic sauce and serve immediately.
Congratulations! You have successfully prepared this deliciously simple yet flavorful miso-garlic chicken recipe.
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of cooking lies in the freedom to experiment and customize the recipe according to one’s taste, preference, and availability of ingredients. When it comes to the Miso-Garlic Chicken recipe, there are several substitutions and variations that you can try to add your personal twist.
First, let’s discuss the protein choice. While boneless skinless chicken thighs are the star in this recipe for their juicy and tender texture, you can switch them out with chicken breasts or even chicken wings depending on what cuts you have on hand or prefer. If you want to make the dish more environmentally friendly, consider using plant-based protein sources like tofu or tempeh instead.
Another crucial ingredient in the Miso-Garlic Chicken recipe is miso paste. You may find different varieties of miso available at grocery stores or online, such as red miso, yellow miso, or awase miso. In this recipe, we used shiro miso or white miso, which has a sweeter and milder flavor profile compared to other types of miso. However, feel free to use any type of miso paste you like or have access to.
If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, apple cider vinegar can be a great substitute as it also provides that tangy flavor profile. Similarly, brown sugar can replace maple syrup in this recipe for a sweet note.
Finally, if you want to experiment with the cooking method apart from oven baking or air frying, try grilling the chicken for a charred and smoky flavor. You can also make changes in the seasoning blend by adding some chili flakes for heat or ginger powder for extra zing.
In summary, whether it’s changing up the protein choice or spice combination, substituting ingredients for accessibility or dietary needs, or experimenting with different cooking methods altogether – the Miso-Garlic-Chicken recipe can be a versatile canvas for culinary creativity.
Serving and Pairing
The Miso-Garlic Chicken Recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving and pairing. This mouth-watering dish can be served at any occasion, from intimate family dinners to large gatherings. The tender chicken infused with the umami flavor of miso paste and garlic is the perfect centerpiece for any meal.
For a traditional Japanese-inspired meal, serve this Miso-Garlic Chicken Recipe with a bowl of steamed rice and some blanched greens like broccoli or bok choy. The subtle sweetness of the maple syrup and the pungency of the garlic make for an impeccable taste combination that pairs exceptionally well with sake or Japanese lager beer.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try an international pairing by serving this recipe with a side dish of buttery mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables like parsnips and carrots. These hearty flavors complement the rich flavor profile of the chicken, making it an ideal fit for winter occasions. A glass of full-bodied Malbec or a red blend wine would also work wonders in enhancing the savory flavors of this dish.
For something lighter yet equally delicious, pair your Miso-Garlic Chicken Recipe with a bright citrus salad dressed in rice vinegar and olive oil. The acidic tanginess of the salad cuts through the rich succulent bits of chicken perfectly well, creating an entirely new depth of flavor in every bite. A crisp glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio will lend a touch of freshness to this pairing.
In conclusion, whether you’re planning an intimate dinner party or a family gathering, this Miso-Garlic Chicken Recipe is perfect for any occasion. So try out these different pairings and see what works best for you!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Miso-Garlic Chicken recipe is a great way to plan ahead for a special occasion or simply to save time during the week. It’s easy to make ahead and store in the fridge or freezer for later use. Here are some tips to ensure that you get the best out of this dish:
Make-Ahead: To make the most of your time, you can prepare this dish ahead by marinating the chicken thighs in the miso garlic sauce for up to 48 hours. This will allow the flavors to infuse into the meat, creating a more robust umami taste. You can cover and store your marinated chicken in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it.
Storing: After cooking, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Before storing, make sure to separate any leftover sauce from the chicken so that it doesn’t make the meat soggy.
Reheating: To reheat this dish, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place your chicken on an oven-safe tray. Cover with foil and bake for approximately 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a microwave oven by covering with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid and heating on high for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
These simple steps will ensure that your Miso-Garlic Chicken still tastes as delicious as when it was first cooked!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve perfect results when making Miso-Garlic Chicken, there are a few tips that I recommend you keep in mind. These tips will help you ensure that your dish comes out flavorful and juicy every time you make it.
Firstly, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture. Miso-Garlic Chicken is all about the sauce which has bold flavors where chicken thighs. You can also use chicken breasts or wings, but they may not be as juicy or flavorful as the thighs.
Secondly, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it more tender. The longer you marinate your chicken, the more flavorful it will be. You can prepare everything a day before without including the miso garlic marinade as this one might cause it to become tough.
Thirdly, do not overcook the chicken. Overcooking it will dry out the meat and make it tough to eat. Bake in an oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for around 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
Additionally, do not overcrowd your baking sheet. Crowding will cause the chicken to steam rather than roast and you won’t get that crispy golden finish that makes this dish irresistible. Use a large enough baking sheet or two smaller ones if needed.
Lastly, feel free to explore different variations of this recipe with other ingredients from your pantry like pineapple or miso-glazed eggplant bites. Don’t forget that miso-garlic sauce is versatile enough for other dishes like stir-fry or roasted vegetables.
Apply these tips and adjust as needed according to your preferences to ace this incredible recipe – Miso-Garlic Chicken!
FAQ
Now, before we wrap up this miso-garlic chicken recipe article, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions. Below are the most common inquiries and their corresponding answers to help you understand the recipe better. So, please bear with me as we try to cover the basics of this dish.
How do you use miso paste?
Miso is a versatile ingredient that adds depth and complexity to a variety of dishes. It is an essential component of many ramen broth recipes, and can also be used to create delicious miso butter. Adding miso to vegetarian soups and stews is an excellent way to impart a rich umami flavor. It can be incorporated into a pan sauce or stir-fry to enhance the taste, and can be used to create marinades that are bursting with flavor. Miso even works well as a flavorful addition to panko crusts! Additionally, whisking miso into salad dressings adds a unique twist to the classic dressing.
Does miso have garlic?
This recipe yields two delicious creations – garlic-infused miso and miso-infused garlic. The Japanese term for this technique is Ninniku Miso-Zuke. It’s a simple and ideal way to begin your fermenting journey, especially if you’re a novice.
Can you overcook chicken thighs?
Chicken thighs are a great culinary secret that should be talked about more often. One of their best features is that they are very difficult to overcook, making them a great choice for any cooking level. This is thanks to the fact that they are dark meat, which gives them a higher tolerance for longer cook times compared to their white meat counterparts (breasts). So, if you’re worried about overcooking your chicken, go for thighs!
What temp to cook boneless chicken thighs?
When it comes to cooking boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the oven, the most preferred temperature range is between 400°F and 450°F. 425°F, in particular, is the sweet spot for achieving perfectly cooked and juicy chicken thighs whether you opt for a sheet pan, skillet, or a marinade. As of January 9, 2020, this temperature range set the standard for preparing chicken dishes to perfection.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Miso-Garlic Chicken Recipe is a must-try for any home chef who loves to entertain. With its flavorful miso-garlic sauce, it is an excellent choice whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or even hosting a big party.
By following the recipe’s detailed instructions and tips, you can create an impressive meal that will leave your guests wanting more. You can also experiment with substitutions and variations to tailor the dish to your taste.
Furthermore, this recipe offers versatility in terms of cooking methods such as baking, air frying, or roasting chicken breasts. The easy-to-make sauce can also be used on other proteins like chicken wings or boneless skinless chicken thighs.
So go ahead and give this recipe a try – impress your guests with the zippy and exciting flavors of the Miso-Garlic Chicken Recipe. It is undoubtedly a perfect way to elevate your culinary skills!
Miso-Garlic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 1/4 cup shiro miso (white)
- 1/4 cup beer
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic chives (optional)
Instructions
- Combine marinade ingredients.
- Add chicken and marinate 2 to 6 hours in refrigerator.
- Grill or broil chicken until cooked through.
- Let sit 5 minutes, then slice.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!