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Buttery, juicy, melt-in-your mouth delicious, these Roasted Miso Chicken Thighs are LIFE. Packed with umami flavor, they are ready in 30 minutes for an easy weeknight meal!
I have a secret.
I used to hate chicken thighs. Yes, seriously. I hated them. And I mean, we're talking in the last couple years. Not when I was a kid.
Something changed. I realized my faults. And now I love chicken thighs. So much. Like these Roasted Miso Chicken Thighs, these sous vide chicken thighs (soooo good) or these grapefruit chicken thighs. I mean good god.
These are amazing. Last night I sat and drooled on the counter while I watched the boyfriend eat the last of the leftovers. It was that good.
I cried and ate my salad.
And I haven't even raved about the (second) best part!! It only cooks for 30 minutes. 30 minutes. That's all. So for all you super busy people out there, you can have an AMAZING meal ready in 30 minutes.
Chicken thigh lovers...you'll also want to try these Brazilian Roasted Chicken Thighs with Citrus Corn Gravy or these Baked Honey Chicken Thighs.
Why This Recipe Works
The butter helps the chicken thighs to get brown and crisp on the outside, while staying buttery and tender on the inside.
Lots of garlic is used. That's rarely a bad thing.
A touch of honey adds the perfect amount of sweet to complement that intense flavor of the miso.
Rice vinegar is used for the perfect amount of tang to balance out the remaining ingredients.
Using a pre-heated cast iron skillet helps the chicken to brown nicely on the outside while keeping the juices on the inside.
Chicken thighs are used to keep the chicken moist and tender while roasting.
What is Miso Paste Made Out of?
In short, miso paste is basically fermented soybeans mixed with salt, koji (helps the fermentation process) and sometimes barley or grains. It has an incredibly intense umami flavor to it. It's absolutely amazing and also good for you with all those good gut things.
You should be able to find it at your local Asian market, or I've also included a link to buy in the recipe card (affiliate link). To learn a bit more about miso paste, read the article What is Miso from Bon Appetit.
What Can I Substitute for Miso?
I do not recommend substituting anything for miso in this recipe. I highly recommend buying miso paste. If you absolutely must substitute, check out this post from The Kitchn on Miso Paste Substitutes.
Step By Step Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400F degrees and place a cast iron skillet in while it preheats.
Add the chicken and massage the paste all over the chicken, getting under the skin if you can.
Remove the cast iron skillet from the oven and add the chicken.
Place in the oven and roast for 30 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165 degrees and the skin is nice and crispy.
**If the skin is not as crispy as you'd like, pop it under the broiler for a couple minutes to crisp it up.
Garnish with chopped scallions and serve with Instant Pot sushi rice.
Cook's Tips
Make sure the cast iron skillet is hot before adding your chicken. You want the chicken to brown quickly so the juices stay inside.
Use room temperature butter to make the miso butter. It is easier to mix when it is softer.
Fresh garlic or roasted garlic can be used in this recipe.
If the skin is not crisp after 30 minutes, place it under the broiler for a couple minutes to crisp it up. Watch it carefully so it doesn't burn.
Can I Make Miso Chicken Ahead of Time?
Honestly, this chicken is best made and served immediately. However, the miso butter can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week until you're ready to use it.
If you have leftover chicken, it can be reheated in the microwave or in a 350 degree oven until warmed through.
Tools Used
(all affiliate links)
- Cast Iron Skillet - this is a great tool for many, many different recipes. If you don't have a cast iron skillet in your arsenal, I recommend getting a good (this Lodge cast iron skillet is great at a reasonable price - affiliate link).
- Glass Mixing Bowls
- Thermapen MK4 - I love this thermometer for cooking. It's kinda pricey, but SUPER accurate and easy to use.
More Recipes from Went Here 8 This Using Miso Paste
Miso Udon Noodle Soup
Grilled Corn with Togarashi Miso Butter
Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out!
Roasted Miso Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. chicken thighs (4 thighs), bone in, skin on
- 4 tbsp. butter, softened
- ½ cup white miso paste
- 1 tsp. ginger paste
- 1 tbsp. rice vinegar
- 6 garlic cloves, smashed
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- 2 tbsp. honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place a cast iron skillet inside to heat up for 20 minutes.
- Combine all ingredients, except chicken, in a bowl to make a paste.
- Add the chicken and massage the paste all over the chicken, getting under the skin if you can without tearing the skin.
- Place in the heated cast iron skillet and roast for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees. If the skin is not as crispy as you'd like, pop it under the broiler for a couple minutes to crisp it up.
- Garnish with green onions and serve with steamed rice.
Expert Tips:
- Make sure the cast iron skillet is hot before adding your chicken. You want the chicken to brown quickly so the juicy stay inside.
- Use room temperature butter to make the miso butter. It is easier to mix when it is softer.
- Fresh garlic or roasted garlic can be used in this recipe.
- If the skin is not crisp after 30 minutes, place it under the broiler for a couple minutes to crisp it up. Watch it carefully so it doesn't burn.
Nutrition
Sonja
I'm late to the party but this was delicious! I did flip the thighs half way though the cooking time.
I made the entire paste knowing I wouldn't use it all but will use it later on a salmon filet and I bet it would be great on a burger! Kept the extra separate from the chicken. 🙂
Danielle
I'm so glad you liked it! Yes, the paste can be used on so many different things - salmon was perfect!
Kathy
Would make again . Delicious.
Danielle
So glad you liked it!
Sandy
I am wondering why so many rate a recipe with 5 stars and then their commentary says “: They Look Good, I will have to Try it”. Why would you rate a recipe you haven’t tried?? It really skews my opinion for trying a recipe.
Danielle
Sandy - I do apologize that the ratings aren't helpful for you. The boyfriend and I love this recipe and I've made it many times. That said, I understand you would prefer feedback from someone other than other offer. I am willing to answer any questions or concerns you may have about it.
Erin Gruenzner
As someone who has tried this recipe, I can confirm that it is in fact delicious. Goes great on rice, or you can chop it up and put it on a roll with some coleslaw for a lovely grinder.
Danielle
Love the idea of putting it on a sandwich! I'm def going to try that - glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Sue Benson
I totally agree, it really frustrates me when people rate without trying the recipe first.
john ryan
The steam rising from a browned piece of meat is the moisture leaving
Lathiya
Haven't had Miso chicken ever. But seeing the pictures, it's so tempting to try this. Have to search Asian aisle next time for the ingredients.
Danielle
Hope you get a chance to try it Lathiya!
Geetanjali Tung
These chicken thighs look absolutely delicious and so easy-to-make. I am definitely going to try this weekend. Thanks for sharing!!
Danielle
Thanks so much! Hope you love them 🙂
Maman de sara
I never used miso paste in my cooking, now I have a recipe to try. That chicken looks yummy.
Danielle
Miso paste adds such a great flavor - hope you get a chance to try it!
Mimi
I can't believe how juicy these roasted miso chicken thighs look! That is one thing I always enjoy in chicken - the juice. So the fact that you've got it all so good here can easily make this recipe one of my favorite chicken recipes now!
Danielle
Juicy chicken really is the best !
April
These chicken thights are EVERYTHING. They look absolutely stunning! I mean if I were to point at one recipe that I think is chicken thighs perfect, your recipe would be it! 🙂
Danielle
Thanks so much April 🙂
Kari Heron
Danielle, HOW could you not like chicken thighs? Thankfully, that phase is over. This recipe is so new and has all the right flavour notes.
Danielle
Right? Isn't it crazy?!!? Thanks goodness it's over LOL!
Jacqueline Debono
These chicken thighs look fabulous. Unlike you I have always preferred thighs because they stay moist! However, I've never cooked with miso paste.Have to see if I can find some. So want to try this!
Danielle
Thighs really are the best - I don't know how I could have ever not liked them....Miso paste is an awesome ingredients to cook with!
Healthy World Cuisine
Salivating! This marinade rocks. We are all about those wack in the oven recipes and let it do its thing while we tackle other tasks around the house. Deliciousness!
Danielle
Nothing like a little butter and miso 🙂 And sooooo easy to make - perfect to get other stuff done...or nap LOL!
Alexis
I love miso and this recipe looks amazing. I'm going to have to grab some white miso on my next shopping trip jus tso I can make this dish.
Danielle
I hope you do Alexis!
Jenni LeBaron
I've only worked with miso a few times, but I keep seeing delicious recipes like this that make me positive I need to revisit this awesome ingredient. I also love that you've added a tiny bit of honey to this recipe. I bet the flavors are awesome!
Danielle
Thanks Jenni! Miso is one of my favorite ingredients - it has so much great flavor.
Gina
That miso marinade was everything! Thank you for sharing!
Danielle
Thanks Gina!
Stine Mari
Oh yes! I love that miso marinade paste, everything looks delish. And to be honest, I STILL prefer chicken breast over thighs. I know I'm in the wrong as well, so I will have to try using chicken thighs here, because they look so juicy and delicious.
Danielle
This would also be good on chicken breast if that's what you prefer Stine!
Kacie Morgan
I love chicken thighs as they are so much cheaper than other cuts of chicken, and they are quicker to cook too! I bet they taste lovely with the miso flavouring.
Danielle
Totally - chicken thighs are just the best!
Candy Rachelle
Oh, my goodness! this recipe is a must try and looks so delicious. I will definitely share this to my mom who really loves to cook.
Danielle
Thanks Candy 🙂
Sophia
These looks awesome! Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Yum!
Danielle
Thanks Sophia!
Chelle Dizon
Chicken thighs are really my favorite part. This sounds really tasty and appetizing to eat. Love to recreate this at home.
Danielle
Chicken thighs really are the best!