How to Make Grilled Miso Chicken Thighs

Last updated on May 23, 2024
Michale LeRoy

Chicken thighs are often overlooked in favor of other popular cuts of chicken like grilled chicken breast or chicken wings. But using chicken thighs for recipes offers a range of benefits. They're known for their rich flavor and tenderness, making them ideal for marinating and absorbing bold seasonings like miso paste. Chicken thighs also have a higher fat content compared to other cuts, which helps keep the meat moist and creates delicious results on the grill. Try our grilled honey miso chicken thighs recipe for a cost-effective dish that combines sweet and savory flavors.

Honey Miso Chicken Thigh Recipe

Once marinated, chicken thighs can be grilled, baked, or pan-seared to perfection. The high-fat content in the thighs helps them stay juicy and tender, while the miso paste caramelizes and forms a flavorful crust on the outside. Top these tasty chicken thighs with a garnish of chopped green onions and your dish is complete.

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 130 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 145 minutes

Ingredients

Two bloody mary drinks on a gray background with ingredients surrounding
  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup miso paste
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Directions

  1. In mixing bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, and sesame oil to create marinade.
  2. Place chicken thighs in shallow dish and cover with marinade. Refrigerate 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
  3. Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Remove chicken thighs from marinade and place on grill, skin side down. Discard remaining marinade.
  5. Grill thighs for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temp in thickest part reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Skin should be crispy and slightly charred.
  6. Once cooked, remove thighs from grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
  7. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and serve.

What Type of Miso Should I Use?

You can use any type of miso that you prefer. White miso will have a mild flavor and the darker red miso will be stronger.

Can I Cook This in the Oven?

Yes, you can cook these chicken thighs in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cook for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the skin is crispy and golden brown.

Top view of two Bloody Marys with pickle lime olive and celery garnishes

Compared to other cuts of chicken, such as chicken breasts, thighs tend to be more affordable, making them a budget-friendly choice for restaurants and food service establishments. This means that you can offer high-quality chicken dishes to your customers without breaking the bank. The dark meat of the chicken thighs lends well to a range of cooking methods, so you don't have to worry about the meat drying out.

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