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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, air fryer boneless 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.
Jump to:
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.
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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 - 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!
Recipe
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.
berlin
this is an interesting recipe. i love miso but necer thoight it can be used to roast chicken. will definitely try this recipe.
Danielle
It's wonderful on chicken. Hope you get a chance to try it!
kumamonjeng
I love miso paste and I usually use it for miso soup with toful and seaweed. Your recipe is really something new and I love to try it out. I love how you have also added in natural honey for the sweetness. Very much looking forward to the taste.
Danielle
The miso paste is just amazing mixed with the butter and honey. Hope you give it a shot!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Chicken thighs are the best part of the bird. This look so juicy. I LOVE cooking in my cast iron too. I know my family would love this any night of the week.
Danielle
I totally agree - chicken thighs are def the best! And cast iron is the way to go 🙂
Catherine
I love the flavors of this dish...sounds absolutely delicious!
Danielle
Thanks Catherine!
wander women abroad
this looks spectacular I can wait to try this out! I'm sure my family will love it
Danielle
Thanks! I hope you guys love it!
Joanna
I do like chicken tights, is the chicken breast I am not really fond of. I like this recipe and I'd love to try it out. Just tonight I cooked chicken in a mustard, garlic and cumin marinade, which turned out delicious. I like experimenting with marinades.
Danielle
I'm not a huge fan of chicken breasts either, most of my recipes are thighs. That marinade sounds delicious!
jordan
Chicken thighs are great when they're made right! These definitely look tasty.
Danielle
Totally agree! Thanks Jordan.
Cristina Petrini
Chicken is a lean meat that I love to eat in many ways. I'll try this recipe too!
Danielle
Totally - chicken thighs are delicious!
Heidy L. McCallum
Good morning! These photos sing to me and make want to make this recipe immediately I always love a good phot to bring out inspiration for a recipe. Miso butter chicken thighs sound divine. Saving for later.
Danielle
Thanks so much Heidi! I love a good food photo too - always makes me hungry 🙂
Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen
I love the flavor of miso - what a great idea!! Definitely trying this soon, there's nothing not to love!
Danielle
Thanks carrie!
Stacie
I LOVE cooking with chicken thighs. They have a great flavor, and they're so juicy. I can't wait to try this recipe.
Danielle
Chicken thighs are just the BEST! Hope you love the recipe!
Meghna
This sounds like a perfect dinner with delicious flavors. Thanks for the recipe.
Danielle
Thanks Meghna!
Demeter
This sounds like such a flavorful dish! Perfect for a date night in.
Danielle
Definitely! Thanks Demeter 🙂
Emmeline
This sounds amazing!! I love miso paste and if you ask me the thigh is the very best part of the chicken. Definitely trying this out!
Danielle
The thigh is most definitely the best part! Hope you love it Emmeline!
David
sounds delicious! I'm a believer you can never have too much garlic! recipes like this remind me I need to make chicken thighs more.
Danielle
Totally true! Garlic is just so delicious. As are chicken thighs!
Healthy World Cuisine
Loving themed months! Of course Japanese cuisine is one dear to our hearts. Love how this chicken dish is filled with umami flavors
Danielle@wenthere8this
I just thought themed months would be so fun! Thanks for the kind words.