Why You’ll Love Viral Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs Recipe
This recipe combines the savory depth of miso with the sharp punch of garlic, creating an irresistible glaze that keeps chicken thighs moist and flavorful. Using the air fryer cuts down on cooking time while keeping the chicken crisp without extra oil, but the oven method works just as well for larger batches. It’s simple, quick, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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White or yellow miso paste
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Garlic cloves, minced
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Soy sauce
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Honey or maple syrup
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Rice vinegar
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Sesame oil
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Black pepper
Directions
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In a bowl, whisk together miso paste, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper to create the marinade.
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Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
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For Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the basket, cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and skin is crispy.
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For Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place chicken thighs on a lined baking sheet skin-side up and roast for 30-35 minutes, until cooked through and skin is golden and crisp.
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Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
Servings and Timing
Serves 4
Marinating time: 30 minutes to overnight
Cooking time:
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Air fryer: 18-20 minutes
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Oven: 30-35 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Miso Chicken: Add chili paste or flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
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Citrus Miso Chicken: Add grated ginger and a splash of orange juice for a bright, tangy flavor.
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Herbed Miso Chicken: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions before serving.
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Miso Glaze Only: Brush leftover marinade on chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra glaze.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooked chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the skin from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs can be used but reduce cooking time by about 5-7 minutes.
Can I make this recipe without miso paste?
Miso paste provides the signature umami flavor; if unavailable, try substituting with a mix of soy sauce and a small amount of tahini or peanut butter for a different but still flavorful result.
Do I need to marinate overnight?
Marinating for 30 minutes is enough for good flavor, but overnight enhances the taste even more.
How do I get extra crispy skin?
Pat the chicken dry before marinating, and don’t overcrowd the air fryer or baking sheet to allow air circulation.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, freeze the chicken thighs in the marinade for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Check the soy sauce brand; use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
What can I serve with garlic miso chicken?
Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad complement the flavors perfectly.
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Yes, it works well with pork chops, salmon, or tofu.
How spicy is the recipe?
The base recipe is mild, but you can add chili flakes or paste for heat.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just double the ingredients and cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Conclusion
These Viral Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings together the rich umami of miso and the punch of garlic for a crispy, juicy result every time. Whether you choose the quick air fryer method or the classic oven roast, this recipe will quickly become a favorite for weeknight dinners and special meals alike.
Viral Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs
These Viral Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs are packed with bold umami flavors from garlic and miso, delivering juicy, tender chicken with a crispy golden crust. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer or oven, this easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes to 4 hours
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4–6 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp white miso paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sake (optional)
- 1 tbsp mirin (optional)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, sake, mirin, minced garlic, honey, sesame oil, and black pepper to make the marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs and coat them well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
- For Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the basket and cook for 10 minutes.
- Flip the thighs and cook for another 8-10 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
- For Oven:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place chicken thighs on a lined baking sheet skin-side up.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the skin is crispy and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Marinating longer enhances the flavor.
- Use skin-on chicken thighs for the crispiest results.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
