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If you’re craving an irresistible dish that combines savory, sweet, and umami flavors all in one bite, you’re going to love this Grilled Miso Marinated Chicken Recipe. This chicken is marinated in a luscious mixture of miso paste, honey, garlic, and ginger, then grilled to perfection so each bite bursts with vibrant flavor and irresistible juiciness. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both special and simple, perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays a starring role in making this Grilled Miso Marinated Chicken Recipe utterly delicious. From the creamy miso paste to the toasty sesame oil, every element balances flavor, texture, and color beautifully.
- 1/4 cup white miso paste: This is the heart of the marinade, bringing a deep, savory umami boost that makes the chicken unforgettable.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds salty richness and helps balance the sweetness from the honey.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Offers a gentle tang that brightens the marinade and tenderizes the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Sweetness that caramelizes slightly on the grill for a gorgeous glaze.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: A zing of warmth to complement the miso’s earthiness.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Infuses a nutty, toasty flavor that makes the marinade extra special.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for soaking up all those wonderful flavors.
- Sliced green onions: For a fresh, crisp garnish that adds bright color and a mild onion crunch.
- Sesame seeds: Tiny bursts of nuttiness and texture, great for visual appeal and taste.
How to Make Grilled Miso Marinated Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together white miso paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl. This blend creates an irresistibly rich marinade that will coat the chicken with layers of flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your boneless chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag, then pour the marinade over them. Make sure each breast is generously coated. Seal or cover the container and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, although marinating it for up to 24 hours will deepen the flavor beautifully.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Set your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for achieving those coveted grill marks while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, giving it a gentle shake to leave excess behind, and discard the leftover marinade. Cook the chicken on the grill for 6 to 8 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and has lovely caramelized grill marks that add both flavor and texture.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your grilled miso marinated chicken to a platter and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh, nutty finish that elevates every bite. Serve immediately, and enjoy the harmony of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors.
How to Serve Grilled Miso Marinated Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sliced green onions and lightly toasted sesame seeds are the classic way to finish this dish, adding crunchy texture and a pop of color. For extra vibrancy, a wedge of lemon or a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro gives a bright contrast to the rich marinade.
Side Dishes
Grilled Miso Marinated Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice to soak up any extra juices, or a refreshingly crisp cucumber salad. Roasted vegetables or grilled asparagus are also fantastic choices, adding earthy undertones and a beautiful plate presentation.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning weeknight dinner or casual gathering, slice the grilled chicken and arrange it over a bed of mixed greens drizzled with a light sesame dressing. You could also skewer the chicken chunks and serve them alongside pickled vegetables and steamed rice bowls for a fun, interactive meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your grilled chicken cools to room temperature, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This grilled miso marinated chicken recipe will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners that don’t sacrifice taste.
Freezing
If you want to keep this chicken longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooked chicken breasts or slices in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. It will keep well for up to 2 months and still retain much of that wonderful marinade flavor after thawing.
Reheating
To gently reheat, place the chicken in a covered dish and warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it juicy. Avoid overcooking to maintain that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this Grilled Miso Marinated Chicken Recipe a true standout.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully with this marinade because their higher fat content keeps them moist and tender, and they pick up the miso flavor beautifully.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
While 30 minutes is enough to infuse good flavor, marinating for several hours or up to 24 hours will give you a deeper, richer taste. Just make sure to refrigerate while marinating.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can achieve excellent results by broiling the chicken in your oven or cooking it in a hot cast-iron skillet on the stovetop. Just watch carefully to avoid burning the marinade sugar.
Is white miso paste different from other types of miso?
Yes, white miso is milder and sweeter compared to red or darker misos, which tend to be saltier and more intense. For this grilled chicken, white miso creates a delicate balance of flavor that complements the honey and ginger.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Definitely! The marinade can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before using. Just give it a stir before tossing with the chicken to make sure everything is well combined.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Miso Marinated Chicken Recipe is one of those gems that’s surprisingly easy yet packed with incredible flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or want to dazzle your guests, this chicken delivers that perfect combination of savory, sweet, and smoky every time. Give it a try—you’ll soon find it becoming a go-to favorite in your recipe collection!
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Grilled Miso Marinated Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
This grilled miso marinated chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with a savory and slightly sweet miso marinade. The combination of white miso paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil creates a flavorful Asian-inspired dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for grilling season. Garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, it’s a delicious and visually appealing meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/4 cup white miso paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together white miso paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours to enhance the flavor.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375-400°F (190-200°C), to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Discard any leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through, tender, and displays distinct grill marks.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled miso marinated chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds to add a fresh, crunchy contrast. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your flavorful grilled chicken.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will deepen the flavor, but a minimum of 30 minutes is sufficient for a tasty result.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- The marinade can be adjusted to taste by adding more honey for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop as an alternative cooking method.
- Leftover grilled chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and is great for salads or sandwiches.
