Miso chicken is a quick and delicious Asian-inspired chicken dish that’s ready in under 20 minutes. It doesn’t require any marinating, making it a perfect choice for a fast weeknight dinner. The combination of miso, honey, and butter creates a rich, savory glaze, and it pairs wonderfully with a bowl of rice or a simple salad. Even picky eaters love this dish!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• 5 tablespoons salted butter

• 3 tablespoons white miso

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 green onion, chopped

• 3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for about 15 seconds.

2. Add miso and honey to the melted butter, stirring to combine. Chop the green onion and mix it in. Set aside.

3. Heat olive oil or avocado oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.

4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan. Cook for 8 minutes on one side, then flip the chicken and cook for another 8 minutes, reducing the heat if the crust forms too quickly.

5. Add the miso-honey-butter mixture to the pan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, flipping the chicken to coat both sides.

6. Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F.

7. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips or bite-sized pieces.

8. Serve the chicken with rice, a side of hot sauce, or as a protein in a salad. Optional: Top with toasted sesame seeds for added flavor.

Nutrients

• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 22g

• Carbs: 10g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 7g

What Makes Miso Chicken So Special?

The allure of miso chicken lies in the unique and vibrant combination of flavors that miso, honey, and butter create. Miso, a fermented paste made from soybeans, brings a deep umami flavor that enhances the chicken’s natural richness. The honey adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the savory depth of the miso, while the butter smooths everything out, creating a luxurious glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.

This glaze, when combined with the crispy, golden-brown chicken, delivers a delightful contrast of textures—crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. The addition of green onions adds a hint of freshness and a slight sharpness that cuts through the richness of the sauce, further elevating the dish. The result is a meal that’s both complex in flavor and easy to make, making it a standout choice for any dinner.

Why Miso Chicken Is Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

One of the reasons why miso chicken is such a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners is because of how quick and easy it is to prepare. Unlike many other Asian-inspired dishes that require marinating or hours of preparation, miso chicken can be ready in under 20 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for busy families or anyone who wants to get a delicious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

The beauty of this dish is that it doesn’t require marinating, which saves both time and effort. Simply season the chicken, cook it, and then coat it with the miso-honey-butter glaze. In no time, you have a restaurant-quality meal that’s both flavorful and filling. For those who enjoy a little variety, miso chicken can also be easily adapted—serve it with rice, vegetables, or as a protein in a salad, making it as versatile as it is delicious.

The Flavor Profile: Sweet, Savory, and Rich

The flavor profile of miso chicken is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and rich elements. The miso provides a deep, umami-packed base that gives the dish its savory backbone. Miso’s salty, earthy undertones pair beautifully with the natural sweetness of honey, creating a harmonious contrast. The honey not only balances the saltiness of the miso but also helps to create a sticky, luscious glaze that coats the chicken perfectly.

Butter, the final key ingredient, adds a creamy, luxurious element to the sauce. It helps to round out the flavors, ensuring that the miso-honey combination doesn’t become too overpowering. The result is a rich, well-rounded glaze that adheres to the chicken, creating a satisfying bite with every mouthful.

Green onions, sprinkled throughout the dish, contribute a fresh, mild onion flavor that adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the sauce. Optional toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, making each bite even more satisfying.

A Nutritional Look at Miso Chicken

Miso chicken is not only quick and delicious but also provides a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. The chicken serves as a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. At approximately 30 grams of protein per serving, miso chicken offers a substantial amount of protein, making it a filling and satisfying meal.

The fat content in this dish primarily comes from the butter, which adds richness and helps the flavors meld together. Although butter does contribute to the saturated fat content, the overall fat in the dish is balanced by the lean protein from the chicken. The honey contributes a small amount of sugar to the dish, but the total sugar content remains relatively low for a savory dish, making it a reasonable option for most diets.

With 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving, miso chicken is a low-carb option that can easily be paired with a variety of sides to suit your preferences. Serving it with rice, for example, will increase the carbohydrate content, but the dish remains balanced with protein and fat, ensuring a satisfying meal.

How to Serve Miso Chicken

Miso chicken is incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to serve it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

1. With Rice: One of the simplest and most satisfying ways to serve miso chicken is with a bowl of steamed rice. The rice soaks up the rich, savory glaze, making for a comforting and filling meal.

2. In a Salad: For a lighter, fresh option, serve the miso chicken over a bed of mixed greens or your favorite salad ingredients. The sweetness and umami of the chicken pair well with the crispness of fresh vegetables, and you can drizzle some extra miso-honey sauce over the top for added flavor.

3. With Stir-Fried Vegetables: To keep things light and nutritious, serve the miso chicken alongside stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. The vegetables add crunch and color, complementing the tender chicken and rich glaze.

4. With Noodles: If you’re craving something heartier, serve the miso chicken with soba noodles or any type of Asian noodles. The noodles can absorb the sauce, making each bite even more flavorful.

5. On Its Own: For those who want a simple, no-fuss meal, miso chicken can also be enjoyed on its own. The crispy chicken, coated in the sweet and savory glaze, is delicious enough to stand alone, providing a filling and satisfying meal.

Tips for Perfecting Miso Chicken

To ensure your miso chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

1. Use a Food Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. This ensures that the chicken is safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.

2. Control the Heat: Be mindful of the heat when cooking the chicken. You want a golden-brown crust on the outside, but be careful not to let it burn. If the crust forms too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to allow the chicken to cook evenly.

3. Make It Spicy: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, you can easily add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the miso-honey-butter glaze. This will give the dish an extra kick, balancing the sweetness with some spicy notes.

4. Customize the Glaze: While the miso-honey-butter glaze is delicious as is, feel free to experiment with different flavors. You can add a splash of soy sauce, rice vinegar, or even a little ginger for extra depth.

Conclusion: A Quick, Flavorful Dinner

Miso chicken is the perfect dish for busy weeknights when you want something quick, easy, and full of flavor. With its rich, savory glaze and tender chicken, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether served with rice, in a salad, or on its own, miso chicken offers a delicious combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors that everyone will love. Best of all, it’s ready in under 20 minutes, making it a go-to meal for those short on time but big on taste.