Garlic Miso Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Miso Chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish that combines the savory depth of miso with the zing of garlic and mirin. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, especially when using an air fryer for a crispy finish.

Ingredients
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp minced green onions (about 2 green stalks)
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- Garnish with green onions and cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the mirin, white miso paste, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and the white part of the green onions. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and massage them thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Line your air fryer tray or basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Step 4: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer on the tray, pouring any remaining miso glaze over the chicken to keep it moist.
- Step 5: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Step 6: To achieve a nice crust, broil the chicken for an additional 2 minutes after air frying.
- Step 7: Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Step 8: Baste the chicken with any leftover pan juices, then garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a milder garlic flavor, reduce the minced garlic to 1 teaspoon or substitute with garlic powder.
- Try swapping chicken thighs for chicken breasts, but reduce air frying time slightly to prevent drying out.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, this recipe can be roasted in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Add a splash of toasted sesame oil to the marinade for an extra nutty aroma.
Storage
Store leftover Garlic Miso Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep it moist, adding a splash of water or leftover glaze if needed.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight will deepen the flavors, but even 30 minutes to 1 hour yields delicious results.
Is white miso paste easy to find?
White miso paste is commonly available at most grocery stores in the refrigerated section or at Asian markets. It has a mild, sweet flavor perfect for this recipe.
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Garlic Miso Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Garlic Miso Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of white miso paste, mirin, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and green onions. Air-fried to perfection and finished under the broiler for a crispy, caramelized crust, this dish brings a delicious umami-rich Japanese-inspired flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 2 tbsp minced green onions (white part only, from 2 green stalks)
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
Garnish
- Minced green onions (green parts)
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mirin, white miso paste, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and the white part of the green onions. Mix thoroughly until fully blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the bowl with the miso marinade. Massage the marinade well into the chicken pieces to ensure they are evenly coated and fully flavored.
- Prepare Air Fryer: Line the air fryer tray or basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange Chicken in Air Fryer: Place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer on the lined air fryer tray. Pour all remaining miso glaze over the chicken to keep it juicy and flavorful during cooking.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Broil for Finish: After air frying, broil the chicken for 2 minutes to achieve a nicely caramelized crust and enhance color.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C), indicating it is safely cooked.
- Serve: Baste the chicken with any leftover pan juices for extra flavor, garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro, then serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Garlic Miso Chicken.
Notes
- Using boneless skinless thighs helps keep the chicken tender and juicy.
- Make sure to flip the chicken halfway during air frying for even cooking.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, then broil to finish.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying honey usage according to taste preferences.
- To avoid sticking, ensure the parchment paper or foil is properly secured inside the air fryer basket.
- Leftover marinade can be boiled briefly and used as a sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Keywords: Garlic Miso Chicken, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Japanese Chicken Recipes, Miso Glazed Chicken, Easy Dinner Recipes, Air Fried Chicken

