Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece with just a few magical ingredients. This Miso Chicken with Maple and Ginger is not just a recipe—it's a flavor journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Japanese cuisine. Combining the umami-rich miso, sweet maple syrup, and zingy ginger, this dish promises to be the star of your dinner table, delivering restaurant-quality flavor right from your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 3 tablespoons miso paste
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together miso paste, maple syrup, grated fresh ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil until smooth and well combined, creating a marinade with rich, complex flavors.
- Place the boneless and skinless chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2-4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a ceramic baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Transfer the chicken thighs to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer. Reserve any remaining marinade for basting.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, basting with reserved marinade every 10 minutes to maintain moisture and enhance flavor. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the surface is golden brown and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, which helps keep the meat tender and juicy.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving. Serve hot with steamed rice or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Marination is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. While 30 minutes works, letting the chicken sit for 2-4 hours allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Room Temperature Matters: Always let your marinated chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Basting Technique: Regularly basting the chicken with reserved marinade helps keep the meat moist and builds layers of caramelized flavor.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness without drying out.
- Miso Paste Varieties: Experiment with white, yellow, or red miso paste to find your preferred flavor profile. Each type offers a slightly different depth of taste.
- Garnish Fresh: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions just before serving to add a bright, crisp element to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 140mg
