Umami-Infused Grilled Miso Chicken Thighs
Savor the rich flavors of Japanese-inspired grilled chicken thighs, marinated in a savory blend of light soy sauce, aromatic sake, and sweet mirin, enhanced by the depth of light miso, fresh ginger, and garlic. This recipe celebrates the juicy tenderness of boneless chicken thighs with the added fragrance of green onions and the warm spice of five-spice powder. Perfectly grilled to golden perfection, these thighs are an excellent choice for gatherings or a delicious weeknight dinner, making any meal memorable. Serve them garnished with toasted sesame seeds for an added crunch and flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
light soy sauce
2 (tablespoons)
sake
2 (tablespoons)
mirin
2 (tablespoons)
light miso
2 (tablespoons)
green onions
2 (crushed and slivered)
gingerroot
1 (teaspoon, minced)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
boneless chicken thighs
8 (skin intact)
five-spice powder
1 (tablespoon)
toasted sesame seeds
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a rectangular baking dish, combine the light soy sauce, sake, mirin, light miso, slivered green onions, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Blend thoroughly to create a marinade.
2
Add the boneless chicken thighs into the baking dish, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid.
3
Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight. Turn the chicken occasionally to ensure even flavor absorption.
4
Prepare your cooking surface by preheating a hibachi, portable tabletop grill, or charcoal grill. Alternatively, a skillet can be used over medium-high heat.
5
After marination, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off before patting the chicken dry with paper towels.
6
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the preheated grill. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
7
Flip the chicken and grill the other side for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear.
8
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and five-spice powder for a delightful finish. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary flavors of the Umami-Infused Grilled Miso Chicken Thighs?
This dish features a rich, savory profile known as umami, derived from the combination of light miso, soy sauce, sake, and mirin, complemented by fresh ginger, garlic, and aromatic five-spice powder.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for boneless chicken thighs with the skin intact to ensure the meat remains juicy and tender while the skin becomes crispy and flavorful during grilling.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor absorption, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, though letting it sit overnight in the refrigerator is ideal for the most intense taste.
What is in the miso marinade?
The marinade consists of light soy sauce, sake, mirin, light miso, slivered green onions, minced ginger, and minced garlic.
Can I use a different type of miso?
While the recipe calls for light miso (Shiro miso) for its mellow sweetness, you can use red or dark miso for a deeper, saltier, and more intense fermented flavor.
What if I don't have a grill?
If a charcoal or hibachi grill is unavailable, you can cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
Why do I need to pat the chicken dry before grilling?
Patting the chicken dry with paper towels removes excess moisture from the surface, which allows the skin to sear and become crispy rather than steaming.
How do I know when the chicken thighs are fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it has been grilled for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, the juices run clear, and it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What is five-spice powder?
Five-spice powder is a warm spice blend typically consisting of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds, providing a complex finish to the dish.
How should I garnish the finished chicken?
Once removed from the grill, sprinkle the thighs generously with toasted sesame seeds and five-spice powder for extra crunch and aroma.
Can I substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them as they are leaner and may dry out faster than thighs.
Is there a substitute for sake in the marinade?
You can substitute sake with dry sherry or a dry white wine. For a non-alcoholic version, use water or chicken broth with a pinch of sugar.
What can I use if I don't have mirin?
Mirin can be replaced by a mix of dry white wine or rice vinegar with about half a teaspoon of sugar per tablespoon of liquid.
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
Yes, bone-in thighs work well but will require a longer grilling time to ensure the meat near the bone is fully cooked.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Ensure your grill is properly preheated and lightly oil the grates before placing the chicken skin-side down.
Can this recipe be made in the oven?
Yes, you can roast the marinated chicken in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
How many chicken thighs does this recipe serve?
The recipe uses 8 boneless chicken thighs, which typically serves 4 to 6 people depending on the serving size.
What should I serve as a side dish?
This chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, a fresh cucumber salad, or grilled bok choy.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is not inherently spicy, but the five-spice powder and ginger add a warm depth of flavor. You can add chili flakes to the marinade if you prefer heat.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can place the chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe bag and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Standard soy sauce and miso contain wheat. To make this gluten-free, use tamari and a certified gluten-free miso paste.
Why use light miso instead of dark miso?
Light miso is fermented for a shorter time, resulting in a sweeter, milder flavor that doesn't overpower the delicate taste of the sake and mirin.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I use ground ginger instead of gingerroot?
Yes, use about 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger if you do not have fresh gingerroot.
What is a hibachi grill?
A hibachi is a traditional Japanese heating device, often a small, portable charcoal grill, perfect for high-heat searing of meats like these chicken thighs.
Can I add honey to the marinade?
Yes, a teaspoon of honey can be added for extra sweetness, but be careful as the sugar may cause the chicken to char more quickly on the grill.
Should I turn the chicken during marination?
Yes, turning the chicken occasionally ensures that all sides of the thighs absorb the marinade evenly.
What does sake do in a marinade?
Sake helps tenderize the meat and removes any gamey odors, while adding a subtle umami depth to the sauce.
Can I use green onion whites in the marinade?
Yes, both the whites and the greens of the onions are used to provide a mild onion fragrance to the chicken.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. You can marinate the chicken in advance and grill it when needed, and the leftovers taste great cold or reheated in salads and bowls.