Spicy Miso Grilled Chicken
A Bold Fusion of Korean and Japanese Flavors, Perfect for Grilling Season
Introduction
If you love bold, savory dishes that wake up your taste buds, this Spicy Miso Grilled Chicken needs to be on your grill ASAP. With a marinade made from shiro miso, gochujang, and other flavorful staples of Korean and Japanese cooking, this dish hits every note—umami, heat, sweetness, and smokiness. The result? Chicken thighs that are juicy, charred just right, and absolutely addictive.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish brings serious flavor without requiring a long ingredient list or complex prep. The shiro miso adds depth, gochujang delivers spice, and mirin, sake, and sugar balance it out with a subtle sweetness. It’s fast to make, perfect for summer grilling, and the leftovers (if you have any) are fantastic in rice bowls or salads.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons shiro miso
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sake
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic ginger paste (or ½ tsp each of garlic & ginger, minced)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 boneless skin-on chicken thighs
Substitutions & Tips
- Shiro miso is light and mildly sweet—use red miso for deeper flavor, but reduce the quantity slightly.
- Gochujang is key for heat; substitute with sriracha in a pinch, though it won’t have the same fermented kick.
- Mirin and sake can be swapped for dry sherry or rice vinegar + sugar if needed.
- Boneless skin-on thighs give the best results, but skinless thighs or even drumsticks work too.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine shiro miso, gochujang, mirin, soy sauce, sake, sugar, garlic-ginger paste, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken thighs in the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high. If using charcoal, wait until the coals are hot and have ashed over for even cooking.
4. Grill the Chicken
Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Discard leftover marinade.
Grill chicken skin-side down for 6–8 minutes, then flip and grill another 6–8 minutes.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) and the outside should be nicely charred.
5. Rest and Serve
Transfer grilled chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. This locks in the juices.
Serve hot with rice, grilled vegetables, or a crunchy slaw.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken
- Let it marinate overnight if possible—the flavor gets even better.
- Clean your grill grates to avoid sticking and maximize those grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking—165°F is perfect.
- Don’t skip the resting period—it helps keep the chicken juicy and tender.
What to Serve With Spicy Miso Chicken
This grilled chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, both classic and globally inspired:
- Steamed jasmine or sticky rice
- Grilled zucchini or miso-glazed eggplant
- A crisp cucumber salad or tangy Asian slaw
- Want more flavor-packed ideas? Try it with:
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
- Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a fun fusion vibe
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or enjoy cold in salads or wraps.
- Freeze grilled chicken for up to 2 months—slice first for easy portioning.
- Great for bento boxes or rice bowls throughout the week!
More Recipes You’ll Love
Craving more bold and flavorful meals? Try these fan favorites:
- Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole – a one-pan wonder
- Easy Turkey Wings – simple and satisfying
- Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage – Southern flavor at its best
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Miso Grilled Chicken is everything you want in a summer dish: savory, smoky, spicy, and seriously juicy. It’s easy to prep, fun to grill, and guaranteed to impress at any cookout or dinner table. Plus, it brings together the best of Korean and Japanese flavors in one delicious bite.
Try it out, snap a photo, and tag your plate! And don’t forget to explore more bold, comforting dishes at ChefManiac.com. 🍗🔥🇰🇷🇯🇵
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