Grilled Chicken with Miso Glaze

Grilled Miso Glazed Chicken is simple, fast and packed with flavor. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are brushed with a glossy miso glaze made from white miso paste, ghee, light brown sugar, rice vinegar, sriracha, ginger and garlic. The chicken is grilled until caramelized and juicy, then served over rice, with a crunchy slaw, tucked into a wrap or scattered over a salad. This recipe makes about 4 servings, depending on portion size.

Grilled Miso Glazed Chicken

Beat the dinner rut with miso

White miso lends a mild, subtly sweet umami that pairs perfectly with fresh ginger and garlic. Rice vinegar adds brightness, while a touch of sriracha gives a gentle heat. I often serve this grilled miso chicken with jasmine rice and a crunchy, colorful slaw, but it’s equally good in sandwiches, wraps or on top of a hearty salad. The glaze is forgiving and quick to make, so this is an ideal weeknight grilling option.

Grilled Miso Glazed Chicken

This is a straightforward recipe with big flavor and minimal fuss.

Ingredients for Grilled Miso Glazed Chicken

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons white miso paste – provides savory, slightly sweet umami.
  • 2 tablespoons ghee – brings richness and stands up to high heat.
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar – balances the savory miso with gentle sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste (or freshly grated) – adds warm, aromatic brightness.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic paste (or freshly grated) – for savory depth.
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha – adjust to taste for mild heat.
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar – adds acidity and lift.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper – offers a cleaner, slightly sharper pepper note.
  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs – thighs stay tender and juicy on the grill.

miso glaze ingredients in bowl

Make the glaze

In a medium bowl combine the miso paste, light brown sugar, ghee, rice vinegar, sriracha, ginger paste, garlic paste and white pepper. Whisk or stir until smooth and evenly combined. Reserve about one third of the glaze to brush on the chicken while grilling; use the remaining glaze to marinate the chicken.

stir to combine

Prepare the chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a shallow bowl or dish and toss with about two thirds of the miso glaze so each piece is well coated. If you prefer, wear disposable gloves to rub the marinade evenly over the meat. Let the chicken sit briefly while you prepare the grill and oil the grates.

add half to bowl with boneless skinless chicken thighs

Reserve the remaining glaze for brushing the chicken on the grill.

use gloves to coat chicken evenly

Dip a wad of paper towel in a high-temperature oil and use tongs to grease the grill grates lightly. This helps prevent sticking and encourages even caramelization.

reserve glaze for brushing on grilled chicken

Preheat the grill

Preheat your grill to between 400°F and 450°F (about medium-high). When the grates are hot, place the chicken smooth-side down and close the lid. Grill for about 4 minutes to develop a good sear.

grease grill grates well before preheating

Flip the chicken, quickly brush with the reserved glaze and close the lid. Grill another 3 to 4 minutes, depending on the thickness, then flip and brush again if needed. Continue grilling just until the chicken is fully cooked through and nicely caramelized, about 2 more minutes after the final brush. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.

grill chicken on preheated grill

Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. Resting helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender and moist.

brush reserved glaze on grilled chicken

Serving suggestions

Serve the miso glazed chicken over steamed rice with a simple slaw or roasted vegetables for a balanced plate. It also makes a flavorful filling for wraps, bowls or salads. Garnish with sliced scallions, sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime if you like.

Grilled Miso Glazed Chicken

Enjoy! If you try this Grilled Miso Glazed Chicken, take a photo and share it with friends and family — it’s a crowd-pleaser.

Grilled Miso Glazed Chicken

Grilled Miso Glazed Chicken Thighs

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons white miso paste
  • 2 tablespoons ghee
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste or freshly grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon garlic paste or freshly grated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar (unseasoned)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

Instructions

  1. Combine the miso paste, brown sugar, ghee, rice vinegar, sriracha, ginger, garlic and white pepper in a medium bowl and stir until smooth.
  2. Place the chicken in a shallow dish and toss with about two thirds of the glaze. Reserve the remaining glaze for brushing while grilling.
  3. Oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in a high-heat oil. Preheat the grill to 400–450°F (medium-high).
  4. Grill the chicken smooth-side down for 4 minutes. Flip, brush with reserved glaze, close the lid and grill 3–4 minutes more, depending on thickness.
  5. Flip and brush again, then grill until cooked through, about 1–2 additional minutes. Remove and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Nutrition information is provided as a general guideline only.