Grilled Miso Maple Chicken
When it comes to cooking chicken, the marinade can make or break the dish. And this is one marinade that is incredibly simple to make and packs a major WOW factor. Introducing Grilled Miso Maple Chicken—a recipe that promises juicy, tender, and flavourful results each and every time. This dish isn’t just about amazing flavour; it’s also incredibly versatile, making it a great option for any time of year and perfect for batch cooking. Let’s dive into why this recipe should become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Miso Maple Chicken
The secret to this recipe lies in its simple yet powerful marinade. Miso paste brings a deep, savoury umami flavour, while maple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness while the rice vinegar rounds everything out with a bright-tart finish. Together, they create a perfect balance, resulting in a chicken dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
This marinade not only infuses the chicken with flavour but also helps to keep it incredibly moist and tender. The miso acts as a natural tenderizer, breaking down the proteins in the chicken, while the maple syrup helps the chicken caramelize beautifully on the grill.
What you get is chicken that’s juicy on the inside with a deliciously sticky and slightly charred exterior—perfection!
Adaptable for Any Season
One of the best things about this Grilled Miso Maple Chicken is its adaptability. While grilling is perfect for summer, this recipe transitions seamlessly into other seasons:
Spring: Pair the grilled chicken with a light and fresh salad, perhaps using seasonal greens and a citrus vinaigrette.
Summer: Serve it with sweet corn on the cob and grilled vegetables for a vibrant, colorful meal.
Fall: Accompany the chicken with roasted root vegetables and a drizzle of extra maple syrup for a cozy, comforting dish.
Winter: Bring the grilling indoors by using a grill pan or even baking the chicken in the oven, serving it with warm, as a rice bowl with steamed broccoli.
This recipe serves 4 and doubles beautifully.
Grilled Miso Maple Chicken
Miso Marinade:
2 tablespoons white miso paste
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce or low-sodium tamari
1 large garlic clove, grated
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/8 teaspoon gochugaru or red pepper flakes
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
For Serving (optional):
Steamed Rice
Coleslaw
Corn on the cob
Fresh herbs such as basil or cilantro
Directions:
Marinade the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the 2 tbsp miso paste, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce, 1 garlic clove, grated, 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced, 1/8 tsp (or to taste) Gochujang or red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Add the chicken thighs and stir to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (450-500F). Remove the chicken from the marinade and allow as much excess marinade to drip off. Grill the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side (6-8 mins total). Allow the chicken to rest for 15-0 minutes before slicing.
Serve in rice bowls with or with a side salad.
Perfect for Batch Cooking
Are you in a season where batch cooking would serve you? This Grilled Miso Maple Chicken is an excellent choice to put on your batching menu! The marinade can be made in large quantities, allowing you to marinate a big batch of chicken breasts, thighs, or even drumsticks. Portion out what can be frozen for a future date, and then grill what you need for today. The extra cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to four days, making meal prep for the week a breeze.
You can enjoy the leftovers in a variety of ways:
Salads: Slice the chicken thinly and toss it into a fresh salad.
Sandwiches: Layer it on a sandwich with some crunchy slaw and a smear of spicy mayo.
Stir-Fries: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to a quick stir-fry with your favorite vegetables.
Grilled Miso Maple Chicken is more than just a recipe—it’s a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re grilling outdoors in the summer or cooking indoors in the winter, this recipe adapts to your needs and satisfies every time. Plus, with the added benefit of being perfect for batch cooking, it’s a must-have for any busy home cook.
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