One bite of that tender, garlicky, miso-glazed chicken from Zippy’s and I knew I had to figure out how to make it in my own kitchen.
After a few test runs (and some very willing taste testers), I landed on this Zippys Garlic Miso Chicken Recipe that’s become a go-to for quick dinners.
It’s made with boneless chicken thighs and a marinade loaded with garlic, soy sauce, honey, and miso paste.
Whether you’ve had chicken with miso before or not, this dish is packed with flavor and comfort in every bite. I’m sharing it the way I make it at home—with easy steps, helpful tips, and options for everyone.
What Is In Miso Chicken?
Miso chicken is a simple but flavorful dish made by marinating chicken in a miso paste-based sauce. This usually includes soy sauce, garlic, honey, and vinegar or mirin for balance.
The miso chicken thighs are seared or grilled until slightly caramelized, making a savory-sweet chicken miso dish that’s full of umami flavor.
Zippys Garlic Miso Chicken Recipe
This Zippys Garlic Miso Chicken Recipe is all about juicy chicken miso thighs coated in a rich miso glaze full of garlic, soy sauce, and honey. It’s a miso chicken dish that’s quick enough for weeknights and tasty enough for guests.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1–2 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (active), 1–2 hrs marinating
- Cuisine: Hawaiian / Asian Fusion
- Course: Main
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: 4 servings
- Calories: ~310 per serving
Ingredients
For The Miso Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 3 tablespoons white miso paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for cooking)
Ingredient Notes:
- Chicken: I prefer miso chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender. But you can use chicken breasts if you like a leaner cut.
- Miso Paste: White miso works best for this. It’s mild and slightly sweet, which balances the garlic and soy.
- Mirin: Adds a mild sweetness. If unavailable, a splash of dry sherry or more rice vinegar with sugar can work.
- Honey: Adds a soft sweetness to round out the miso flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate The Chicken
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the white miso paste, soy sauce, honey, mirin, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. This is your miso chicken marinade.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them well. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, but I recommend 2 hours if you’ve got the time. It helps the flavor really get into the chicken.
Tip: Don’t marinate overnight—miso is salty and can make the chicken too strong.
Step 2: Cook The Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Remove excess marinade from the chicken (just shake it off gently) and place the pieces into the hot pan. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes on the first side to get a nice sear.
Flip and cook for another 4–5 minutes, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook another 8–10 minutes until fully cooked through.
Pro Tip: You want the miso glaze to caramelize but not burn—so don’t rush it. If it’s browning too fast, lower the heat slightly.
Step 3: Garnish And Serve
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. Slice or serve whole, and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for freshness and crunch.
Do Garlic And Miso Go Together?
Absolutely. Garlic and miso work like magic together. Garlic brings a sharp, savory depth while miso paste adds a salty, fermented punch. The combo makes an ideal miso glaze that clings to the chicken and packs every bite with flavor.
Pairing & Serving Suggestions
This dish goes great with:
- Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
- Stir-fried veggies like bok choy or snow peas
- Pickled cucumbers for a fresh crunch
- A cold iced green tea or warm miso soup on the side
You can even turn leftovers into a killer chicken miso rice bowl with an egg on top!
Personal Touch & Expert Tips
Here’s what I’ve learned making this dish again and again:
- Don’t skip the rest after cooking. Letting the chicken sit for a few minutes makes it juicier.
- Use skinless chicken thighs if you want more flavor – they hold up better to the marinade than breasts.
- Slice against the grain for tender bites.
- Wanna grill it? Go for it. Just oil the grill well and watch for burning because of the honey.
This recipe is simple, but the flavor really sings when you take your time with the marinade and searing.
FAQs About Zippys Garlic Miso Chicken Recipe
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead Of Thighs?
Yes! Just make sure not to overcook them. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster, so keep the heat medium and monitor doneness closely.
What Type Of Miso Should I Use?
White miso (shiro miso) is best. It’s milder and sweeter than red or mixed miso and works well for a miso chicken marinade.
Can I Bake This Instead Of Pan-Searing?
You can! Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place marinated chicken in a baking dish, and cook for 20–25 minutes until caramelized and cooked through.
Can I Freeze The Marinated Chicken?
Yes, freeze the chicken in the marinade before cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as usual.
Is This The Same As Zippy’s Restaurant Version?
It’s inspired by it! I tweaked the flavors slightly to make it easier for home cooks, but it’s super close in taste and feel.
If you’ve been craving that savory-sweet Garlic Miso Chicken from Zippys, this recipe will hit the spot. It’s cozy, flavorful, and easy enough for any weeknight dinner.
I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—drop a comment, share your version, or tag me on social media! And if you liked this, check out my other Hawaiian-style or chicken miso recipes on the blog. Happy cooking,
Naznin
Easy Zippys Garlic Miso Chicken Recipe Guide
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 3 tablespoons white miso paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons green onions chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil for cooking
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate The Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the white miso paste, soy sauce, honey, mirin, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. This is your miso chicken marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them well. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, but I recommend 2 hours if you’ve got the time. It helps the flavor really get into the chicken.
- Tip: Don’t marinate overnight—miso is salty and can make the chicken too strong.
Step 2: Cook The Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove excess marinade from the chicken (just shake it off gently) and place the pieces into the hot pan. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes on the first side to get a nice sear.
- Flip and cook for another 4–5 minutes, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook another 8–10 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Pro Tip: You want the miso glaze to caramelize but not burn—so don’t rush it. If it’s browning too fast, lower the heat slightly.
Step 3: Garnish And Serve
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. Slice or serve whole, and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for freshness and crunch.
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