If your weeknight dinner routine feels like a never-ending loop of “Ugh, what’s for dinner again?” — I feel you. That’s exactly why Garlic Miso Chicken has become my latest obsession (and trust me, once you try it, it’ll be yours too). Tender, savory, a little sweet, and bursting with umami magic, this dish has gone viral for all the right reasons.
Not only is it packed with flavor, it’s also insanely easy to whip up — especially if you’ve got an air fryer and 30 minutes to spare. It’s perfect for busy moms juggling 300 things, professionals needing a fuss-free meal, or anyone just craving something truly satisfying that doesn’t come from a takeout menu.
Let’s dive in. Your taste buds are about to fall in love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Miso Chicken
Oh, where do I begin?
This viral Garlic Miso Chicken Thigh recipe checks all the boxes:
- ✅ Air fryer friendly = minimal cleanup (hallelujah).
- ✅ Packed with flavor from simple pantry staples like miso, soy, garlic, and honey.
- ✅ Juicy, caramelized chicken every single time.
- ✅ Great for meal prep or impressing guests with minimal effort.
This recipe came into my life during one of those “scrolling Instagram at midnight” moments — and let me tell you, it looked too good not to try. Spoiler: it was that good.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to bring this Garlic Miso Chicken to life:
Chicken + Marinade:
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp minced green onions (use the white part for the marinade)
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions (green tops)
- Cilantro (optional, but highly recommended)
Tools:
- Typhur Air Fryer (or any air fryer you love)
- Typhur thermometer (or any reliable meat thermometer)
How to Make Viral Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs
Ready for kitchen glory? Let’s get cookin’.
1. Make the Magic Marinade
In a medium bowl, mix together the miso paste, rice vinegar, mirin, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and the white parts of the green onions. This marinade smells insane (in the best way).
Add your chicken thighs right into the bowl and give them a little love—massage that marinade into every nook and cranny. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes (longer if you can!).
2. Air Fry Like a Pro
Line your air fryer tray or basket with parchment paper or foil. Trust me, you’ll want to catch all that miso glaze magic.
Place the chicken in a single layer — don’t overcrowd. Spoon any leftover marinade right on top of the chicken. That’s where the juiciness lives.
Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
3. Broil for a Beautiful Finish
Once the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp — your thermometer’s moment to shine), switch to a quick 2-minute broil in the air fryer or oven. This gives the chicken a deliciously golden crust.
4. Serve and Savor
Baste the cooked chicken with the pan juices, sprinkle on your green onion tops and cilantro, and serve it up hot!
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Miso Chicken
- Don’t skip the broil step. That final crust? Game-changer.
- Short on mirin? A splash of white wine with a touch of sugar can sub in.
- Let it rest! Give the chicken 3-5 minutes after cooking so the juices settle. It’ll make slicing and serving much cleaner (and juicier).
- Pair it up. This dish loves rice bowls, cucumber salad, or even steamed veggies.
A Little Kitchen Story…
So here’s the funny thing — I first made this when my sister called in a panic: “Aneta, I have guests coming and NOTHING to cook!” I sent her this recipe, and 30 minutes later she texted me a photo of a wiped-clean plate and a smug caption: “I cooked. They asked for seconds. I’m a legend now.”
Now it’s our go-to whenever we need a foolproof meal that feels gourmet but secretly takes zero stress.
FAQs About This Viral Garlic Miso Chicken Thigh Recipe
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can! But chicken thighs are juicier and soak up more flavor. If using breasts, adjust cooking time slightly so they don’t dry out.
Is this recipe spicy?
Nope — it’s more savory-sweet. If you want a little kick, add a dash of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Marinate the chicken the night before for even more flavor. Cooked leftovers reheat well and are great for meal prep.
How should I store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes or in the microwave.
You’ll Crave This Garlic Miso Chicken Again and Again
Whether you’re battling picky eaters, crushing weeknight chaos, or just craving something new, Garlic Miso Chicken has your back. It’s cozy, craveable, and completely fuss-free. Plus, with its viral status, you can casually drop, “Oh, have you tried that garlic miso chicken?” and bask in the compliments that follow.
Now go on — preheat that air fryer. Dinner’s about to get magical.
Explore More Flavor-Packed Chicken Recipes
If this Garlic Miso Chicken made your weeknight dinner dreams come true, you’ll want to keep the flavor party going with a few more standout dishes from the Chicken Magic kitchen. Here are some internal links that perfectly complement the theme and vibe of this viral recipe:
- Craving even more umami-rich chicken dishes? Try the Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs — it’s a savory, sticky, and totally satisfying weeknight win.
- Want a globally inspired comfort dish with a creamy twist? Chicken Kuku Paka brings East African flavors and coconut milk magic straight to your table.
- If you’re loving the air fryer convenience, you’ll adore these Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos — bold, crunchy, and perfect for taco Tuesday (or literally any day).
- For a tropical spin that pairs beautifully with miso vibes, whip up a batch of the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack — sweet, smoky, and summer-ready.
Each of these dishes brings something unique to your table and makes weeknight cooking just a bit more magical.
Print
Garlic Miso Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy, flavorful, and packed with umami, this Garlic Miso Chicken is your new go-to air fryer dinner. Sweet, savory, and slightly sticky with a crisp golden edge, this viral chicken thigh recipe comes together in just 30 minutes—and tastes like a restaurant-quality dish made right in your kitchen!
Ingredients
8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons minced green onions (white part)
2 tablespoons white miso paste
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons mirin
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Garnish: green onions (green tops) and fresh cilantro
Instructions
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the miso paste, rice vinegar, mirin, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and the white parts of the green onions.
Add chicken thighs to the marinade and massage thoroughly to coat. Let sit for at least 10 minutes.
Line your air fryer basket or tray with parchment paper or foil. Place the chicken in a single layer and spoon any extra marinade over the top.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Optional: Broil for 2 minutes at the end to achieve a caramelized crust.
Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Baste with pan juices, garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro, and serve hot!
Notes
Don’t skip the broil! It adds a delicious crispy finish to the glaze.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
This pairs perfectly with jasmine rice, noodles, or a crisp cucumber salad.
Want to spice it up? Add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg