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Jamie Oliver Miso Chicken Marinade

Jamie Oliver Miso Chicken Marinade
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Miso chicken marinade is a Japanese-inspired mixture used to flavor chicken before cooking. Miso provides the savory base, while garlic and ginger add warmth and aroma. Soy sauce contributes saltiness and umami, while honey or maple syrup balances the stronger flavors.

The marinade works particularly well with chicken thighs because their higher fat content keeps them juicy during high-heat cooking.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Marinade

    • 2 tablespoons white miso paste

    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

    • 1 tablespoon honey

    • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil

    • 2 garlic cloves, finely grated

    • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated

    • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

    • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

    • ½ teaspoon chili flakes, optional

    • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional

For the Chicken

    • 600g boneless, skinless chicken thighs

    • Fresh coriander, for serving

    • Lime wedges, for serving

    • Sliced spring onions, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic and Ginger

Peel the garlic and ginger. Finely grate both so they distribute evenly throughout the marinade.

Step 2: Combine the Miso and Soy Sauce

Add the miso paste and soy sauce to a mixing bowl.

Stir until the miso becomes smooth and combines with the soy sauce.

Step 3: Add the Sweetener

Add the honey and mix thoroughly.

The sweetness helps balance the salty and savory flavors of the miso and soy sauce while also encouraging the chicken to caramelize during cooking.

Step 4: Add the Oils

Pour in the sesame oil and olive oil.

Sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty aroma, while olive oil helps coat the chicken evenly.

Step 5: Add Garlic, Ginger, and Lime

Stir in the grated garlic, ginger, lime juice, and rice vinegar.

Add chili flakes if you prefer a little heat.

Step 6: Mix Until Smooth

Whisk everything together until you have a thick, smooth marinade.

Taste a tiny amount and adjust the balance if necessary. Because miso and soy sauce are salty, avoid adding extra salt.

Step 7: Coat the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable food-safe bag.

Pour the marinade over the chicken and massage or toss gently until every piece is thoroughly coated.

Step 8: Marinate the Chicken

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

For a deeper flavor, marinate for 2–4 hours.

Avoid leaving the chicken in the marinade for excessively long periods when using acidic ingredients, as the texture can become less pleasant.

Step 9: Bring the Chicken Toward Room Temperature

Remove the chicken from the refrigerator approximately 15–20 minutes before cooking.

This helps the chicken cook more evenly.

Step 10: Cook the Chicken

The marinated chicken can be cooked using several methods:

    • Pan-frying: Cook over medium heat for approximately 5–7 minutes per side.

    • Oven roasting: Roast at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 20–25 minutes.

    • Grilling: Grill over medium-high heat until browned and completely cooked.

    • Air frying: Cook at approximately 190°C (375°F) until cooked through and caramelized.

Cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken.

Step 11: Check the Chicken

Use a food thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken. It should reach 75°C (165°F).

Don’t rely solely on color or cooking time because chicken pieces vary in size.

Step 12: Rest and Serve

Allow the cooked chicken to rest for approximately 5 minutes.

Finish with sliced spring onions, fresh coriander, sesame seeds, and lime wedges

Find it online: https://jamieolivereats.uk/miso-chicken-marinade/