Garlic Miso Chicken is a light and healthy dinner entree that is is also very easy to make. It is very versatile and is great for all seasons. Read below for the recipe and some tips!
What is miso and what kind should I use?
Miso is a very thick and rich paste orginially made in Japan. It is made from soybeans but now enjoyed all over the world for its health benefits. Besides its high vitamin and mineral content it is also reputable for its probiotic values. Although high in sodium we like to use the low sodium (usually organic varities). There are many types of miso often referred to by color such as red or white, or texture. The flavors can range from salty and earthy to sweet, briney, and minerally. Traditionally it is often used in the preparation of miso soup but in modern cooking can be used on any number of applications, even desserts. It provides an instant boost in enhancing soups, sauces, and proteins.
For this garlic miso chicken we like to use low sodium white miso. We usually use organic miso but that is not a requirement. If you are unable to find the low sodium variety be careful with seasoning and reducing the sauce too much as it can become salty quickly.
What should I serve with this as an entree?
Garlic miso chicken is great since its a one-pan dish. However if you are looking for veggies or starches it is very versatile. We like to serve it with a plain white or jasmine rice to enjoy the pan sauce, but it also goes very well with sweet potatoes or even french fries and pasta. As for veggies spinach and asparagus work great with the rich sauce. We also like steamed broccoli and cauliflower, peas, mushrooms, and eggplant. You can also feel free to add some spice such as fresh chiles, sriracha, or sesame chile oil.
Chef’s Tip:
If you enjoy this recipe for miso garlic chicken try it on other things! It works great with salmon. It can also be a great healthy entree with tofu if you’re careful with the searing. You can even use it on vegetables such as portobellos for a vegetarian entree! Some seafood such as calamari, seabass, and shrimp can work as well. You may even branch out into other meats such as pork tenderloin or beef steak cuts. As you can see it is very versatile!
Garlic Miso Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast
- .5 cups sake
- .5 cups miso low sodium if possible
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp sesame oil untoasted if possible
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- .5 cups scallion chopped
- 2 tbsp garlic chopped
- 1.5 cups water warm
- .5 tsp sea salt
- .5 tsp black pepper fresh ground
Instructions
- Portion all of the ingredients needed for garlic miso chicken. Begin by seasoning the chicken with the salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile whisk the miso with the warm water so that it dissolves.
- Heat a large saute pan on high heat. Add sesame oil and wait until whisps of smoke appear. Begin to sear the chicken and lower the heat to medium to cook evenly without burning. When the first side is golden brown after about 5 minutes, flip over and begin browning on the opposite side. When lightly golden, lower the heat more then add the chopped garlic so that it slowly roasts.
- When the garlic is roasted, add the sake to deglaze the pan and prevent scorching. When the sake is mostly evaporated, and the miso-water mixture. Cover the saute pan with a lid (or you can place in oven if you don't have a lid). Continue to cook over low heat steaming so that the chicken is thoroughly cooked- about 10 minutes and the thermometer reads 165. Add water as necessary to prevent burning or sauce becoming too thick.
- Garnish with chopped scallion and sesame seeds.
