Miso Glazed Chicken Drumsticks | Easy Japanese-Inspired Recipe

I first made these miso-glazed chicken drumsticks during a hectic weeknight when I needed something quick yet impressive. With a package of drumsticks in the fridge and a container of white miso paste I’d meant to use, I created this simple marinade in minutes.

What began as a last-minute experiment has become one of my go-to recipes. These miso glazed drumsticks prove that you don’t need complicated techniques to create restaurant-quality flavor at home. With just six ingredients and minimal hands-on time, this recipe transforms humble chicken drumsticks into something extraordinary.

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Why This Recipe Works

White miso paste provides a rich umami foundation, while soy sauce adds depth. Mirin and sugar create beautiful caramelization during roasting. The minimal cooking liquid means the glaze concentrates as it bakes, coating each drumstick with intense flavor.

Ingredients

• Chicken drumsticks – Provides a juicy base that stays moist during baking
• White miso paste – Delivers rich umami flavor and helps create a caramelized exterior, you can find this in the refrigerated section of the grocery store
• Soy sauce – Adds savory depth and balanced saltiness
• Mirin – Creates sweetness and helps develop the glossy glaze
• Sugar – Enhances caramelization and balances the salty elements
• Chopped garlic – Adds aromatic depth and subtle pungency

Step-by-Step Instructions for Miso Chicken Recipe

1. Combine miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and chopped garlic in a small bowl.
2. Whisk together until completely smooth and well blended.
3. Place chicken legs in a container or zip-top bag.
4. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (2-4 hours for more flavor).
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Transfer marinated chicken to a baking dish in a single layer.
8. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
10. Check doneness by piercing the thickest part—juices should run clear.
11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
12. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions if desired, alongside steamed rice.

Substitutions and Dietary Modifications

• Red Miso Paste Option: Substitute red miso for a stronger, earthier flavor profile
• Optional Chicken Pieces – this can be made with skin-on chicken thighs, or skin-on chicken breast
• Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce
• Lower Sugar Alternative: Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup (use slightly less)
• Alcohol-Free: Substitute rice vinegar mixed with a pinch of sugar for the mirin

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezer: These drumsticks freeze well for up to 2 months
• Reheating: Warm in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave until heated through

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Easy Miso Glazed Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Savory-sweet miso glazed drumsticks with garlic and soy, baked to juicy perfection. An irresistible weeknight dinner ready in just 30 minutes!

Author: Stephanie Manley

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4.50 from 2 votes

Servings : 4

Prep Time5 minutes minutes

Cook Time25 minutes minutes

Total Time30 minutes minutes

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• 1/4 cup white miso paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons mirin
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• 1 pound chicken drumsticks
• cooked rice to serve (optional)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and chopped garlic. Whisk until well blended. Pour the mixture over the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
3. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in a baking dish. Discard the marinade.
4. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Serve with cooked rice, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 990mg | Potassium: 215mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 50IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried This Recipe?Leave a comment and rating to let people know how you liked it! Tag me on Instagram @copykatrecipes

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

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