Miso Chicken Drumsticks (Easy Japanese Oven-Baked Recipe)

Introduction

Do you have a tub of miso paste sitting in your refrigerator? Then this recipe is the perfect excuse to use it!

Sweet and savory miso glazes are a staple in Japanese home cooking, and these oven-baked chicken drumsticks are one of my favorite ways to enjoy them. The miso keeps the chicken incredibly flavorful while the honey creates a beautiful caramelized finish.

Whether you're cooking a simple family dinner or firing up the BBQ, these juicy chicken drumsticks are always a crowd-pleaser.

Be sure to read my tips before you start. They'll help you achieve perfectly tender chicken with a delicious glaze every time.

Enjoy ♡

For another miso recipe, I have Miso Buttered Salmon.

For another easy oven recipe, I recommend Tender teriyaki chicken wings.

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MISO CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

Yield: 4 servings

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes (cooking in the oven)

Ingredients Chicken

• 12 chicken drumsticks (21 oz / 600g)

• 2 tbsp rice wine (for the sauce after baking)

Marinade

• 1 tbsp rice wine

• 3 tbsp honey

• 2½ tbsp yellow miso paste*

• 1½ tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp garlic, grated

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Optional Toppings

• Toasted Sesame Seed

• Japanese Seven Spices

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken

• In a large zip-top bag, combine all the marinade ingredients.

• Add the chicken drumsticks and massage the bag until every piece is evenly coated.

• Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor.

• 

  Chicken Marinade

• 

  Raw chicken with a bit of marinade

• 

  Ziplock bag with marinade chicken inside

2. Bake

• Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).

• Arrange the chicken on a wire rack and loosely cover with aluminum foil.

• Bake for 20 minutes.

• Remove the foil and continue roasting for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully caramelized.

• 

  Marinade-dipped chicken on an oven tray

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  Foil covering chicken with marinade

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  Newly cooked miso chicken drumsticks

3. Make the Miso Sauce

• Pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan.

• Add 2 tbsp rice wine and simmer over low heat until the sauce thickens slightly.

• 

  Miso sauce

4. Serve

• Transfer the chicken to a serving platter.

• Drizzle with the warm miso sauce and garnish with toasted sesame seeds or fresh herbs if desired.

• Serve immediately.

• 

  Miso Drumsticks Fully Cooked

• 

  Miso chicken drumsticks lined up on a plate

Miwa’s Tips

• The saltiness of miso varies by brand. My yellow miso contains about 10% sodium, so I typically use between 2–3 tablespoons. Feel free to adjust to your taste.

• Because the marinade contains both miso and honey, it can burn easily. Covering the chicken with foil during the first part of baking helps keep it juicy while preventing the glaze from scorching.

• Don't throw away the leftover marinade! Simmering it into a sauce adds another layer of rich umami flavor.

• These drumsticks are perfect for meal prep. I often marinate the chicken and freeze it before cooking. When I need an easy dinner, I simply thaw it overnight and bake. It's a huge time-saver.

Recommended Side Dishes

• Avocado Tuna Bowl

• Asian Ginger Dressing

Storage

• Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• For meal prep, freeze the marinated uncooked chicken for up to 3 weeks.

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

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🌸 Gentle Note from Miwa 

Japanese home cooking is all about making everyday meals both nourishing and enjoyable. These miso chicken drumsticks are full of flavor, yet they're simple enough for a busy weeknight—especially when paired with rice and vegetables.

Curious which Japanese eating habits might fit your lifestyle best? Take my wellness quiz and discover practical ways to enjoy healthy eating with less stress and more joy.

→ Apply Through the Tally Quiz Application

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MIWA’s Recommendations

- My e-cookbooks available with vegan, breakfast, and meal prep versions.

I hope this will be helpful and enjoyable in your kitchen.

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2020/07/07 MIWA