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Cozy Miso Butter Roasted Turkey Thighs

miso butter roasted turkey thighs - featured image

These Cozy Miso Butter Roasted Turkey Thighs are the ultimate comfort food—juicy, tender turkey with a caramelized, nutty miso butter crust. Ready in under two hours with simple ingredients, this easy recipe is perfect for cozy nights or small holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons white miso paste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 2 bone-in, skin-on turkey thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the middle of the oven. While it’s heating, take your turkey thighs out of the fridge and let them sit on the counter for about 20 minutes.
  2. Make the miso butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, white miso paste, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Use a fork to mash everything together until smooth and well-combined. Set aside.
  3. Prep the turkey thighs. Pat the turkey thighs dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over the thighs, then season generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Apply the miso butter. Using your hands, spread the miso butter all over the turkey thighs. Gently lift the skin with your fingers and smear some butter directly onto the meat.
  5. Arrange in the baking dish. Place the turkey thighs skin-side up in your baking dish or cast iron skillet, leaving a little space between them. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the dish. Tuck the rosemary and thyme sprigs around the thighs if using.
  6. Roast the turkey thighs. Place the dish in the preheated oven and roast for 45 to 55 minutes. About halfway through, baste the thighs with the pan juices.
  7. Check for doneness. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, away from the bone.
  8. Rest the turkey. Let the turkey thighs rest in the pan for 10 minutes before serving.
  9. Make the pan sauce (optional). While the turkey rests, pour the pan juices into a small saucepan. Skim off excess fat if desired, then bring to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk in a tablespoon of butter if desired, and season with a pinch of salt.

Notes

Don’t skip patting the turkey dry for crispy skin. Get under the skin with the miso butter for maximum flavor. Watch the sugar content in the miso butter as it can cause the skin to brown quickly; tent with foil if needed. Let the miso butter come to room temperature for easier spreading. A meat thermometer is highly recommended for perfectly cooked turkey.

Nutrition

Keywords: miso butter turkey thighs, roasted turkey thighs, easy turkey recipe, cozy dinner, Thanksgiving alternative, miso turkey