Freezer-to-Oven Sesame Miso Chicken Thighs

A Flavor-Packed Make-Ahead Dinner with Miso, Honey & Tahini

Meta Description:

Make dinnertime stress-free with these flavorful freezer-to-oven sesame miso chicken thighs. Made with honey, tahini, and garlic, this sheet pan dinner is easy, rich, and perfect for meal prep.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sesame Miso Chicken Thighs recipe is the hero of weeknight dinners. It’s freezer-friendly, full of bold umami flavor, and incredibly easy to make in large batches. Whether you’re a busy parent, meal prepper, or just someone who hates the 5 p.m. “what’s for dinner?” panic, this dish is for you.

Assemble it in minutes, stash it in your freezer, then bake it directly from thawed for a no-fuss dinner. Pair it with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a beautifully balanced meal.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this sesame miso chicken so special:

🍗 Chicken Thighs (8 bone-in, skin-on)

Chicken thighs are the star of this recipe. They’re juicy, tender, and don’t dry out easily during baking. Bone-in, skin-on gives you extra flavor and a crispy, golden crust after roasting.

🌿 Sesame Oil (1/3 cup)

Toasted sesame oil delivers that deep, nutty aroma that defines so many Asian-inspired dishes. It’s bold, fragrant, and perfectly complements the sweetness of honey and the saltiness of miso.

🥄 Miso Paste (2 tbsp)

Miso paste is a fermented soybean paste rich in umami. It’s savory, slightly salty, and deeply flavorful—an essential base for this marinade.

🍅 Ketchup (½ cup)

Adds sweetness and acidity while helping the sauce caramelize beautifully during baking.

🌭 Yellow Mustard (2 tbsp)

A little tang goes a long way! Yellow mustard adds sharpness that cuts through the sweetness and deepens the sauce.

🧄 Garlic Powder (2½ tsp)

No chopping required—garlic powder gives a mellow, savory base that ties all the other flavors together.

🍎 Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tbsp)

Brightens the sauce and helps tenderize the chicken while it marinates and bakes.

🥄 Tahini (1 tbsp)

Tahini is a ground sesame paste, traditionally used in Middle Eastern cooking. It adds a rich, creamy texture to the sauce and deepens the sesame flavor.

🍯 Honey (½ cup)

Natural sweetness to balance the umami and acidity. Honey also promotes caramelization for that gorgeous golden glaze.

🌰 Toasted Sesame Seeds (2 tbsp)

They add a subtle crunch and visual appeal—plus even more nutty sesame flavor.

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How to Make Sesame Miso Chicken (Freezer-to-Oven)

This recipe is designed for bulk prep and freezer storage, so you can make dinner easy for weeks to come.

✍️ Step 1: Label Your Freezer Bag

Use a Sharpie to label your gallon-sized Ziploc bag with the date and cooking instructions:

“Defrost on counter 6–8 hrs. Bake at 375°F for 40 min until golden brown.”

🧴 Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• 1/3 cup sesame oil
• 2 tbsp miso paste
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 2½ tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp tahini
• ½ cup honey
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

🥶 Step 3: Assemble

Place 8 chicken thighs into your labeled freezer bag. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Seal the bag tightly, removing as much air as possible. Shake and massage the bag until the chicken is evenly coated.

Lay flat in the freezer for easy storage.

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🍽️ Cooking Instructions (From Frozen to Oven)

✅ Morning Of:

Take the freezer bag out and let it defrost on the counter for 6–8 hours.

✅ Evening:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.

Pour the fully thawed contents of the bag onto the baking sheet, arranging the chicken thighs skin-side up.

Bake for 40 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

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What to Serve with Sesame Miso Chicken

• Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice
• Sauteed Bok Choy, Broccoli, or Snap Peas
• Pickled Cucumbers or Kimchi for a bright, crunchy contrast
• Rice noodles or a simple Asian slaw

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Storage & Reheating Tips

• Fridge: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven or microwave until heated through.
• Freezer: Freeze uncooked chicken + sauce for up to 3 months.

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FAQs

Can I use boneless skinless thighs or breasts?

Yes, but adjust baking time—breasts may cook faster and can dry out. Keep an eye around 30–35 minutes.

Can I grill this instead of baking?

Absolutely! Thaw completely, then grill over medium heat until fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes per side.

Can I double or triple the batch?

Yes! This recipe is ideal for bulk prep. Make 2–3 bags at a time for future dinners.

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Final Thoughts

This sesame miso chicken is the ultimate no-stress dinner—nutty, savory, sweet, and satisfying. With the magic of freezer prep and the boldness of miso and tahini, you’re just one defrost away from a crave-worthy meal.

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