Name: Miso Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 250g chicken breast (thinly sliced); 100g shiitake mushrooms (sliced); 1 tbsp brown miso; 1 tsp unsalted butter; 8 cloves garlic (minced); ½ tsp sesame oil; a handful of spinach (or other greens); salt & pepper (to taste); sesame seeds (for garnish)

Japanese-inspired miso butter chicken with spinach and sliced shiitake mushrooms.

A light but flavorful miso butter chicken made with spinach, mushrooms, and minimal ingredients.

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I tend to stretch my grocery runs, which means most meals start with whatever is already on hand. So this recipe came from cleaning out the fridge before my next shopping trip. Letting food go to waste feels frustrating, especially in this economy, and I wanted to make something practical with what I already had.

I’ve also been keeping my meals on the lighter side lately, which is why this looks a little different from how I usually cook chicken. It’s simple, low effort, and made with minimal ingredients, but still satisfying enough to feel like a proper meal. That’s why I’m sharing it here. It fits my current routine, and I genuinely enjoyed it.

Why Try This Recipe

Really easy to make. Minimal prep and simple cooking steps.
Uses what you have. Spinach, mushrooms, or other fridge greens work fine; no need for special ingredients.
Satisfying without being heavy. Lean chicken with a touch of butter and miso gives flavor without extra calories.
Minimal cleanup. One pan is all you need.
Quick weeknight solution. Ready in 20–25 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.

What You Need to Make Miso Butter Chicken

Chicken Breast

I used chicken breast to keep it low-cal, but chicken thigh works too if you want it juicier.

Shiitake Mushrooms

Fresh is best, but I usually use canned because it’s convenient. Button or cremini mushrooms work as well.

Brown Miso

It adds a deeper, more savory flavor to the dish. If you prefer a lighter, milder taste, white miso is a good alternative.

Unsalted Butter

I used unsalted butter since the brown miso is already salty. If you only have regular butter, reduce the amount of brown miso slightly or skip the salt.

Garlic

I used a lot of garlic in this recipe. It adds bold flavor and aroma, making the dish really punchy and savory.

Sesame Oil & Sesame Seeds

Sesame oil adds a subtle nuttiness, while sesame seeds give texture and a nice finishing touch. I used Lee Kum Kee Pure Sesame Oil because it doesn’t have other oils added. Many other brands labeled as “sesame oil” actually include soybean or other oils, so I like to stick with a pure option.

Spinach or Any Greens You Have

Greens like spinach add color, nutrients, and volume to the dish. They make the meal more filling without adding many calories. Kale, bok choy, or cabbage are also great alternatives.

Salt and Pepper

Season lightly, miso already adds saltiness.

How to Make Miso Butter Chicken

Prep the ingredients. Slice the chicken breast into thin strips for quick and even cooking. Prepare the shiitake mushrooms and slice them. Wash your spinach or any greens you have and mince plenty of garlic for bold flavor.

Cook the chicken. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a small drizzle of sesame oil. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add the chicken strips and cook until lightly browned.

Add mushrooms and sauce. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook until tender. Reduce the heat and stir in unsalted butter and brown miso. Coat the chicken and mushrooms evenly. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce feels too thick.

Add the greens. Stir in the spinach or other greens until just wilted. Season lightly with salt and pepper as the miso already adds saltiness.

Finish and serve. Transfer to a plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds for texture and a subtle nutty flavor.

What to serve with Miso Butter Chicken?

The miso butter sauce and tender chicken go well with simple sides. Try it with steamed rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a lighter meal.

Add some fresh or lightly cooked vegetables on the side, like sautéed bok choy, roasted carrots, or a simple cucumber salad. Garnishing with green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds color and texture, making your plate as visually appealing as it is tasty.

If you want, you can also serve it with a light soup like miso or clear broth to make the meal feel complete without adding too many calories.

I’ve also made a printable recipe card so you can follow this in the kitchen hassle-free.