Chicken Katsu is a Japanese-style crispy fried chicken cutlet coated in golden panko breadcrumbs and served with a rich, tangy tonkatsu sauce. It’s crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Recipe Overview
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
Ingredients
For the Chicken Katsu:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Tonkatsu Sauce:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even ½-inch thickness using a rolling pin or meat mallet. Season with salt and black pepper.
2. Set Up Breading Stations:
Prepare three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour (with optional garlic powder and paprika)
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs
3. Bread the Chicken:
Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip into beaten eggs, and coat generously with panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
4. Fry the Chicken:
Heat ½ cup vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
5. Make the Tonkatsu Sauce:
Whisk together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the chicken into strips and serve with tonkatsu sauce, steamed rice, and shredded cabbage.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice and miso soup for a classic Japanese meal.
- Add curry sauce for a Chicken Katsu Curry variation.
- Use air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes for a lighter version.
This crispy, juicy Chicken Katsu is simple to make and packed with flavor—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep!