Irresistibly Chicken Katsu Recipe

If you’re a fan of crispy, juicy fried chicken with a golden panko crust, then this Chicken Katsu Recipe is about to become your new obsession. A beloved dish from Japanese cuisine, Chicken Katsu is simple yet satisfying, offering the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, mastering this Chicken Katsu is easier than you think.

My own introduction to Chicken Katsu was through a family friend who lived in Japan for years. Her stories of Tokyo’s bustling food stalls, where Chicken Katsu were served with steamy bowls of rice and tangy tonkatsu sauce, ignited my culinary curiosity. Since then, it’s become a staple in my kitchen, especially on days when only pure, crispy comfort food will do.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Katsu Recipe

There are plenty of reasons why this Chicken Katsu will earn a spot in your regular rotation:

• Crispy perfection: Thanks to the panko breadcrumb coating, every bite is golden and satisfying.
• Quick and simple: Minimal ingredients, easy steps, and a short cooking time.
• Family favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Versatile serving options: Pair it with rice, curry, or even a fresh salad.

If you enjoy recipes like this, you might also love Crispy Fried Chicken for a Southern twist.

Pure Comfort

Nothing says comfort food quite like a Chicken Katsu. The satisfying crunch, the juicy chicken, and the umami-rich tonkatsu sauce create a mouthwatering combination that soothes the soul. On a cold or rainy evening, serving Chicken Katsu over a bowl of steaming rice feels like a warm hug from your kitchen.

For more soul-soothing dishes, check out Swamp Soup: The Southern Comfort You Need Now.

Ingredients for Chicken Katsu Recipe

What You Need

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Tonkatsu sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Steamed white rice (for serving)
• Shredded cabbage (optional, but traditional)

Time to Cook Chicken Katsu Recipe

From start to finish, this Chicken Katsu Recipe takes about 30 minutes:

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Resting time: 5 minutes

For tips on cooking thin chicken to perfection, visit Mastering the Cooking Time for Thin Sliced Chicken Breast.

Steps to Make It

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Butterfly the chicken breasts to create thinner cutlets.
• Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Set Up Your Breading Station

• Place flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes.
• Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, then dip into egg, and finally coat with panko. Press gently to adhere.

3. Fry to Golden Perfection

• Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Fry chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
• Drain on paper towels.

4. Slice and Serve

• Slice the Chicken Katsu into strips.
• Serve over rice with tonkatsu sauce drizzled on top and shredded cabbage on the side.

Make It Perfect

For the crispiest Chicken Katsu Recipe, ensure your oil is hot enough (350°F / 175°C) before frying. Overcrowding the pan can lower the temperature, resulting in soggy breading. Cook in batches if necessary for consistent golden crunch.

Mix It Up

Want to add variety to your Chicken Katsu Recipe? Try these twists:

• Use pork cutlets for a Tonkatsu version.
• Swap chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Add a pinch of curry powder to the breadcrumbs for a subtle spice.

Perfect Partners

Pairing ideas to elevate your Chicken Katsu Recipe:

• Japanese curry for Katsu Curry
• A side of miso soup
• Simple cucumber and seaweed salad
• Or try Perfect Fried Rice with Egg, Chicken, and Shrimp for a complete meal.

Busy Day Hero

On a busy weeknight, this Chicken Katsu Recipe is a lifesaver. The ingredients are pantry staples, and the process is fuss-free. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready to serve.

Work Ahead

You can prepare parts of the Chicken Katsu Recipe in advance:

• Bread the chicken cutlets and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
• Freeze breaded chicken for a future quick meal just fry straight from frozen (add extra cooking time).

Save Some For Later

Leftover Chicken Katsu Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Everyone’s Happy

This Chicken Katsu Recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Serve it at family dinners, casual gatherings, or even pack it into bento boxes for a satisfying lunch.

Good For You Too

While fried, this Chicken Katsu Recipe can be made healthier by:

• Using an air fryer instead of deep frying.
• Opting for whole wheat panko breadcrumbs.
• Serving with a fresh green salad.

Easy Clean Up

To minimize mess with your Chicken Katsu Recipe:

• Use parchment paper to cover your breading station.
• Line a baking sheet with foil for draining fried cutlets.
• Clean as you go to keep your kitchen tidy.

Switch It Up

Feeling adventurous? Transform this Chicken Katsu Recipe into:

• Katsu sandwiches (Katsu Sando) with fluffy milk bread.
• Chicken Katsu bowls with avocado and spicy mayo.
• Katsu sliders for party appetizers.

Simply Perfect

At its core, this Chicken Katsu Recipe is simple, unpretentious, and downright delicious. With crispy edges, tender meat, and a signature savory-sweet sauce, it’s a comfort dish that hits all the right notes.

FAQs for Chicken Katsu Recipe

Can I bake Chicken Katsu instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.

What’s the best oil for frying Chicken Katsu?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or sunflower are ideal.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Pat the chicken dry, and ensure each layer of flour, egg, and panko is well adhered by pressing gently.

Can I make Chicken Katsu gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and panko substitutes.

What’s a good substitute for tonkatsu sauce?

A mix of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar mimics the traditional tonkatsu flavor.

For another take on comfort chicken dishes, don’t miss Irresistible Campbell’s Soup Chicken Recipes.

Conclusion for Chicken Katsu Recipe

This Chicken Katsu Recipe is everything a home cook desires: quick, satisfying, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or to impress guests, Chicken Katsu never fails to deliver. Its simplicity is its strength, allowing you to focus on quality ingredients and perfect execution. So grab your apron, heat up that oil, and get ready to enjoy one of the most beloved dishes from Japanese cuisine, right in your own kitchen.

Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!

Irresistibly Chicken Katsu Recipe

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• Author: Rita
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This crispy Chicken Katsu Recipe features juicy chicken breasts coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs, fried to golden perfection and topped with savory tonkatsu sauce, making it an irresistible Japanese comfort food.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Salt
Pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
Tonkatsu sauce
Steamed white rice
Shredded cabbage

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Instructions

Butterfly the chicken breasts to create thin cutlets and season with salt and pepper.
Prepare a breading station with separate dishes for flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, dip in egg, and coat with panko, pressing firmly.
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot (350°F).
Fry chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer fried chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Slice chicken into strips and serve over steamed rice with tonkatsu sauce drizzled on top.
Add shredded cabbage on the side for a traditional touch.

Notes

For extra crunch, double coat the chicken with panko. Air fry at 400°F for a healthier option. Substitute chicken with pork cutlets for Tonkatsu.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Chicken Katsu Recipe, Crispy Chicken Katsu, Japanese Chicken Katsu, Easy Chicken Katsu