There's something magical about the satisfying crunch of a perfectly crispy Chicken Katsu Japanese Recipe. My love affair with this dish began in a small, family-run Japanese restaurant tucked away in my hometown.

The golden-brown cutlet, juicy on the inside and wonderfully crispy on the outside ( dip it in prik nam pla for a more delicious meal ), was a revelation that inspired me to recreate this comfort food classic in my own kitchen. It’s not only delicious but also easy to make, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

As a home cook, I was determined to recreate this iconic Japanese dish in my own kitchen. After some trial and error, I discovered that the key to perfect Chicken Katsu lies in the panko breadcrumbs, which create a light and airy crust that is both crispy and delicate. I will introduce you guys to my own best Japanese chicken katsu recipe right now.

For those seeking a more traditional approach, my authentic Japanese chicken katsu recipe emphasizes simplicity and flavor, ensuring you capture the essence of this beloved dish. Additionally, you can try my Japanese chicken katsudon recipe, which adds a delicious twist by serving the katsu over rice with a savory egg topping.

Table of Contents

What Is Katsu?

Katsu is a popular Japanese dish consisting of breaded and deep-fried meat, typically chicken (chicken katsu) or pork (tonkatsu). The meat is coated in flour, dipped in beaten eggs, and covered in panko breadcrumbs, which give it a light and crispy texture.

Cooking Method: Usually deep-fried until golden brown.
Serving: Often served with tonkatsu sauce, shredded cabbage, and rice.
Variations: Includes katsu curry (served with curry sauce) and katsu don (served over rice, sometimes topped with a fried egg).

Katsu blends Western cooking techniques with Japanese flavors, making it a beloved comfort food in Japan and beyond.

Chicken Katsu Japanese Recipe

Author: Chris
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
Tonkatsu sauce or curry sauce for serving
Shredded cabbage and steamed rice for serving

Steps:

Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Bread the Chicken: Set up a breading station with 3 shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip it in the egg, and coat it with panko, pressing gently to adhere.
Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve: Slice the chicken katsu and serve it with tonkatsu sauce or curry sauce. Pair with shredded cabbage and steamed rice for a complete meal.

Notes:

For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
If making curry chicken katsu, prepare the curry sauce according to your favorite recipe and serve it over the sliced chicken.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg (varies with sauce)
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g (approx.)
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 130mg

What to Serve With Chicken Katsu?

Here are some great options to serve with Chicken Katsu:

Classic Accompaniments

Tonkatsu Sauce: Sweet and tangy, essential for dipping.
Shredded Cabbage: Adds crunch and freshness.

Side Dishes

Steamed Rice: A perfect base to soak up sauces.
Miso Soup: Warm and comforting.
Pickled Vegetables: Offers a tangy contrast.

Additional Sides

Japanese Potato Salad: Creamy and slightly sweet.
Edamame: Light and healthy snack.
Chilled Noodles: Soba or udon with soy or sesame dressing.

Garnishes

Sesame Seeds: For added flavor and texture.
Chopped Green Onions: Freshness on top.
Lemon Wedges: For a zesty squeeze.

These sides enhance the Chicken Katsu experience, providing a variety of flavors and textures!

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