Lunch

Chicken Katsu – Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken Cutlet

Chicken Katsu recipe

Introduction: What Is Chicken Katsu?

Chicken Katsu (チキンカツ) is a beloved Japanese dish consisting of a crispy, golden-brown breaded chicken cutlet. Simple yet satisfying, it’s a staple in Japanese home cooking and popular in restaurants worldwide. Accompanied by tonkatsu sauce and a side of shredded cabbage or rice, Chicken Katsu delivers an ideal mix of crispy texture, rich flavor, and juicy tenderness.

Whether you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine or just looking for a new way to enjoy chicken, this recipe will become one of your go-to favorites.

Ingredients – What You’ll Need

For 2–4 servings:

Read:Sheet Pan Parmesan Chicken and Veggies – A Quick & Healthy Dinner
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Β½ teaspoon salt
  • Β½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Β½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs (beaten)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese breadcrumbs)
  • Oil for deep or shallow frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
  • Tonkatsu sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Lemon wedges and shredded cabbage (optional, for serving)
Flux Dev a closeup of a crispy goldenbrown Chicken Katsu cutle 3

How to Make Chicken Katsu – Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Gently cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create two thin, even cutlets. Gently pound them with a meat mallet to ensure even thickness, then season both sides with salt and pepper.Served with tonkatsu sauce and a side of shredded cabbage or rice, Chicken Katsu offers the perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and tenderness.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Set up your breading station by lining up three shallow bowls or plates side by side:

Read:Heavenly Cold Noodle Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce
  1. Flour
  2. Beaten eggs
  3. Panko breadcrumbs

Dredge each cutlet in flour (shake off excess), dip in egg, then coat thoroughly with panko.

Step 3: Fry Until Golden

Warm oil in a skillet over medium heat (around 360Β°F / 185Β°C). Cook the chicken cutlets for 5–10 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips. Serve warm alongside tonkatsu sauce, lemon wedges, and a side of shredded cabbage or steamed rice.

Chicken Katsu

Health Benefits of Chicken Katsu (When Moderated)

Though fried, Chicken Katsu can be part of a balanced meal:

  • High in Protein: Each cutlet is packed with lean protein from chicken breast.
  • Customizable: Bake or air-fry for a lighter version.
  • Cabbage Side Dish: Commonly paired with cabbage, which provides fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.Serve warm alongside tonkatsu sauce, lemon wedges, and a side of shredded cabbage or steamed rice..
  • Controlled Portions: Easy to portion and pair with healthy sides.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 1 cutlet with sauce)

NutrientAmount (Approx.)
Calories400–500 kcal
Protein25–30 g
Carbohydrates20–30 g
Fat20–25 g
Sodium500–700 mg

Values vary based on frying method and sauce quantity.

Read:Your New Favorite Cocktail: Sweet & Spicy Pineapple JalapeΓ±o Margarita

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Katsu pairs wonderfully with:

  • Steamed white rice or Japanese curry
  • Miso soup and pickled vegetables
  • Cabbage salad with sesame dressing
  • Bento box with rice, tamagoyaki, and edamame
Flux Dev a closeup of a crispy goldenbrown Chicken Katsu cutle 0

Storage and Reheating

  • Keep leftovers refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat: Use an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness (avoid microwave if possible).
  • Freeze: Breaded but uncooked cutlets can be frozen and fried later.

Variations to Try

  • Chicken Katsu Curry: Plate the crispy chicken over steamed rice and generously spoon Japanese curry sauce on top.
  • Cheese Katsu: Add cheese between two thin cutlets before breading.
  • Spicy Katsu: Mix chili flakes or sriracha into the tonkatsu sauce.
  • Baked Katsu: Bake at 425Β°F (220Β°C) until crispy (about 25 minutes), flipping once.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Chicken Katsu

Crispy, juicy, and deeply satisfying, Chicken Katsu is a Japanese comfort food that’s easy to make and always a hit. With a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can bring this restaurant-quality favorite to your kitchen table. Perfect for weeknight dinners, bento lunches, or meal prep!

Previous post
Egg and Hash Brown Casserole – A Hearty Breakfast Classic
Next post
Sheet Pan Parmesan Chicken and Veggies – A Quick & Healthy Dinner