Chicken Katsu – Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken Cutlet

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:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ 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)

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:

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 360°F / 185°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.

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)

Values vary based on frying method and sauce quantity.

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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

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 425°F (220°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!