Crispy Chicken Katsu: A Step-by-Step Guide to This Japanese Classic

Chicken Katsu is a beloved Japanese comfort food that’s become popular around the world for its simple ingredients, irresistible crunch, and satisfying flavor. This crispy, golden-fried chicken cutlet is typically served with steamed rice, shredded cabbage, and a tangy tonkatsu sauce. Whether you're making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence, Chicken Katsu is surprisingly easy to prepare and deeply rewarding to eat.

What Is Chicken Katsu?

Chicken Katsu is the Japanese version of a breaded chicken cutlet. "Katsu" comes from "katsuretsu," meaning cutlet. It involves coating pounded chicken in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs, then deep-frying it until golden and crispy. The result? A juicy interior with a satisfying crunch on the outside.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Katsu:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500g)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• Oil for deep frying

For Serving:

• Cooked white rice or sticky rice

• Shredded cabbage

• Lemon wedges

• Tonkatsu sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Optional Homemade Tonkatsu Sauce:

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets.

• Lightly pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin to even out the thickness.

• Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Set Up Your Breading Station

• Place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko in three separate shallow dishes.

• Dredge each chicken piece first in flour (shake off excess), then dip in egg, and finally coat in panko. Press gently to help the panko adhere.

3. Fry to Perfection

• Heat oil in a deep skillet or pan to 170–180°C (340–360°F).

• Fry the chicken cutlets 2 at a time until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side.

• Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

4. Make the Sauce (Optional)

• Combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and mustard in a small bowl.

• Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste.

5. Serve

• Slice the Chicken Katsu into strips and serve . You can also pair it along with rice, shredded cabbage, lemon wedges, and tonkatsu sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 1 Cutlet + Rice + Cabbage)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Katsu

• Crispy and Juicy: The contrast between the crunchy panko crust and the tender chicken inside is unbeatable.

• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s a great dish for the whole family.

• Quick to Make: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes.

• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress guests or treat yourself without needing a fancy setup.

How You Can Experiment with Chicken Katsu

• Air Fry It: Looking for a lighter version? Use an air fryer for a crispy cutlet with less oil.

• Spice It Up: Add cayenne, paprika, or wasabi powder to the flour for a spicy twist.

• Swap the Meat: Try pork (Tonkatsu), tofu, or eggplant for vegetarian versions.

• Make It a Sandwich: Place your sliced Katsu in a soft bun with cabbage and sauce for a Japanese chicken sandwich (Katsu Sando).

• Serve with Curry: Pour a mild Japanese curry sauce over your Chicken Katsu and rice for a hearty Chicken Katsu Curry.

Crispy, savory, and easy to make, Chicken Katsu is a timeless Japanese dish that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with creative twists, this is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

Give it a try and turn your kitchen into a Japanese diner tonight!