Crispy Chicken Katsu: Crunchy, Juicy & Irresistible
This Crispy Chicken Katsu is a golden, crunchy, and juicy Japanese-style fried chicken cutlet that’s incredibly easy to make! Coated in light, airy panko breadcrumbs and fried to perfection, this dish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Serve it with steamed rice, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of tonkatsu sauce for a classic Japanese meal that’s better than takeout!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Crispy & Crunchy – Panko breadcrumbs create the perfect golden crust.
✔ Tender & Juicy Chicken – Light seasoning keeps the meat flavorful and moist.
✔ Easy to Make at Home – Requires simple pantry ingredients.
✔ Pairs Well with Everything – Serve with rice, curry, or in a sandwich.
✔ Better Than Takeout – Homemade, fresh, and delicious!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Katsu:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied and pounded to even thickness)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For Serving:
- Steamed white rice
- Shredded cabbage
- Tonkatsu sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Lemon wedges
How to Make Crispy Chicken Katsu
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Butterfly and pound the chicken breasts to ¼-inch thickness for even cooking.
- Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into beaten egg, coating fully.
- Press into panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even layer.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
Step 4: Slice & Serve
- Slice chicken into strips and serve over steamed rice with shredded cabbage.
- Drizzle with tonkatsu sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions
🍛 With Japanese Curry – Pair with a rich, flavorful curry sauce.
🍞 As a Katsu Sandwich – Serve on soft bread with slaw and tonkatsu sauce.
🥗 With a Side Salad – Light and fresh contrast to the crispy chicken.
🍚 With Miso Soup & Rice – A full Japanese-style meal.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to stay crispy.
- Freeze: Freeze breaded (uncooked) chicken for up to 2 months. Fry straight from frozen.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This Crispy Chicken Katsu is light, crunchy, and perfectly juicy, making it a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to recreate at home. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a must-try for any crispy chicken lover!
Try it tonight and enjoy golden, crunchy deliciousness in every bite!