Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs (Japanese style)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds, green onions
For Tonkatsu Sauce (Quick Version):
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin or honey
- 1 tsp mustard (optional, for a kick)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Pound the chicken to even thickness (about ½ inch thick) for uniform cooking.
- Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Bread the Chicken
- Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Press breadcrumbs firmly to ensure even coating.
3. Fry to Perfection
- Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Sauce
- Whisk all tonkatsu sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or tang to preference.
5. Serve
- Slice chicken into strips.
- Drizzle with sauce or serve on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
Serving Ideas
Katsu Don – Serve over a bed of steamed rice with sauce drizzled on top.
Salad Plate – Pair with shredded cabbage slaw, pickled vegetables, and a lemon wedge.
Katsu Sandwich (Katsu Sando) – Serve in fluffy white bread or buns with sauce and shredded cabbage.