Crispy Chicken Katsu Recipe – The Ultimate Crunchy Delight

If you’re craving something crispy, juicy, and incredibly satisfying, then this Crispy Chicken Katsu recipe is your answer! 🍗🍚 This Japanese-inspired dish features a golden, crispy chicken cutlet served with a deliciously tangy sauce, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

The tender chicken inside, combined with the crispy exterior, creates the perfect balance of textures, and it’s incredibly easy to make at home. Whether you’re serving it with rice, salad, or even in a sandwich, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into how to make this scrumptious dish!

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Juicy – Golden and crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. 🍗
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and steps, perfect for home cooks of any level. 👩‍🍳
• Great for Any Meal – Serve it as a main dish, a sandwich, or even over a salad. 🍚
• Family-Friendly – A dish that both kids and adults will enjoy. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
• Versatile – Serve with tonkatsu sauce, curry, or a simple salad to create endless possibilities. 🍛

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🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Crispy Chicken Katsu, here’s what you’ll need:

🍗 For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts – Flattened to even thickness 🐔
• Salt & pepper – For seasoning to taste 🧂
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – For coating 🥖
• 2 large eggs – Beaten 🥚
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs – For that extra crunch 🍞
• Vegetable oil – For frying 🛢️

🍯 For the Tonkatsu Sauce (Optional but Highly Recommended!):

• ¼ cup ketchup 🍅
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 🍶
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 🍜
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 🌿
• 1 tablespoon honey 🍯
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder 🧄

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💡 Substitutions & Variations:

✔️ Chicken Thighs – For more juiciness and flavor, swap chicken breasts for boneless skinless chicken thighs.
✔️ Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free option.
✔️ Spicy Katsu Sauce – Add chili flakes or sriracha to the tonkatsu sauce for a spicy kick. 🌶️
✔️ Vegetarian Version – Use tofu or eggplant instead of chicken for a plant-based option. 🌱

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

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🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1️⃣ Flatten the Chicken – Start by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness, about ½ inch thick. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly.

2️⃣ Season the Chicken – Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. This step is key to adding flavor to the chicken before it’s breaded.

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🍞 Step 2: Breading the Chicken

1️⃣ Set Up Your Breading Station – Place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs in three separate shallow bowls or plates.

2️⃣ Coat the Chicken – Begin by dredging each piece of chicken in the flour, making sure to coat it thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour.

3️⃣ Dip in Egg – Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, coating it completely.

4️⃣ Coat with Panko Breadcrumbs – Finally, coat the egg-dipped chicken with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Repeat this for all chicken breasts.

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🛢️ Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1️⃣ Heat the Oil – In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread – it should bubble and crisp up immediately.

2️⃣ Fry the Chicken – Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry the chicken for about 4–5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. The chicken should be cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

3️⃣ Drain Excess Oil – Once fried, remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

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🍯 Step 4: Make the Tonkatsu Sauce (Optional)

1️⃣ Mix the Ingredients – In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and well-combined.

2️⃣ Taste and Adjust – Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add a little more honey for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, or mustard for tanginess.

3️⃣ Serve the Sauce – Drizzle the sauce over the crispy chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Now that your crispy chicken katsu is ready, here are some ways to serve it:

• With Steamed Rice – The classic pairing! Serve the chicken with a side of white rice for a comforting meal. 🍚
• In a Sandwich – Serve the chicken in a bun with shredded lettuce and a dollop of tonkatsu sauce for a quick and satisfying sandwich. 🍔
• On a Salad – Slice the chicken and add it to a fresh salad with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing. 🥗
• With Curry – Serve the crispy chicken katsu with a side of Japanese curry for a hearty meal. 🍛

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💡 Storage & Reheating

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📦 Storing Leftovers:

• In the Fridge: Store any leftover chicken katsu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
• In the Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken katsu in a ziplock bag or airtight container for up to 2 months.

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🔥 Reheating Instructions:

• Oven: To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes, or until crispy.
• Air Fryer: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes. This will help restore the crispiness of the breading.
• Microwave: The microwave can be used but may result in a softer breading. Heat on low for 1–2 minutes, checking halfway.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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1️⃣ Can I Make Chicken Katsu in Advance?

Yes! You can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to a day before frying. Just fry it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

2️⃣ Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and juiciness. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly.

3️⃣ Can I Make Chicken Katsu in the Oven?

Yes! To make a healthier version, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.

4️⃣ What Can I Serve with Chicken Katsu?

Chicken katsu pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, a side of vegetables, miso soup, or even in a sandwich!

5️⃣ Can I Make the Tonkatsu Sauce in Advance?

Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a stir before serving.

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🍗 Conclusion – A Delicious Must-Try!

This Crispy Chicken Katsu recipe is a winner in every way! 🍽️ With its perfect balance of crispy, juicy chicken and the tangy, flavorful tonkatsu sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, lunch, or serving it at a party, this dish will never disappoint!

So, get your ingredients ready and try this recipe today – your taste buds will thank you! 😍🔥