Chicken Katsu

This Chicken Katsu is a crispy, golden-brown Japanese-style fried chicken that is quick to make and deliciously crunchy. With just a few simple ingredients, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. It can also be made into Tonkatsu by swapping the chicken for pork cutlets.

Essential Ingredients

To make authentic Chicken Katsu, you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (pounded to ½-inch thickness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 cup oil for frying, or as needed

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Pound chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness.
   • Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
   • Place flour, beaten egg, and panko bread crumbs into separate shallow dishes.
3. Bread the Chicken:
   • Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess.
   • Dip into the beaten egg, ensuring full coverage.
   • Press into panko crumbs, making sure the chicken is fully coated.
4. Fry the Chicken:
   • Heat 1 cup of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Place breaded chicken into hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
   • Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
   • Slice chicken into strips and serve with white rice and tonkatsu sauce.

Health Benefits

• High in Protein: Contains 31g of protein per serving.
• Lower in Saturated Fat: Uses lean chicken breast instead of fattier cuts.
• Customizable for Healthier Versions: Can be baked or air-fried to reduce oil content.
• Light & Crispy Texture: Panko breadcrumbs create a crispy coating without being greasy.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Style: Serve with steamed rice and tonkatsu sauce.
• With a Japanese Salad: Pair with shredded cabbage and sesame dressing.
• In a Sandwich: Make a Katsu Sando by placing crispy katsu in thick, soft bread with tonkatsu sauce.
• With Curry: Enjoy with Japanese curry sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Creative Variations

• Make it Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or Japanese shichimi togarashi to the flour.
• Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Oven-Baked Version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
• Tonkatsu Alternative: Swap chicken for pork cutlets.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat for Crispiness: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• Freeze for Later: Bread the chicken and freeze before frying. Fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Pro Tips

• Use Panko for the Best Texture: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier crust than regular breadcrumbs.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches for even cooking and crispiness.
• Keep Oil at the Right Temperature: Maintain oil at 350°F (175°C) to prevent soggy breading.
• Slice Before Serving: Cutting into strips makes it easier to eat and enjoy with sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs provide a juicier texture but may require an extra minute or two of cooking.

What type of oil is best for frying?
Use neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil for the best results.

Is Chicken Katsu gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken ahead of time and fry when ready to serve.

Enjoy this crispy, golden Chicken Katsu, a Japanese comfort food classic that’s easy to make at home!

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