The Easiest Homemade Chicken Katsu

Craving crispy, flavorful Chicken Katsu? This Japanese-style fried chicken, also known as Panko Chicken, is a must-try. It’s simple to make at home with just 6 ingredients! Paired with a tangy Tonkatsu sauce and a spicy cabbage slaw, this meal is the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Chicken Katsu

  • 4 chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 cups (290g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) water
  • 2 cups (210g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 cups oil (for frying)
  • Salt or miso (to taste)

Tonkatsu Sauce

  • 3 tbsp (42ml) ketchup
  • 1 tbsp (14g) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp (20g) oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp (20g) miso
  • 1 tsp (8g) honey

Spicy Cabbage Slaw

  • 1/4 head cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 bunch green onion, thinly sliced
  • Salt to taste
  • Lemon juice to taste
  • Spicy chili garlic topping to taste

Instructions

Chicken Katsu

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts or thighs to an even thickness for quicker, even cooking.
  2. Set up dredging station: In separate bowls, place the flour, eggs mixed with 2 tablespoons of water, and panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Coat the chicken: Season the chicken with salt or miso, then dredge each piece in flour, dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it in panko breadcrumbs.
  4. Fry the chicken: Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, fry the chicken pieces for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Tonkatsu Sauce

  1. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oyster sauce, miso, and honey. Stir until smooth.
  2. Serve: This tangy and savory sauce pairs perfectly with your crispy chicken katsu.

Spicy Cabbage Slaw

  1. Prepare the slaw: In a large bowl, toss together the thinly sliced cabbage and green onions.
  2. Season: Add salt, lemon juice, and spicy chili garlic topping to taste. Mix well and let the slaw sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Substitutions: You can use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs if desired. For a spicier kick, add chili powder or cayenne to the panko mixture.
  • Storage: Store leftover chicken katsu in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
  • Meal Pairing: Serve the chicken katsu with steamed rice or noodles to complete the meal.

This Chicken Katsu with Tonkatsu Sauce and Spicy Cabbage Slaw is a satisfying meal that’s easy to make at home. The crispy, juicy chicken combined with the zesty slaw and rich sauce creates a dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.