This delicious Crispy Authentic Chicken Katsu with Homemade Tonkatsu Sauce comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect for a midweek dinner that’s quick and easy! Your family will love just how crispy and flavorful this chicken is! Plus, you can switch up the toppings or even the type of protein (yes, feel free to use pork or even tofu) to suit your taste or just to clean out the fridge!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Katsu:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut in half horizontally)
- Salt (a couple pinches)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 tablespoons water
- 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Tonkatsu Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
Let’s Get Cooking!
Now, let’s dive into how I make this amazing chicken katsu! You’re going to love it, and I promise it’s simpler than it sounds.
Step 1: Prepare the Tonkatsu Sauce (5 minutes)
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon mirin, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger, and 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic. This gives you that sweet, tangy flavor profile that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
- Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken (5 minutes)
- Season the chicken breasts with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. This not only makes for an even cook but also keeps the chicken juicy!
- Now, set up a dredging station: Place the flour, beaten eggs (mixed with 1 1/2 tablespoons water), and panko breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken (5 minutes)
- First, coat the chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Next, dip it into the egg wash (you want it to get all sticky and wet, yum).
- Finally, coat it with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick well. Repeat this for all your chicken pieces. You should be left with a crispy, crunchy layer on the outside!
Step 4: Cook the Chicken (10 minutes)
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. To test if it’s ready, drop in a tiny piece of breadcrumbs; if it sizzles, you’re good!
- Add your chicken, frying in batches if necessary. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. For reference, you’re looking for a beautiful golden color and a sound that makes your taste buds dance seriously, my kiddos get so excited at this sound!
- Once cooked, place the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Serve It Up!
- Slice the chicken katsu into strips, drizzle with your homemade tonkatsu sauce, and serve with a side of steamed rice and a colorful salad. This combination always gets my family raving about how delicious dinner is!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I’m in a pinch but craving something comforting and satisfying. It’s classic comfort food that always hits the spot, making it a family favorite at our dinner table. The best part is you can whip it up in about 30 minutes, which is perfect for us busy families! Honestly, I’m a real sucker for that crispy texture. And guess what? You can also use whatever you’ve got on hand, making this a wildly adaptable recipe!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole, my Homemade Hungarian Goulash, or my Easy Shrimp Boil Foil Packets!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
Comes together in under 30 minutes! Perfect for those weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of prep time.
Homemade Sauce
The homemade tonkatsu sauce is a total game changer. The combination of sweet and savory flavors really enhances the chicken. Plus, it’s way better than store-bought!
Crowd-Pleaser
The whole family will love it! Whether you have kids who are picky eaters or adults with varying tastes, crispy chicken katsu is sure to impress.
Customizable
Use whatever ingredients you have. Switch out the chicken for pork, or go vegetarian with tofu or eggplant! The sauce can be adjusted to your liking too; if you like it sweeter or spicier, just tweak those ingredients!
Comfort Food Loaded with Flavor
Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, it’s comfort food at its finest. The flavor combo of crispy chicken and savory sauce is unbeatable.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken katsu with a side of steamed white rice, a fresh green salad, or even some pickled vegetables to hit all the flavor notes. You can also get creative and serve it with a slaw for extra crunch!
How Long It Keeps
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, I recommend using an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. This helps retain the crispiness. Alternatively, a quick pan-fry will work, too!
Freezer Friendly
Yes, you can freeze uncooked katsu! Just bread it and place it on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. To cook, simply fry from frozen, just increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
FAQ
Can I make the tonkatsu sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work. They might not be quite as crunchy, but they’ll serve in a pinch.
Can I use a different protein?
Definitely! Pork is a classic substitute, or you can go vegetarian with sliced eggplant or tofu. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly!
Is this recipe spicy?
Nope, not at all! The flavor profile is sweet and savory, so it’s quite mild. If you like it spicy, feel free to add a dash of chili flakes to your sauce!
And there you have it! A comforting, crispy chicken katsu that your family will adore. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Enjoy your delicious meals, and don’t forget to stop by and tell me how yours turned out! Happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
Print
Crispy Authentic Chicken Katsu with Homemade Tonkatsu Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy recipe for crispy chicken katsu served with a homemade tonkatsu sauce that your family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut in half horizontally)
- Salt (a couple pinches)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 tablespoons water
- 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
Instructions
- Prepare the Tonkatsu Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, and garlic. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pound to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Dredge the Chicken: Coat the chicken in flour, dip in egg wash, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan; fry chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve It Up: Slice the chicken katsu, drizzle with tonkatsu sauce, and serve with steamed rice and salad.
Notes
Adaptable recipe; feel free to use pork or tofu instead of chicken. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
