Crispy Japanese Chicken Katsu Cutlet (Printable)

Golden, panko-crusted chicken cutlets with tangy tonkatsu sauce

# Ingredient list:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 5 oz each
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Breading Station

04 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1 tablespoon water
07 - 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs

→ Frying

08 - 1 cup vegetable oil for shallow frying

→ Tonkatsu Sauce

09 - 1/4 cup ketchup
10 - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
11 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon mirin or honey
13 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
14 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

→ Optional Serving Suggestions

15 - Shredded cabbage
16 - Fresh lemon wedges
17 - Steamed white rice

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap sheets and pound to uniform 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
02 - Arrange three shallow dishes: flour in first, beaten eggs whisked with water in second, panko breadcrumbs in third. Keep station organized for efficient coating.
03 - Dredge each seasoned cutlet in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then press firmly into panko crumbs to coat completely and evenly.
04 - Pour vegetable oil into large skillet and heat over medium until shimmering, approximately 340°F. Oil should be hot enough to sizzle immediately when tested with breadcrumbs.
05 - Place breaded chicken in hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to wire rack to drain.
06 - Whisk ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, mirin, Dijon mustard, and sugar in small bowl until fully incorporated and smooth.
07 - Rest fried cutlets 5 minutes before slicing into strips. Arrange on plates with tonkatsu sauce drizzled over or on side. Accompany with shredded cabbage, lemon wedges, and steamed rice.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The crunch when you bite through that golden panko crust is absolutely addictive
  • Its faster and cheaper than takeout but tastes even better
  • The homemade tonkatsu sauce will ruin you for store bought versions forever
02 -
  • Let the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying
  • Hot oil should sizzle gently when you add the chicken
  • The sauce keeps in the fridge for weeks and goes on everything
03 -
  • Use a splatter guard or your stove will need a serious wipe down
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after frying so the juices redistribute
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon over the finished cutlet brightens everything
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