Introduction
Chicken Katsu is a popular Japanese dish consisting of breaded and fried chicken cutlets served with a rich and tangy sauce. It’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making it a crowd-pleasing meal for any occasion. This dish is often served with rice and shredded cabbage, making it a complete meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Let’s dive into how to make this simple and tasty Chicken Katsu at home!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 ½ cups of panko breadcrumbs (Japanese breadcrumbs)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Katsu Sauce
- ¼ cup of ketchup
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
For Serving
- Cooked white rice
- Shredded cabbage
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Preparing the Dish
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound them gently with a meat mallet until they are about ½ inch thick.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully covered. Finally, coat the chicken in panko breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to stick well.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Katsu Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Set aside.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
- Once the chicken has cooled slightly, slice it into strips.
- Serve the chicken katsu with white rice, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of the katsu sauce. Add a lemon wedge for a fresh touch if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Step 1: Plate the Dish
Arrange the sliced Chicken Katsu neatly on a plate alongside a mound of rice and a pile of fresh, crunchy cabbage.
Step 2: Garnish
Drizzle with katsu sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Conclusion
Chicken Katsu is a crispy, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s easy to make at home. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dish or a quick dinner, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Serve it with rice and cabbage for a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor!