Chicken Katsu: A Delicious Japanese Classic

Introduction

Chicken Katsu is a Japanese dish that features crispy breaded chicken cutlets. It is a popular comfort food in Japan and has gained popularity all over the world due to its delicious taste and simplicity. In this blog post, we’ll teach you how to make Chicken Katsu in just a few easy steps. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.

2. In three separate shallow bowls, prepare the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s coated on both sides, then press it into the breadcrumbs mixture to coat it completely.

4. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken cutlets and fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

5. Transfer the chicken katsu to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing it into strips or serving it whole with steamed rice and your favorite dipping sauce.

Vegetarian/Vegan Version

To make a vegetarian version of Chicken Katsu, you can use tofu instead of chicken. Cut a block of firm tofu into thick slices and follow the same steps as for the chicken. You can also use eggplant or portobello mushrooms instead of tofu.

For a vegan version, replace the eggs with a mixture of 1/2 cup of unsweetened soy milk and 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using it to coat the tofu or vegetables.

Variations

• Tonkatsu: Instead of chicken, use pork cutlets to make Tonkatsu, another popular Japanese dish.
• Curry katsu: Serve chicken katsu with Japanese curry sauce and steamed rice for a delicious and comforting meal.
• Katsu sandwich: Make a sandwich with chicken katsu, shredded cabbage, and tonkatsu sauce between two slices of bread.
• Katsu donburi: Serve chicken katsu on top of a bowl of steamed rice with a fried egg and vegetables.
• Katsu ramen: Add chicken katsu to a bowl of ramen noodles for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Conclusion

Chicken Katsu is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a crispy and flavorful meal that everyone will love. Plus, with the variations we’ve suggested, you can easily switch up the recipe and make it your own. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out!

FAQ

What is Chicken Katsu?

Chicken Katsu is a Japanese-style fried chicken dish that is breaded with panko breadcrumbs and served with a sweet and savory sauce.

What ingredients do I need to make Chicken Katsu?

To make Chicken Katsu, you will need boneless chicken breasts, panko breadcrumbs, flour, eggs, salt, pepper, oil for frying, and tonkatsu sauce (or a mixture of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce).

How do I make Chicken Katsu?

To make Chicken Katsu, you will need to pound the chicken breasts until they are an even thickness, then coat them in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs. Fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, then serve with tonkatsu sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. The cooking time may be slightly longer, so be sure to check that the chicken is cooked through before serving.

Can I make Chicken Katsu in advance?

While Chicken Katsu is best served fresh and hot, you can make it in advance and reheat it in the oven or toaster oven. Be sure to store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What can I serve with Chicken Katsu?

Chicken Katsu is often served with steamed rice and a side of vegetables, such as steamed broccoli or carrots. You can also serve it with a side salad or Japanese-style pickles.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs?

Panko breadcrumbs are recommended for Chicken Katsu because they create a light and crispy coating. However, if you cannot find panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs instead.

Is Chicken Katsu a healthy dish?

While Chicken Katsu is a delicious and satisfying dish, it is not particularly healthy due to the frying process. To make it slightly healthier, you can use a smaller amount of oil for frying and serve it with a side of vegetables.

Can I make Chicken Katsu without frying?

If you prefer not to fry the chicken, you can try baking it in the oven instead. Coat the chicken in breadcrumbs as usual, then place it on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

What is tonkatsu sauce?

Tonkatsu sauce is a Japanese condiment that is often served with Chicken Katsu and other fried dishes. It is a thick and sweet sauce made from a blend of Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, and sugar.

Can I make my own tonkatsu sauce?

Yes, you can make your own tonkatsu sauce by mixing together Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, and sugar to taste. Adjust the ingredients as needed to achieve the desired flavor.