Ingredients
Chicken Katsu
- 2 chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 cup Japanese panko bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough for deep frying)
Katsu Sauce
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic and onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Make Chicken Katsu Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and garlic & onion powder. Taste the sauce and add sugar incrementally to achieve desired sweetness, similar to Bull-dog sauce. Set aside to use with the chicken.
- Dredge the Chicken: Prepare three separate plates: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with panko bread crumbs. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Mix a tablespoon of flour into the beaten egg to create a thicker egg wash. Coat the chicken thoroughly with flour, then dip into the egg wash, and finally press firmly into the panko bread crumbs to ensure a thick, adhesive coating that won’t flake off during frying.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or pot to allow the chicken cutlets to float without touching the bottom. Heat the oil to 340°F (approximately medium heat). Test readiness by dropping a few breadcrumbs – they should sizzle immediately.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place a breaded chicken cutlet into the hot oil. Fry the first side for about 4 minutes, then flip and fry the other side for another 4 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked through. Work in batches to maintain oil temperature. Remove excess crumbs with a skimmer to keep the oil clean and at the correct temperature.
- Serve: Slice the fried chicken katsu into 1-inch thick pieces. Serve immediately with the prepared katsu sauce alongside shredded cabbage and steamed rice for a classic meal experience.
Notes
- Note 1: Both chicken thighs and breasts work well; thighs are juicier, breasts are leaner.
- Note 2: Adding a tablespoon of flour to the beaten egg creates a thicker egg wash that helps panko crumbs adhere better for an extra crispy crust.
- Note 3: Maintaining the oil temperature at around 340°F is crucial to avoid burning breadcrumbs and ensure the chicken cooks properly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese