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Home » Entrees

Chicken Katsu

Published: Nov 30, 2025 by Grace · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Chicken Katsu is one of those classic comfort dishes that almost everyone in Japan grows up loving. It originally came from the idea of a Western-style cutlet, but over time it transformed into something uniquely Japanese — crispy, juicy, and so satisfying. In my home, it’s a total family favorite. It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can turn into such a delicious dish that feels special every single time. Let’s make it!

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast: 1 lb
  • Egg: 1
  • Panko: 1 ½–2 cups
  • All-purpose flour: 2 Tbsp
  • Salt & pepper: to taste
  • Oil for frying: about 2 cups

For Garnish

  • Finely shredded cabbage (for garnish): as needed

Ingredients for Chicken Katsu: chicken breast, egg, flour, panko, salt and pepper

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Prep the chicken:
Slice the chicken breast into about 1-inch wide pieces. Cover them with plastic wrap and gently pound using a rolling pin (or a meat tenderizer) to even out the thickness to about ½ inch.

Chicken breast sliced into pieces
Chicken breast being pounded with a rolling pin to even thickness

2. Season & flour:
Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge each piece in the flour in a small bowl, shaking off any excess.

Chicken slices seasoned with salt and pepper
Chicken slices dredged in flour

3. Make the egg mixture:
Once all the chicken pieces are coated, crack the egg into the same bowl and whisk it together with the leftover flour. Mix well until smooth.

Egg beaten in a bowl with leftover flour

4. Coat with panko:
Add the panko to a separate bowl or shallow dish. Working one piece at a time, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, then press it into the panko until fully coated. Gently press the panko so it sticks nicely.

Chicken piece being dipped in the egg mixture
Chicken piece being coated with panko
Chicken piece fully coated with panko on both sides

5. Fry:
Heat the oil in a medium pot to 320–355°F (160–180°C). Carefully place the chicken pieces into the oil and fry until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towel.

Chicken pieces being deep-fried in hot oil
Golden brown fried Chicken Katsu resting on a wire rack
Chicken Katsu served on a plate with finely shredded cabbage and cherry tomatoes

With Tonkatsu sauce!

Sliced Chicken Katsu served with tonkatsu sauce

Recipe Tips

  • Check your oil temperature: Too low = soggy katsu. Too high = burnt outside, raw inside. Aim for 320–355°F (160–180°C) throughout frying.
  • Avoid crowding the pot: Fry in batches so the oil temperature doesn’t drop.

Chicken Katsu
Print Recipe

Chicken Katsu

Crispy and juicy Chicken Katsu made with tenderized chicken breast, coated in crunchy panko, and fried to golden perfection. Simple ingredients, quick steps, and delicious results—perfect for a weeknight meal or serving with finely shredded cabbage and your favorite sauce.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Author: Grace

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Chicken breast
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 ½-2 cups Panko
  • 2 tablespoon All-purpose flour
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 cups Oil for frying
  • Finely shredded cabbage (as needed) / for garnish

Instructions

  • Prep the chicken:Slice the chicken breast into about 1-inch wide pieces. Cover them with plastic wrap and gently pound using a rolling pin (or a meat tenderizer) to even out the thickness to about ½ inch.
  • Season & flour:Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge each piece in the flour in a small bowl, shaking off any excess.
  • Make the egg mixture:Once all the chicken pieces are coated, crack the egg into the same bowl and whisk it together with the leftover flour. Mix well until smooth.
  • Coat with panko:Add the panko to a separate bowl or shallow dish. Working one piece at a time, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, then press it into the panko until fully coated. Gently press the panko so it sticks nicely.
  • Fry:Heat the oil in a medium pot to 320–355°F (160–180°C). Carefully place the chicken pieces into the oil and fry until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towel.

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

  • Japanese Hamburg Steak with Daikon Oroshi
    Japanese Hamburg Steak with Daikon Oroshi
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    Ninjin Shirishiri (Okinawan Carrot Stir-Fry)
  • Spinach Ohitashi (Japanese Spinach in Dashi)
    Spinach Ohitashi (Japanese Spinach in Dashi)
  • Japanese Potato Croquettes (Korokke)
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  • Gomoku Takikomi Gohan
    Gomoku Takikomi Gohan (Japanese Mixed Rice)
  • Shrimp Macaroni Gratin
    Shrimp Macaroni Gratin
  • Daikon Mochi
    Easy Pan-Fried Daikon Mochi
  • Soboro Don
    Soboro Don (Ground Chicken & Egg Rice Bowl)

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Hello!

I’m Grace! I share simple, beginner-friendly Japanese home cooking recipes—easy, family-friendly dishes designed to bring the harmony of umami flavors into your kitchen.

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