Crispy Chicken Katsu with Tonkatsu Sauce
Golden, ultra-crispy Japanese-style chicken cutlets served with a rich, tangy tonkatsu sauce and fresh lime wedges. Perfectly juicy on the inside with a crunchy panko crust, this dish is a comfort food classic.
- Author: Djihane
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Halal
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Lime wedges, for serving
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin (or substitute rice vinegar + pinch of sugar)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pound the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then dip in egg, and coat generously with panko, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully fry the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the tonkatsu sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Slice the katsu into strips, serve hot with tonkatsu sauce on the side and lime wedges for squeezing.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
- For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
- Serve with steamed rice and shredded cabbage for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet with sauce
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: chicken katsu, Japanese fried chicken, tonkatsu sauce, crispy chicken, panko crust, comfort food