Easy Chicken Katsu Recipe: How to Make Japanese Chicken Cutlet

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Are you looking for a delicious chicken katsu recipe that will make your kitchen smell amazing? This golden, crispy dish is one of the most popular foods in Japan and around the world. Many people love chicken katsu because it has a crunchy outside and a tender inside that tastes incredible with every bite.

Chicken katsu is a Japanese dish made with chicken breast that is coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown. The word "katsu" comes from the English word "cutlet." This chicken katsu recipe uses simple ingredients that you can find in most grocery stores. The chicken is first covered in flour, then egg, and finally panko breadcrumbs before frying.

In this article, we will share our easy chicken katsu recipe and tips that you can try at home. We also have some tasty side dish ideas you can serve with the katsu. We gathered the recipe and tips from various sources, Saturday (30/8/2025).

If you want to make this tasty Japanese dish at home, you can try this easy chicken katsu recipe:

Ingredients:

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 2 large eggs

- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon black pepper

- Vegetable oil for frying

- Tonkatsu sauce or your favorite dipping sauce

Instructions:

1. First, prepare the chicken breasts. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are even in thickness. 

2. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper. Set aside.

3. Set up three bowls for breading. Put flour in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second bowl, and panko breadcrumbs in the third bowl.

4. Coat each piece of chicken in flour, making sure it covers all sides. Shake off any extra flour.

5. Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs until fully coated.

6. Next, press the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs, covering it well. Gently press the breadcrumbs into the meat to make sure they stick.

7. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. To test the oil, drop a few breadcrumbs in. If they sizzle, it is ready.

8. Fry the chicken pieces in the hot oil, about 3–4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

9. Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to remove extra oil.

10. Slice the chicken into strips and serve with tonkatsu sauce or your preferred dipping sauce.

Making chicken katsu at home is easy, but a few extra steps can help make it perfect.

1. Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Always use Japanese panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Their light and airy texture creates a much crispier coating, giving your chicken katsu the signature crunch that makes this dish so enjoyable.

2. Do Not Skip Pounding the Chicken: Gently flattening the chicken ensures it cooks evenly. Without pounding, some areas may remain too thick, which could lead to uneven cooking and parts of the chicken being undercooked.

3. Let the Chicken Rest Before Frying: After coating the chicken in flour, egg, and panko, let it rest for about 5–10 minutes. This step allows the breadcrumbs to stick more firmly and prevents the coating from falling off during frying.

4. Fry in Small Batches: Avoid frying too many pieces at once. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and causes the chicken to absorb more oil, which makes the crust soggy instead of crispy and light.

5. Drain Properly: Place the fried chicken on paper towels or, even better, on a wire rack. This removes excess oil and keeps the coating crunchy, so it doesn’t become soft or greasy after cooking.

6. Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature: Maintain medium heat while frying. Oil that is too hot will burn the outside quickly, while oil that is too cold will make the chicken greasy. Consistent heat gives the best results.

Chicken katsu is versatile and goes well with many side dishes. Here are some delicious options to try.

1. Steamed Rice – A simple bowl of rice balances the flavors of the crispy chicken. It makes the meal filling and satisfying.

2. Miso Soup – This warm and light soup pairs perfectly with chicken katsu. It adds comfort to the meal and complements the crunchy texture.

3. Shredded Cabbage – Fresh cabbage is often served with chicken katsu in Japan. Its crispness adds freshness and balances the fried dish.

4. Pickled Vegetables – Tangy pickles add a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken. They cleanse the palate and make the meal lighter.

5. Japanese Curry – For a heartier meal, serve chicken katsu with curry sauce and rice. This popular dish is called katsu curry and is loved worldwide.

6. Fresh Salad – A green salad with a light dressing adds color and freshness to your plate. It also makes the meal healthier.

With this chicken katsu recipe, you can make a delicious dish at home that is crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. The tips will help you achieve the best result, and the side dishes will complete your meal perfectly. Enjoy your cooking!