Ingredients
For the Chicken Katsu
- 2 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup Japanese panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg (beaten)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the 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
- Prepare Katsu Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and garlic & onion powder. Taste and add sugar if desired, starting with less to replicate a Bull-dog sauce flavor. Set aside.
- Prep Ingredients for Breading: Arrange the beaten egg, flour, and panko bread crumbs each on separate plates. Mix one tablespoon of flour into the beaten egg to create a thicker egg wash, helping the crumbs adhere better.
- Season and Dredge Chicken: Lightly salt and pepper the chicken thighs or breasts. Coat each piece evenly in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip Chicken in Egg Wash: Dip the floured chicken into the thickened egg mixture, ensuring it is fully covered.
- Coat with Panko Crumbs: Press the chicken firmly into the panko bread crumbs to create a generous and secure coating that won’t flake off during frying.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Fill a deep pan with vegetable oil, enough for deep frying, and heat over medium to 340°F (170°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop some panko crumbs in; when they sizzle, the oil is ready.
- Deep-Fry Chicken: Gently place the breaded chicken into the hot oil. Fry one side for 4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and fry for another 4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and crust is crispy. Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and remove loose crumbs regularly.
- Drain and Slice: Remove the cooked chicken cutlets from oil and drain on paper towels. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces.
- Serve: Plate the sliced chicken katsu with the prepared katsu sauce, alongside shredded cabbage and steamed rice for an authentic Japanese meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Note 1: For juicier chicken, use thighs instead of breasts.
- Note 2: Mixing a tablespoon of flour into the egg wash helps the panko crust stick better and makes it crispier.
- Note 3: Maintaining oil temperature at 340°F is crucial to avoid burning the crust and to cook the chicken evenly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese