Chicken Katsu | A Mind “Full” Mom

By Kristen Chidsey | 6 Comments | Published March 21, 2022 | Updated March 16, 2022 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Made with crispy breaded chicken and served with a sweet and tangy sauce, Chicken Katsu is a flavorful, simple recipe to make using chicken breasts.

This recipe for Chicken Katsu has been lightened up, by being baked instead of fried, yet it is still as crispy and delicious as the original version.

What is Chicken Katsu?

Katsu is a popular Japanese cooking technique that means to coat in panko bread crumbs and then pan-fry. 

While Katsu is often made with pork, it is an absolutely delicious (and easy) way to prepare chicken cutlets. 

While this dish originated in Japan, Chicken Katsu is also popular in Hawaii. That is where this dish was introduced to me. And let’s just say I immediately fell in love with Chicken Katsu!

The chicken is crispy and crunchy, yet juicy. And the savory, yet sweet katsu sauce served with the chicken gives this dish so much incredible flavor. 

It is like a sophisticated take on chicken nuggets dipped in ketchup–yet the kids love it as well.

Notes on Key Ingredients

• Chicken: Use either thinly sliced chicken breasts, chicken cutlets, or chicken breasts that you slice into cutlets yourself. 
• Panko Breadcrumbs: There is NO substitute for the panko breadcrumbs if you want to have authentic Chicken Katsu.
• Tonkatsu Sauce: The sauce served with Chicken Katsu is known as Tonkatsu sauce and is made with a combination of ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, and molasses. Be sure to use freshly grated ginger root for the most authentic flavor.

How To Make Chicken Katsu

Step One: Prepare the Sauce

The first step to preparing this dish is to prepare the Tonkatsu Sauce. This will give the flavors time to deepen and develop while you prepare the chicken. 

• Simply mix together the ketchup, molasses, soy sauce, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and freshly grated ginger root together in a small bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving.

Step Two: Pound Chicken Breast

The key to good Chicken Katsu, is to start with thin cutlets. That way the meat will cook quickly and evenly, in the time it takes for the breading to brown. 

• Trim the chicken of any unwanted fat. If using chicken breasts, not cutlets, cut each breast in half lengthwise so you end up with thin, evenly sized chicken cutlets.
• Lay the chicken cutlets between two layers of plastic wrap. Pound out chicken until ¼-1/2 inch thick. 
• Season with ½ teaspoon salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken.

Step Three: Bread Cutlets

Just like my recipe for Fish Sticks and Chicken Tenders, this recipe uses a 3-step breading process. This ensures that the breadcrumbs adhere well to the chicken. 

• Set out three shallow dishes. In one dish, combine the flour with a bit of salt and garlic powder. 
• In the second dish, whisk the eggs with a bit of salt and water. 
• And place the panko breadcrumbs into the final dish. 
• Working with one cutlet at a time, dredge the seasoned chicken in flour to coat, shaking off excess. Dip in egg, coating both sides, let excess drip off, then press into bread crumbs, using your hands to ensure the chicken cutlet is evenly coated. 
• Place breaded chicken onto a baking cooking rack that has been fitted on top of a baking sheet. 

Step Four: Bake

Typically Chicken Katsu is fried. However, I have lightened this recipe up significantly by baking the Chicken Katsu instead of frying. The chicken still turns out crispy and golden brown, yet it is much lower in fat and calories than the fried version.

• Spray the chicken generously with cooking spray. It should be enough to make the breadcrumbs glisten and this will help crisp up the panko perfectly.
• Bake until golden.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Katsu is traditionally served with Tonkatsu sauce, steamed rice (or Instant Pot Rice), shredded cabbage, and sliced green onions, for a complete meal that is full of flavor and texture. You can also opt to serve the chicken katsu on a bun topped with cabbage and Tonkatsu sauce for a tasty, unique chicken sandwich if desired. 

More Favorite Chicken Recipes

Need more inspiration for planning meals that your family will love? Sign up for my FREE Meal Plans and each week you will get a meal plan with a shopping list.

If you enjoyed this recipe for Baked Chicken Katsu, I would love for you to leave a comment and review!