Print

Crispy Chicken Katsu Curry Recipe Easy Homemade Sauce for Dinner

crispy chicken katsu curry - featured image

A quick and easy Japanese comfort food recipe featuring crispy panko-coated chicken breasts served with a rich, homemade curry sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (butterflied for even thickness)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying (about 1 inch depth)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon mild curry powder (Japanese curry powder if available)
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Steamed white rice or Japanese short-grain rice (to serve)
  • Pickled ginger or shredded cabbage (optional for freshness)

Instructions

  1. Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally to create two thinner pieces (about 1/2 inch thick). Pound gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin between plastic wrap to even thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper. (10 minutes)
  2. Set up dredging stations: Place flour in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs. Season the flour lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Dip each chicken piece first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg, and finally into the panko, pressing gently to adhere a thick coating. Set aside on a plate.
  4. Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a skillet over medium heat. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Test by dropping a breadcrumb in — it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.
  5. Carefully add the chicken pieces, cooking in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
  6. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  7. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw taste. Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
  8. Stir in curry powder, garam masala, soy sauce, honey, and mustard. Simmer gently, stirring often, until thickened and smooth (about 10 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Slice the chicken katsu into strips. Plate over steamed rice and generously spoon the curry sauce on top. Add pickled ginger or shredded cabbage for a fresh crunch if desired.

Notes

Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F for even crispiness. Drain fried chicken on a wire rack to maintain crunch. Sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently. For gluten-free, substitute flour and panko with rice flour and gluten-free panko. For dairy-free, replace butter with coconut or vegetable oil. Air fryer method: brush coated chicken with oil and air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken katsu, Japanese curry, crispy chicken, homemade curry sauce, panko chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal