Crispy Chicken Katsu (Print-Friendly Version)

Golden panko-breaded chicken cutlets served with tonkatsu sauce, steamed rice, and fresh cabbage for an authentic Japanese meal.

# What You'll Need:

01 - 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 - Salt and black pepper to taste
03 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 2 eggs, lightly beaten
05 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
06 - Vegetable oil for frying
07 - 2 cups cooked white rice
08 - 1 cup shredded cabbage
09 - Tonkatsu sauce for serving
10 - Sesame seeds for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about 1.25 cm. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
02 - Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
03 - Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
04 - In a large skillet, heat about 1.25 cm of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until a breadcrumb sizzles when dropped in.
05 - Fry chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Work in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding.
06 - Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
07 - Slice the chicken katsu into strips and serve with cooked white rice, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of tonkatsu sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds.

# Additional Tips:

01 - For a juicier alternative, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts.
02 - Enhance flavor by adding garlic powder or paprika to the flour mixture.
03 - For a healthier version, bake the breaded chicken at 200°C for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
04 - Leftover katsu makes excellent sandwiches for the next day.