Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry

Name: Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; 1 cup flour; 2 large eggs; 2 cups panko breadcrumbs; Salt and pepper to taste; Oil for frying; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 potatoes, cubed; 3 cups chicken broth; 3 tablespoons curry powder; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; Salt to taste; Cooked rice; Chopped green onions (optional); Pickled ginger (optional)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Savor the delicious fusion of crispy chicken katsu and rich, flavorful curry sauce with this Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry recipe. Tender chicken breast, breaded and fried to a perfect golden brown, sits atop a bed of fluffy rice, generously smothered in a delectable curry sauce that's both comforting and satisfying. This dish is a delightful way to experience authentic Japanese cuisine, easy to prepare at home for family dinners or special occasions.

Created by

Lila Morgan

Last updated on 2025-11-29T16:20:06.506Z

This Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry is a delightful dish that brings the comfort of home-cooked meals with a touch of Japanese flavors. Perfect for any occasion!

The Art of Chicken Katsu

Chicken katsu is a popular dish in Japan, celebrated for its crispy exterior and juicy interior. The technique used to create this dish involves breading chicken with panko breadcrumbs, which are coarser than regular breadcrumbs, resulting in a delightful crunch that elevates the eating experience. The chicken is typically fried until golden brown, ensuring that it retains its moisture and tenderness. This beloved Japanese classic is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that brings warmth and happiness to the table.

In this recipe, we use chicken breasts, which are a lean protein choice. They cook up beautifully when coated and fried, making them a perfect canvas for the rich curry sauce that accompanies this dish. Pair it with freshly steamed rice, and you have a satisfying meal that will impress friends and family alike.

Understanding Japanese Curry

Japanese curry is distinct from its Indian counterpart, characterized by its thick, mild sauce that is often sweeter and less spicy. The base of the sauce typically includes curry powder, which lends it a unique flavor profile, along with vegetables like onions, carrots, and potatoes for added texture. This combination creates a comforting dish that is especially popular during colder months, providing warmth and satisfaction with every bite.

When making this curry sauce, we use chicken broth for depth and richness, alongside soy sauce and honey, which enhances the savory and sweet notes. The simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a curry that is not only aromatic but also perfectly complements the crispy chicken katsu.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serving Chicken Katsu Curry is an art in itself. Start by layering a generous portion of cooked rice on a plate, which acts as a perfect base to soak up the delicious curry sauce. The crispy chicken katsu is then sliced and artfully placed over the rice, making for a visually appealing presentation. Ladle the curry sauce over the chicken and rice, ensuring every bite is infused with flavor.

To elevate the dish further, consider adding garnishes like chopped green onions for freshness and a hint of crunch, or pickled ginger, which offers a delightful zing and enhances the overall taste experience. These small touches not only enhance the plate visually but also deepen the flavors, making your Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry truly memorable.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Katsu

4 chicken breasts
1 cup flour
2 large eggs
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying

For the Curry Sauce

1 onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 potatoes, cubed
3 cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons curry powder
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
Salt to taste

For Serving

Cooked rice
Chopped green onions (optional)
Pickled ginger (optional)

Make sure to gather all ingredients before you start cooking for a smoother preparation process.

Cooking Steps

Prepare Chicken Katsu

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let drain on paper towels.

Make the Curry Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes, and stir.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Ad the curry powder, soy sauce, and honey, then reduce heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender.

Serve

1. Slice the chicken katsu and serve it over a bed of rice.
2. Generously ladle the curry sauce over the chicken and rice.
3. Garnish with green onions and pickled ginger if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry!

Cooking Tips for Perfection

To achieve the perfect chicken katsu, ensure that your oil is hot enough before frying. A temperature of around 350°F (175°C) will help create that desired crispy coating. If the oil is too cool, the breading will absorb more oil, leaving you with an oily result instead of a crunchy exterior. A simple test is to drop a few breadcrumbs in the oil; they should sizzle immediately.

Don't overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken. This will lower the oil temperature significantly and can lead to uneven cooking. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary, allowing each piece enough space to fry properly. Once cooked, let the chicken rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil and maintain its crispiness.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Chicken Katsu Curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy, it’s best to store the katsu separately from the curry sauce and rice. Reheat the curry sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave, ensuring it is heated thoroughly before serving.

If you're reheating the chicken katsu, place it in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) to regain some of its crispiness. A few minutes in the oven will help the chicken re-crisp while keeping the interior moist. Enjoying this dish as leftovers is a great way to savor its delicious flavors a second time!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes, pork or tofu can also be used to make katsu.

→ Is this dish spicy?

The curry can be adjusted to your spice preference by varying the amount of curry powder used.