Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Golden Fried Chicken Katsu with Tonkatsu Sauce is a crispy, juicy Japanese comfort food favorite. Featuring tender chicken coated in crunchy panko and fried to golden perfection, it’s served with a tangy-sweet tonkatsu sauce that adds the perfect balance. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, it’s perfect over rice or with shredded cabbage.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breastssalt and pepperflour (for dredging)eggs (beaten)panko breadcrumbsvegetable oil (for frying)

for the tonkatsu sauce

ketchupWorcestershire saucesoy saucesugarmirin (optional)garlic powderground ginger

directions

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness and season with salt and pepper.

Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko in separate bowls.

Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip in egg, then coat in panko, pressing to adhere.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Fry chicken until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

For the sauce, whisk together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sugar, mirin (if using), garlic powder, and ginger until smooth.

Slice chicken into strips and serve with sauce drizzled on top or on the side.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use pork cutlets instead of chicken for traditional tonkatsu.

Add shredded cabbage and steamed rice for a full katsu plate.

Bake or air-fry for a lighter version.

Spice up the sauce with a dash of Sriracha or hot mustard.

storage/reheating

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) to maintain crispiness.Not recommended for microwave reheating as coating may become soggy.Freeze cooked cutlets for up to 1 month—reheat from frozen in the oven.

FAQs

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour, panko, and soy sauce.

What oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil work well.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless thighs work great and stay extra juicy.

What’s the difference between katsu and tonkatsu?

Katsu refers to the cutlet itself, while tonkatsu typically refers to pork cutlets and the accompanying sauce.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken ahead and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before frying.

Conclusion

Golden Fried Chicken Katsu with Tonkatsu Sauce is a crave-worthy dish that combines crispy texture with bold flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a comforting dinner or a weekend treat, this Japanese classic is sure to impress with its perfect balance of crunch and savory goodness.