Chicken Katsu Curry is a hearty and comforting Japanese dish that combines crispy breaded chicken cutlets (katsu) with a rich, flavorful curry sauce. The chicken is typically coated in panko breadcrumbs, fried until golden and crispy, and then served over a bed of rice with a generous pour of thick, savory curry sauce. The curry itself is a mix of onions, carrots, and potatoes, cooked down with spices like curry powder and soy sauce to create a warm, slightly sweet, and savory flavor.
The first time I made Chicken Katsu Curry, I was craving something with both crispy texture and deep, comforting flavors, and this dish hit the spot perfectly. The contrast between the crispy chicken and the thick curry sauce was absolutely delicious. What I love most about Chicken Katsu Curry is how satisfying it is—it’s filling yet not too heavy, and the curry sauce adds such a nice warmth to the dish. Whether you’re enjoying it for a family meal, a cozy dinner, or a fun weekend treat, Chicken Katsu Curry is always a crowd-pleaser!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Weeknight meals
- Comfort food cravings
- Japanese cuisine enthusiasts
- A filling and flavorful lunch or dinner
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Chicken Katsu Curry will become your go-to comfort food:
- Crispy and Tender Chicken: The breaded chicken cutlet is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- Rich and Flavorful Curry: A warm, savory curry sauce that’s rich in flavor and perfectly balanced with mild spice.
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of crispy chicken, curry sauce, and rice creates a hearty meal that satisfies any hunger.
- Easy to Make: A simple yet impressive dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
- Customizable Spice Level: You can adjust the curry’s heat to your liking by adding more or less spice.
- Great for Meal Prep: This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.
- Perfect with Steamed Rice: Serve with perfectly steamed rice to soak up all the delicious curry sauce.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, it’s a dish that pleases everyone at the table.
- Comforting and Cozy: It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, ideal for cold evenings or rainy days.
- Japanese-Inspired Dish: Bring the flavors of Japan into your home with this authentic and delicious recipe.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 700-750 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 75g, Fat: 30g
Ingredients
For the Chicken Katsu:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
The Curry Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Steamed white rice
- Chopped green onions (optional)
- Pickled vegetables (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese breadcrumbs provide an extra crispy texture to the chicken cutlet.
- Curry Powder: The key to creating a savory, aromatic curry sauce.
- Soy Sauce and Ketchup: Add depth and umami to the curry sauce with these pantry staples.
- Chicken Broth: Provides a rich and flavorful base for the curry sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Chicken Katsu:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Dredge in Flour: Place flour in a shallow dish and coat each chicken breast with flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip in Eggs: Whisk eggs in a separate dish, then dip each flour-coated chicken breast into the egg mixture.
- Coat in Panko: Dredge the chicken in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Make the Curry Sauce:
- Cook Onions and Garlic: Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add Carrot and Ginger: Add grated ginger and chopped carrots, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add Curry Powder and Soy Sauce: Stir in the curry powder, soy sauce, ketchup, and honey, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the carrots are tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Dish:
- Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, slice it into strips.
- Serve: Serve the sliced chicken over a bed of steamed rice. Pour the curry sauce over the chicken and rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or pickled vegetables, if desired.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Chicken Katsu Curry:
- As a Weeknight Dinner: Serve it as a comforting dinner after a long day.
- With Side Vegetables: Add steamed or sautéed vegetables like broccoli or peas for extra nutrition.
- For Lunch: Make it ahead and pack it for a filling lunch.
- With Japanese Pickles: Pair with pickled ginger or pickled radish for a tangy contrast.
- With a Salad: Serve alongside a light Japanese cucumber salad for balance.
- On Special Occasions: This dish is perfect for a homemade Japanese-themed dinner party.
- With Soft-Boiled Eggs: Add a soft-boiled egg on top for extra richness.
- With Sriracha or Chili Oil: Spice it up with a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil if you like more heat.
- For Meal Prep: Prepare extra curry sauce and chicken to enjoy throughout the week.
- As a Comfort Food Fix: Serve with a side of miso soup for the ultimate comfort meal.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure the chicken crisps up evenly.
- Make the Curry Sauce Ahead of Time: The curry sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a couple of days.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the curry is too thick, thin it out with a little more chicken broth or water.
- Use Boneless Thighs: For a juicier chicken cutlet, consider using boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Garnish with Pickled Vegetables: Pickled ginger or Japanese-style pickles can add a zesty kick to the dish.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Version: Use a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for the katsu and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth in the curry.
- Spicy Katsu Curry: Add more curry powder or some chili flakes to the sauce for a spicier kick.
- Katsu Don: Serve the chicken katsu over rice and top with a slightly different sauce made from eggs and dashi broth for a traditional “katsu don” style meal.
- Vegetable Katsu Curry: Substitute the chicken with breaded and fried vegetables like eggplant or zucchini.
- Creamy Curry: Add a splash of heavy cream to the curry sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
- Pineapple Curry: For a sweet contrast, add chunks of pineapple to the curry sauce.
- Curry with Potato: Add boiled potatoes to the curry for extra heartiness.
- Gluten-Free Katsu: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the chicken coating if you need a gluten-free option.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: For frying the chicken katsu.
- Saucepan: For making the curry sauce.
- Shallow Dishes: For dredging the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Meat Thermometer: To check if the chicken is cooked through.
- Rice Cooker: For perfectly steamed rice.
FAQ Section
- Can I use store-bought curry sauce?
Yes, you can use pre-made curry sauce to save time. Simply heat it up and pour over the fried chicken. - How long does this dish last in the fridge?
The dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze the curry sauce?
Yes, the curry sauce can be frozen for up to 1 month. - Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and are more flavorful and moist. - How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly in panko and fry it in hot oil to get that crispy texture. - Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, simply add more curry powder or some chili paste to the sauce to make it spicier. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the curry sauce and rice in advance, but fry the chicken right before serving to keep it crispy. - How can I make the curry less thick?
Add a bit more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. - Can I use a deep fryer instead of a skillet?
Yes, you can use a deep fryer for frying the chicken for an even crispier texture. - Can I add vegetables to the curry?
Yes, you can add vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or potatoes to the curry sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
Chicken Katsu Curry is a delicious and satisfying meal that brings the perfect balance of crispy chicken and rich curry sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. It’s comforting, flavorful, and versatile—exactly the kind of meal that everyone will love.
Treat yourself and your loved ones to this Japanese classic, and experience the joy of every bite!