Made with crispy breaded chicken and served with a sweet and tangy Tonkatsu Sauce, this Baked Chicken Katsu is a healthier version of a classic Japanese recipe.
![Chicken Katsu Sliced Chicken Katsu on plate served with rice and shredded cabbage.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Chicken-Katsu.jpg)
Katsu is a popular Japanese cooking technique that means to coat a thin cutlet, such as pork or chicken, in panko bread crumbs and then pan-fry until crispy. Whether using pork or chicken, it is often served with a sweet and savory Tonkatsu Sauce and steamed rice.
I fell in love with Chicken Katsu, not in Japan, but in Hawaii, where this Japanese dish is quite popular. The chicken is crispy, crunchy, and juicy, just as good fried chicken should be. And the sauce adds intrigue to the otherwise simple dish.
However, unlike the classically heavy fried dish, this recipe for Chicken Katsu has been lightened up, by being baked using the same technique I do for Baked Chicken Parmesan and baked chicken tenders, which keeps the chicken crispy, crunchy, yet juicy.
Served with a Tonkatsu Sauce, which is like a Japanese Barbecue Sauce made with a base of ketchup and soy. It is sweet and savory and tastes amazing drizzled on just about everything, but pairs especially well with Chicken Katsu.
This recipe for Baked Chicken Katsu is easy to make, yet feels like a sophisticated take on chicken nuggets dipped in ketchup. So yes, the kids LOVE this easy chicken recipe as well.
Notes on Key Ingredients
![Chicken Katsu Recipe Ingredients for Chicken Katsu labeled on counter.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Baked-Chicken-Katsu-Recipe.jpg)
- Chicken: Use either thinly sliced chicken breasts, chicken cutlets, or chicken breasts that you slice into cutlets yourself.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: There is NO substitute for panko breadcrumbs if you want to have authentic Chicken Katsu. The panko is light and crisps up so much better than traditional breadcrumbs.
- Tonkatsu Sauce: The sauce served with Chicken Katsu is known as Tonkatsu sauce and is made with a combination of ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, and molasses. Be sure to use freshly grated ginger root for the most authentic flavor.
How To Make Chicken Katsu
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Prepare Tonkatsu Sauce
The first step to preparing this dish is to prepare the Tonkatsu Sauce. This will give the flavors time to deepen and develop while you prepare the chicken.
![Tonkatsu Sauce Tonkatsu Sauce in mixing bowl.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Tonkatsu-Sauce-1.jpg)
Pound the Chicken
The key to good Chicken Katsu is to start with thin chicken cutlets, that have been pounded to be ¼-1/2 inch thick. That way the meat will cook quickly and evenly, in the time it takes for the breading to brown.
![Japanese Katsu 4 chicken cutlets pounded on cutting board.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Japanese-Chicken-Katsu-Recipe.jpg)
Bread Chicken Cutlets
Just like my recipe for Fish Sticks and Chicken Tenders, this recipe uses a 3-step breading process. This ensures that the breadcrumbs adhere well to the chicken. Working with one cutlet at a time, dredge the seasoned chicken in flour to coat, shaking off excess. Dip in egg, coating both sides, let excess drip off, then press into bread crumbs, using your hands to ensure the chicken cutlet is evenly coated.
![Baked Katsu Breaded Chicken on baking rack.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Baked-Katsu.jpg)
Bake on a Rack
Typically Chicken Katsu is fried. However, I have lightened this recipe up significantly by baking the Chicken Katsu instead of frying it. The chicken still turns out crispy and golden brown, yet it is much lower in fat and calories than the fried version. Be sure to place breaded chicken onto a baking cooking rack that has been fitted on top of a baking sheet. This will allow the chicken to become golden and crispy on all sides.
![Katsu with Chicken Crispy breaded chicken on baking rack.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Katsu-Chicken.jpg)
Serve with Rice
Chicken Katsu is traditionally served with Tonkatsu sauce and rice, shredded cabbage, and sliced green onions, for a complete meal that is full of flavor and texture. I typically pair this chicken with either Instant Pot White Rice or Instant Pot Brown Rice. You can also opt to serve the chicken katsu on a bun topped with cabbage and Tonkatsu sauce for a tasty, unique chicken sandwich if desired.
![Japanese Katsu Sliced Chicken Katsu on plate served with rice and shredded cabbage.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Japanese-Katsu.jpg)
More Favorite Chicken Recipes
- Honey Lemon Chicken
- Moo Goo Gai Pan
- Stir-Fried Chicken and Bok Choy
- Orange Chicken
- Chicken Asparagus Stir Fry
- Baked Pesto Chicken
- Marry Me Chicken
Need more inspiration for planning meals that your family will love? Sign up for my FREE Meal Plans and each week you will get a meal plan with a shopping list.
If you enjoyed this recipe for Baked Chicken Katsu, I would love for you to leave a comment and review!
![Sliced Chicken Katsu on plate served with rice and shredded cabbage.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Chicken-Katsu-Recipe--360x360.jpg)
Baked Chicken Katsu
Ingredients
Tonkatsu Sauce
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon peeled, grated fresh ginger root
Chicken Katsu
- 2 (8 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 4 chicken cutlets
- 1-½ teaspoon kosher salt divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder divided
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1-½ cups panko bread crumbs
- cooking spray for baking
For Serving (optional)
- steamed rice
- finely shredded cabbage
- green onions
Instructions
Tonkatsu Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons ketchup, 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon molasses, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ⅛ teaspoon grated ginger. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving.
Chicken Katsu
- Preheat oven to 425℉. Place an oven-safe baking rack on a rimmed baking sheet. Lightly spray with non-stick spray.
- Trim the chicken of any unwanted fat. If using chicken breasts, cut them crosswise to form 4 chicken cutlets. Lay cutlets between two layers of plastic wrap. Pound out chicken until ¼ to ½-inch thick (¼-thick is best). Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ pepper on both sides of the chicken.
- Combine flour and ½teaspoon salt and garlic powder in a shallow dish and mix well. In a separate shallow dish, whisk 2 eggs together with ½ teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon of water. Place the breadcrumbs in a final shallow dish.
- Working with one cutlet at a time, dredge the seasoned chicken in flour to coat, shaking off excess. Dip in egg, coating both sides, let excess drip off, then press into bread crumbs, using your hands to ensure the chicken cutlet is evenly coated. Place breaded chicken onto the prepared baking sheet and repeat until the cutlets are all breaded.
- Spray the chicken generously with cooking spray. It should be enough to make the breadcrumbs glisten. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden and the chicken has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Slice cutlets into thick slices and serve with the Tonkatsu sauce over rice, with a side of shredded cabbage if desired.
Natasha
This hit another home run with my family. We all loved this Chicken Katsu recipe thank you for sharing!
Agnes
Oh yum! My kids love simple chicken recipes like this. Thanks for sharing!
Diana
Love chicken katsu and its sauce is amazing! Will be making again. Thank you for sharing.
Merle
I am new to the Air Fryer so was wondering if this recipe could be done or reheated in the Air Fryer.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Merle! That is a great idea! I would follow my method for Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, and air fry the breaded chicken at 370 degrees F for 6 minutes, then flip, continue to cook for 4 minutes. Check the temperature and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes if needed.
Stella
Yum!!!!! 😍