This Homemade Chicken Katsu Bowl offers a perfect balance of crispy, golden chicken katsu served over a bed of healthy brown rice with fresh cucumbers, shredded cabbage, kimchi, and a drizzle of savory tonkatsu sauce. This Japanese-inspired dish combines a satisfying crunch with bright, flavorful accompaniments for a complete and delicious meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and golden – The chicken katsu is fried to perfection with a crunchy, golden crust.
- Perfectly balanced flavors – The savory tonkatsu sauce pairs wonderfully with the tangy kimchi and fresh vegetables.
- Healthy & filling – Brown rice serves as a hearty base, and the addition of fresh veggies adds a refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend treat.
- Customizable – Adjust the toppings to your liking for a personalized meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Katsu:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt
- Black pepper
- All-purpose flour
- Egg, beaten
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Tonkatsu Sauce:
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- Soy sauce
- Sugar
- Dijon mustard
For the Bowl:
- Cooked brown rice
- Kimchi
- Shredded cabbage
- Sesame dressing (optional)
- Cucumber sticks
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
Directions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Butterfly the chicken breasts and gently pound them to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs firmly to ensure they adhere well.
Fry the Katsu:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Fry each piece of chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Tonkatsu Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
Assemble the Bowl:
- Slice the chicken katsu into strips and drizzle with tonkatsu sauce.
- Plate the brown rice, top with kimchi, shredded cabbage (with sesame dressing if desired), cucumber sticks, and cherry tomatoes.
- Place the chicken katsu strips on top and garnish with any extra tonkatsu sauce.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, savory, and tangy goodness of this chicken katsu bowl!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories: 620 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option. Coat the tofu with breadcrumbs and fry for a similar crispy texture.
- Sauce options: Add a dash of sriracha or hot sauce to the tonkatsu sauce for some heat.
- Extra veggies: Include steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or shredded carrots to the bowl for more crunch and nutrients.
- Rice variation: Swap brown rice with white rice or quinoa for a different base.
- Extra crunch: Add roasted peanuts or sesame seeds for additional texture and flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store the chicken, rice, and veggies in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: It’s best to freeze the fried chicken separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to keep the crispiness intact, and warm the rice and veggies in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I make the chicken katsu in advance?
While the chicken katsu is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the chicken and bread it in advance, storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to fry it.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, to make it a healthier alternative.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and use gluten-free soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
For maximum crispiness, serve the chicken immediately after frying and avoid covering it with foil or plastic wrap, which can trap moisture.
Can I use store-bought kimchi?
Yes, you can use store-bought kimchi, or if you prefer, you can make your own for a more authentic touch.
Conclusion
The Homemade Chicken Katsu Bowl offers a perfect combination of crispy chicken, savory sauce, fresh vegetables, and hearty brown rice. With minimal effort, you’ll enjoy a flavorful, balanced meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a fun way to try Japanese-inspired flavors at home, this dish has it all!
Try it today and treat yourself to the ultimate crispy, savory chicken katsu experience!
O
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Homemade Chicken Katsu Bowl
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Crispy, golden chicken katsu served with brown rice, fresh cucumbers, shredded cabbage, kimchi, and a drizzle of savory tonkatsu sauce—an irresistible Japanese-inspired comfort meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Katsu:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Tonkatsu Sauce:
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/4 cup kimchi
- 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 tsp sesame dressing (optional)
- 1/2 cup cucumber sticks
- 5 cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Butterfly the chicken breasts and gently pound for even thickness.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each piece in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs. Press crumbs to adhere.
Fry the Katsu:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Tonkatsu Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
Assemble the Bowl:
- Slice chicken katsu into strips and drizzle with tonkatsu sauce.
- Serve with brown rice, kimchi, shredded cabbage (drizzled with sesame dressing if using), cucumber sticks, and cherry tomatoes.
Serve:
- Enjoy immediately for the perfect crunch and flavor balance.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice with white rice or sushi rice for a softer texture.
- Add a soft-boiled egg or avocado slices for an extra touch.
- Leftover tonkatsu sauce can be used for dipping or sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Asian-Inspired, Bowl Meals
- Method: Frying, Assembling
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 620 kcal per serving
