Katsu Chicken Curry

Katsu Chicken Curry is a beloved Japanese dish that combines crispy, breaded chicken cutlets with a rich, savory curry sauce. It’s a comforting meal that strikes the perfect balance between crunch and flavor. The key to a great Katsu Chicken Curry lies in the harmony of the golden, crispy chicken, the hearty curry, and the rice that ties it all together.

Here's how Katsu Chicken Curry is made

The dish starts with tender chicken breasts or thighs, which are seasoned, coated in flour, dipped in egg, and then coated in panko breadcrumbs. The chicken is then deep-fried to perfection, achieving that satisfying crunch with every bite. The exterior is golden and crispy, while the inside remains juicy and tender. This crispy chicken cutlet, or "katsu," forms the base of the dish, providing a hearty and satisfying protein.

While the chicken is the star of the dish, the real magic happens when it's paired with the curry sauce. Japanese curry is often sweeter and milder than its Indian counterpart, with a deeper umami flavor thanks to ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, and Worcestershire sauce. It’s typically made by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger before adding curry powder, carrots, potatoes, and a bit of broth. The sauce simmers into a rich, velvety consistency that perfectly complements the crispy chicken.

The curry is served over a bed of steamed white rice, allowing the curry to soak into the grains and further enhance the flavors. The chicken katsu is placed atop the curry, and sometimes it's sliced into strips for easier eating.