Crispy Chicken Katsu Curry

I love making Crispy Chicken Katsu Curry when I crave something crunchy, comforting, and deeply flavorful. I combine golden, crispy breaded chicken with a rich, savory Japanese-style curry sauce and serve it over warm rice for a satisfying meal that always feels special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy the contrast between the crispy chicken coating and the smooth, mildly spiced curry sauce. I like how the sauce is flavorful without being overwhelmingly spicy, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. I also appreciate that this dish feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly simple to prepare at home. Whenever I want comfort food with texture and depth, this is one of my favorite recipes.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil for frying

For the curry sauce:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, diced
1 carrot, diced
1 tablespoon curry powder
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
Salt to taste

For serving:
Steamed white rice

Directions

1. I begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness and seasoning them with salt and black pepper.

2. I dredge each piece in flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and coat it thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.

3. I heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat and fry the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 4–5 minutes per side. I transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

4. For the curry sauce, I heat oil in a saucepan and sauté the onion and carrot until softened.

5. I stir in the curry powder and flour, cooking for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste.

6. I gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure the sauce stays smooth.

7. I add soy sauce, honey, and garam masala, then simmer until the sauce thickens, about 10–15 minutes. I adjust seasoning as needed.

8. I slice the crispy chicken into strips and serve it over steamed rice, spooning the curry sauce generously on top or alongside.

Servings and Timing

I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

I sometimes use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness. When I want extra vegetables, I add diced potatoes or peas to the curry sauce. If I prefer a shortcut, I use Japanese curry roux blocks instead of making the sauce from scratch. For a lighter version, I bake or air fry the breaded chicken instead of deep frying it.

Storage/Reheating

I store the chicken and curry sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm the sauce gently on the stove and reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. I avoid microwaving the chicken if possible because it softens the coating. I can freeze the curry sauce for up to 2 months, but I prefer making the chicken fresh for best texture.

FAQs

Can I make the curry sauce ahead of time?

I often prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. I gently reheat it before serving.

What is the best oil for frying?

I prefer using a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil because it handles high heat well.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

I reduce the curry powder slightly and skip the garam masala when I want a milder flavor.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

I bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.

What kind of rice works best?

I usually serve it with short-grain white rice, but jasmine rice also works well.

Conclusion

I always enjoy preparing Crispy Chicken Katsu Curry because it combines crunchy texture with a rich and comforting sauce. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a satisfying meal that I happily serve for family dinners or special occasions. Whenever I want a homemade dish that feels both cozy and impressive, this recipe is one I turn to again and again.