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Easy Baked Chicken Katsu photo

Baked Chicken Katsu

Crispy baked chicken cutlets with a tangy tonkatsu-style sauce served over rice.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and grated
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each) or 4 chicken cutlets
  • kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder divided
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • cooking spray for baking
  • steamed rice for serving
  • finely shredded cabbage for serving
  • green onions for serving

Equipment

  • Rimmed Baking Sheet
  • oven-safe cooling rack
  • Three shallow dishes
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and grated fresh ginger; cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  2. Preheat the oven to 425°F (215°C). Place an oven-safe rack on a rimmed baking sheet and lightly spray the rack with nonstick spray.
  3. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts; if using whole breasts, cut each crosswise into two cutlets. Place a cutlet between plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
  4. Season both sides of the pounded chicken with kosher salt and black pepper (about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper per side, or to taste).
  5. Prepare three shallow dishes: mix the flour with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon garlic powder in the first; whisk the eggs with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon water in the second; place the panko in the third.
  6. Working one cutlet at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour, shaking off excess; dip into the egg mixture, let excess drip off, then press firmly into the panko to coat evenly. Transfer breaded cutlets to the prepared rack.
  7. Spray the tops of the breaded cutlets generously with cooking spray so the crumbs glisten. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Slice the cutlets into thick strips. Serve over steamed rice with shredded cabbage and green onions, and drizzle or serve the chilled sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Leftover tonkatsu sauce keeps up to 7 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
  • For the crispiest chicken, serve immediately after baking.
  • Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • Reheat in a skillet or under the broiler for best texture.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for the proper light, crispy texture.