Crispy Hawaiian Chicken Katsu with Homemade Tonkatsu Sauce
Indulge in the deliciousness of Crispy Hawaiian Chicken Katsu, a beloved dish that transcends cultural boundaries and captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine. This recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a crispy panko crust, making for a satisfying crunch in every bite. The star of the dish is the flavorful homemade tonkatsu sauce, perfectly balanced to reflect the tastes found in local Hawaiian eateries. While you can find premade sauces, the one included here—crafted from a blend of sweet, tangy, and umami-rich ingredients—is designed to elevate your chicken katsu experience. Make the sauce a few hours ahead for the best flavor, and serve the katsu over fluffy rice for a complete meal that's sure to impress family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 lbs (trimmed of excess fat)
flour
1/2 cup (for dusting)
eggs
3 (beaten)
Japanese-style bread crumbs (panko flakes)
1 cup (for coating)
garlic salt
to taste (for seasoning)
oil
for frying (enough for deep frying or pan frying)
applesauce
3 tablespoons (for sauce)
sugar
2 teaspoons (for sauce)
ketchup
2 tablespoons (for sauce)
soy sauce
1/2 tablespoon (for sauce)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
cooking sherry
1 teaspoon (for sauce)
dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon (for sauce)
ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon (for sauce)
ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon (for sauce)
garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon (for sauce)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the tonkatsu sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the applesauce, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cooking sherry, dry mustard, ground allspice, ground cloves, and garlic powder. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended. Cover and refrigerate for at least a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
2
Next, prepare the chicken. Season the chicken thighs lightly with garlic salt to enhance their flavor.
3
Set up a breading station by placing flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko bread crumbs in a third bowl. This will streamline the coating process.
4
Take each chicken thigh and dip it into the flour, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess flour, then immerse the chicken in the beaten eggs, and allow the excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken with panko bread crumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
5
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the breaded chicken thighs to the pan. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 4-6 minutes per side.
6
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
7
Serve the chicken katsu sliced or whole, alongside a generous drizzle of homemade tonkatsu sauce, and a side of steaming hot rice for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Hawaiian Chicken Katsu?
It is a dish featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a crispy panko crust, served with a sweet and tangy homemade tonkatsu sauce.
What ingredients are used in the homemade tonkatsu sauce?
The sauce includes applesauce, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cooking sherry, dry mustard, ground allspice, ground cloves, and garlic powder.
How long should the tonkatsu sauce rest before serving?
The sauce should be covered and refrigerated for at least a few hours to allow the flavors to meld properly.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicy and tender result.
How should the chicken be prepared before breading?
The chicken thighs should be trimmed of excess fat and lightly seasoned with garlic salt.
What are the three components of the breading station?
The breading station consists of one bowl of flour, one bowl of beaten eggs, and one bowl of Japanese-style panko bread crumbs.
What is the correct order for coating the chicken?
First dip the chicken in flour, then immerse it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with panko bread crumbs.
What kind of bread crumbs are used for Chicken Katsu?
Japanese-style bread crumbs, also known as panko flakes, are used to create the signature crispy crust.
What is the ideal oil temperature for frying the chicken?
The oil should be heated to approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long should you fry each chicken thigh?
Each piece should be fried until golden brown and cooked through, which takes about 4 to 6 minutes per side.
How should the chicken be drained after frying?
Place the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
What is the recommended side dish for this meal?
The chicken katsu is traditionally served over a side of steaming hot fluffy rice.
Can I use store-bought tonkatsu sauce?
Yes, you can find premade sauces, but this recipe includes a homemade version designed to elevate the flavor experience.
How much chicken does this recipe use?
The recipe specifies using 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs.
What purpose does the flour serve in the breading?
Flour is used for dusting the chicken to help the egg and panko adhere more effectively.
How many eggs are required for the egg wash?
The recipe requires 3 beaten eggs for the breading process.
Why is applesauce included in the sauce recipe?
Applesauce adds a unique sweetness and texture that balances the savory and tangy notes of the tonkatsu sauce.
What spices are used in the tonkatsu sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with dry mustard, ground allspice, ground cloves, and garlic powder.
How much panko is needed for the coating?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of Japanese-style panko bread crumbs.
What seasoning is applied directly to the chicken meat?
The chicken thighs are seasoned lightly with garlic salt to enhance their natural flavor.
Can I use cooking sherry in the sauce?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of cooking sherry is used to add depth to the homemade sauce.
How do I ensure the panko stays on the chicken?
Press gently when coating the chicken in the panko bowl to ensure the crumbs adhere well to the egg layer.
How should the chicken be served?
The chicken can be served either sliced or whole with a generous drizzle of the homemade sauce.
Is Worcestershire sauce used in the tonkatsu sauce?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce is a key ingredient for adding umami flavor to the sauce.
How much soy sauce is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 tablespoon of soy sauce for the tonkatsu sauce.
What is the amount of sugar needed for the sauce?
The sauce requires 2 teaspoons of sugar for sweetness.
How much ketchup is in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of ketchup as a base for the sauce.
What is the specific amount of dry mustard used?
The sauce includes 1/8 teaspoon of dry mustard for a slight kick.
Are ground cloves necessary for the sauce?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves is included to provide an aromatic spice profile.
How much garlic powder is added to the sauce?
The tonkatsu sauce uses 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for seasoning.