Tropical Chicken Katsu Delight
Transport your taste buds to the beautiful shores of Hawaii with this Tropical Chicken Katsu Delight! Inspired by the flavors of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, this crispy chicken katsu is expertly breaded with panko crumbs for a satisfying crunch. Paired with a delightful tangy sauce featuring ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of spice, it's the perfect dish for any occasion. Complete the meal with a refreshing scoop of creamy macaroni salad and fluffy white rice to evoke an island spirit right at your dining table. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to impress and tantalize!
N/A
Servings
328
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggs
2 (beaten)
cornstarch
3/4 cup (for batter)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (divided)
white pepper
1/2 teaspoon (divided)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (divided)
water
3 1/2 cups (divided; 1 cup for batter, 2 1/2 cups for sauce)
boneless skinless chicken thighs
4 lbs (flattened)
panko breadcrumbs
1 lb (for coating)
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup (for sauce)
ketchup
1 cup (for sauce)
sugar
1 cup (for sauce)
chicken bouillon
1/4 teaspoon (for sauce)
Tabasco sauce
2-3 dashes (for sauce)
cornstarch mixed with water
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch and 1/2 cup water (for thickening sauce)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the chicken thighs. Place each thigh between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness using a rolling pin. This ensures even cooking and a tender texture.
2
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cornstarch, salt, white pepper, garlic powder, and 1 cup of water to form a smooth batter.
3
Dip each flattened chicken thigh into the egg batter, ensuring it is fully coated, then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs for a crispy outer layer.
4
Heat oil in a deep skillet to a maximum of 325°F (160°C). Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until golden brown and crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
5
While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, sugar, 2 1/2 cups water, 1/3 teaspoon salt, chicken bouillon, white pepper, garlic powder, and Tabasco sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6
Once boiling, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch in 1/2 cup water and stir into the sauce to thicken. Remove from heat and let it chill slightly before serving.
7
To serve, slice the chicken katsu into strips and drizzle or serve with the sauce. Pair it with a scoop of macaroni salad and a serving of rice for an authentic Hawaiian feast!
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
29g
Carbs
21g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Chicken Katsu Delight?
It is a crispy breaded chicken dish inspired by the flavors of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, featuring panko-crusted chicken thighs and a tangy sauce.
What kind of chicken is best for this katsu recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thighs for a tender and flavorful result.
How do I prepare the chicken thighs before breading?
Place each thigh between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness using a rolling pin.
What ingredients are in the egg batter?
The batter consists of 2 beaten eggs, 3/4 cup cornstarch, salt, white pepper, garlic powder, and 1 cup of water.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use for coating?
You should use 1 lb of panko breadcrumbs to ensure a satisfyingly crispy outer layer.
What is the recommended frying temperature for the chicken?
Heat the oil in a deep skillet to a maximum of 325°F (160°C) before adding the chicken.
How long should I fry each piece of chicken?
Fry the chicken in batches for approximately 5-7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy.
How do I make the katsu sauce?
Combine Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, sugar, water, salt, chicken bouillon, white pepper, garlic powder, and Tabasco in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
How do I thicken the tropical sauce?
Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch in 1/2 cup of water and stir the slurry into the boiling sauce mixture.
What should I serve with Tropical Chicken Katsu?
It is traditionally paired with a scoop of creamy macaroni salad and fluffy white rice for an authentic Hawaiian feast.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
There are approximately 328 calories in a serving of Tropical Chicken Katsu Delight.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This dish provides approximately 21g of protein per serving.
Is the sauce spicy?
The sauce contains 2-3 dashes of Tabasco sauce, which provides a hint of spice to complement the tangy flavors.
How much fat is in this chicken katsu?
Each serving contains about 11g of fat.
What are the total carbohydrates in this dish?
The dish contains approximately 29g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many eggs do I need for the batter?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs.
Why do I need to pound the chicken thighs?
Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking throughout the thigh and results in a more tender texture.
How much ketchup is used in the sauce?
The sauce requires 1 cup of ketchup.
Is sugar added to the sauce?
Yes, 1 cup of sugar is included in the sauce ingredients to balance the tangy Worcestershire and ketchup.
Can I use garlic powder in the sauce?
Yes, garlic powder is used in both the batter and the sauce for consistent flavor.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of Worcestershire sauce for the tropical katsu sauce.
Do I serve the sauce hot or cold?
After thickening the sauce, you should remove it from the heat and let it chill slightly before serving.
What is the total amount of water used in the recipe?
A total of 3 1/2 cups of water is used: 1 cup for the batter and 2 1/2 cups for the sauce base.
How should I cut the chicken before serving?
Slice the crispy chicken katsu into strips before drizzling it with the prepared sauce.
What makes this dish Hawaiian-style?
The combination of Japanese-inspired panko chicken with a specific tangy BBQ sauce and sides of mac salad and rice is a staple of Hawaiian plate lunches.
Can I fry all the chicken at once?
It is better to fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the oil temperature.
Is chicken bouillon used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of chicken bouillon is added to the sauce for extra savory depth.
How much white pepper is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper, divided between the batter and the sauce.
Is this a good recipe for a family dinner?
Yes, it is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, as it is designed to impress and tantalize many palates.
What should I do with the chicken after frying?
Once golden brown and crispy, remove the chicken from the oil and drain it on paper towels to remove excess oil.