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    Home Β» Recipes Β» Savoury

    Easy Chicken Katsu Curry

    Published: Feb 23, 2021 by Michelle Β· 24 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    This is a recipe for an easy and delicious recipe for Japanese-style Chicken Katsu Curry with baked breaded chicken, served on steamed hot rice. It comes together in about 30 minutes, which makes it a great weeknight meal.

    Disclosure: I have participated in a paid partnership with Janes Foods. Opinions in this post are my own.

    Katsu Curry with rice on a grey plate.

    My kids aren't terribly fond of veggies, but if there's one way to get them to eat them, it's in a curry.

    But not just any curry.

    It has to be Chicken Katsu Curry.

    What is Chicken Katsu Curry?

    Chicken katsu is Japanese for fried/breaded chicken cutlet.

    It's the same as Pork Tonkatsu, with the difference being the type of meat.

    Chicken Katsu Curry is a thick Japanese-style curry with a breaded chicken cutlet served on top of steamed rice.

    For the chicken cutlets, I'm using Janes ultimates Breaded Chicken Fillets, which have no preservatives, no artificial colours or flavours, and are made with premium whole muscle meat. My kids love this chicken (they're always begging for more!), and you can really taste the quality in the ingredients. 

    The whole meal comes together in roughly 30 minutes, which makes it great for a weeknight dinner.

    Katsu Curry with rice on a grey plate with packaging in background.
    What is a Japanese curry roux?

    As you may already know, there are many different types of curries, ranging from blended powders to pre-packaged blocks.

    Japanese curry sauces begin with a curry roux, which gives it its signature thick and glossy texture.

    A "roux" (French) is a flour and fat mixture used in cooking to thicken up sauces or soups. 

    Japanese curries use this same technique in their instant curry roux, which are commonly found as pre-packaged blocks. You can find these pre-packaged/instant curries in Asian supermarkets. 

    Ingredients in Japanese curry roux

    The Japanese instant curry roux contains a mixture of:

    • yellow curry powder
    • flour/starch
    • oil/fat
    • flavourings

    Japanese Katsu Curry with rice on a grey plate.
    What's in the sauce?

    There's only 5 ingredients in this delicious and savoury sauce.

    You can tailor the curry sauce and add any vegetables you like, but most Japanese curries will include:

    • onions: diced, you can use white or yellow onions; yellow onions will give a sweeter taste.
    • carrots: diced, use 1 large carrot or 2 medium-sized ones.
    • potatoes: diced, a Yukon Gold or a thin-skinned potato will be optimal.
    • Japanese/instant curry roux: 1 block (about 100g), which is half of a box; there are many brands available in Asian supermarkets.
    • water or chicken broth: for added flavour, I used chicken broth, but you can certainly use water.

    It's best to keep the onions, carrots and potatoes cut at about the same size so they cook uniformly.

    You can certainly omit the vegetables if you prefer just a thick curry sauce with the chicken, but the vegetables definitely add some sweetness to the curry.

    What does Japanese curry taste like?

    Japanese curry has a sweeter and much milder taste, compared to Indian-style curries. 

    The instant curry roux usually comes three intensities: mild, medium, and hot -- however, I would say they are not spicy at all, which makes this curry perfect for kids or people who can't tolerate spice.

    Chicken Katsu Curry with rice on a grey plate with cut up chicken on a wooden board.
    How to make this katsu curry

    This is an easy and delicious way to elevate your weeknight dinners at home. 

    First, by using Janes ultimates Breaded Chicken Fillets, I don't have to worry breading and frying the chicken. 

    The chicken is already cooked, and ready in about 22 minutes, which means you can get this restaurant-worthy dinner on the table in about half an hour. 

    Prepare Janes ultimates Breaded Chicken Fillets according to package instructions.

    Next, we're going to use an instant Japanese curry roux, which takes the guesswork out of making the curry sauce.

    How to cook the sauce

    In a large pot, add 1 tablespoon of oil and heat over medium-high heat.

    Add in the diced onions and carrots and sautΓ© until softened, about 2-3 minutes.

    Next, add in the diced potatoes and sautΓ© for another 1-2 minutes. 

    Pour in about 3 C of water or chicken stock (for more flavour) and bring to a boil.

    Once it comes to a boil, lower to a simmer and cover with a lid. Simmer for about 20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.

    Break up 1 square block of instant Japanese curry roux (100g), and stir it into the pot, until it dissolves.

    Once the curry roux dissolves, the curry sauce will begin to thicken and become shiny and glossy.

    Remove the curry sauce from heat. 

    Serve the Chicken Katsu Curry

    Slice the baked Janes ultimates Breaded Chicken Fillets on a diagonal.

    Place about 1 C of hot steamed Japanese rice onto a plate.

    Add the curry sauce onto the rice.

    Place the sliced chicken katsu on top of the rice and curry.

    Enjoy immediately.

    How to store the curry

    I recommend storing the chicken separately from the curry and rice.

    This way, the chicken will stay crisp when you reheat it.

    How to reheat

    To reheat the Chicken Katsu Curry, bake the breaded chicken fillets at 350F for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.

    Reheat the curry sauce and rice until steaming hot (you can use either the microwave or stovetop).

    Other recipes you may like

    Pork Tonkatsu

    Curried Turkey Buns

    Easy and Delicious Tempura Egg Miso Udon Noodle Soup Bowl

    Let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below! Have you tried Chicken Katsu Curry before?

    Chicken Katsu Curry with rice on a grey plate.

    Katsu Curry with rice on a grey plate.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 13 votes

    Easy Chicken Katsu Curry

    An easy yet elevated Japanese-style Chicken Katsu Curry made with baked breaded chicken, and thick curry sauce served over steamed rice.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time22 mins
    Total Time32 mins
    Course: Main Course, Snack
    Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 394kcal
    Author: Michelle

    For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.

    Ingredients

    Japanese curry:

    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or light vegetable oil
    • 1 large white onion diced
    • 2 medium potatoes diced
    • 2 medium carrots diced
    • 3 C chicken broth or water
    • 1 Japanese instant curry roux/block/cube about 100g

    For serving:

    • 4 C hot, cooked Japanese short-grain rice or long-grain rice
    • 4 Janes ultimates Breaded Chicken Filets baked and cut into slices on the diagonal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Make the Japanese curry:

    • In a large pot, add 1 tablespoon of oil and heat over medium-high heat.
    • Add in the diced onions and carrots and sautΓ© until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
    • Next, add in the diced potatoes and continue to sautΓ© for another 1-2 minutes.
    • Pour in about 3 C of water or chicken stock (for more flavour) and bring to a boil.
    • Once it comes to a boil, give everything a stir, lower the heat to a simmer and cover with a lid. Simmer for about 20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
    • Break up 1 square block of instant Japanese curry roux (100g), and stir it into the pot, until it dissolves.
    • Once the curry roux dissolves, the curry sauce will begin to thicken and become shiny and glossy.
    • Remove the curry sauce from heat.

    Serve the Chicken Katsu Curry:

    • Slice the baked Janes ultimates Breaded Chicken Fillets on a diagonal.
    • Place about 1 C of hot steamed Japanese rice onto a plate.
    • Add the curry sauce onto the rice.
    • Place the sliced chicken katsu on top of the rice and curry.
    • Enjoy immediately.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 394kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 51g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 300mg | Potassium: 1422mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 5205IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 2mg

    The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.

    Did you try this recipe?Mention @siftandsimmer or tag #siftandsimmer!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. David @ Spiced

      February 23, 2021 at 4:22 am

      5 stars
      I've made a number of different types of roux over the years, but I have to admit that I've never made a Japanese roux. Sounds like I need to learn more about it! This looks like the ultimate comfort food meal, Michelle! And I'm certain that Robbie would be a fan of those breaded filets!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        February 23, 2021 at 6:52 am

        Thanks David, the katsu curry is such a comforting and cozy dish. And yes, my kids love anything breaded, so Robbie would love the breaded chicken! πŸ™‚

    2. Raymund

      February 23, 2021 at 3:07 pm

      5 stars
      That looks nice! I can never turn down a good katsu curry, and that certainly looks like the one I will love

      Reply
      • Michelle

        February 23, 2021 at 3:59 pm

        Thanks Raymund, I love how easy it is to put together! πŸ™‚

    3. Caleb - Never Ending Journeys

      February 23, 2021 at 5:07 pm

      What a fun idea, I've never tried breaded chicken with a curry before! Very smart to use chicken filets that are already breaded, too!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        February 23, 2021 at 6:45 pm

        Thanks Caleb! It makes it so convenient! πŸ™‚

    4. Holly

      February 25, 2021 at 8:22 am

      5 stars
      Japanese curry is a routine in my household. My kids love it. I often made with pork katsu curry, but I don't think I ever tried with chicken. The breadcrumb coat looks perfectly crispy and dunking in the curry sounds so yummy. In my house, I serve Japanese curry with kimchi. It so good together.

      Reply
      • Michelle

        February 25, 2021 at 12:48 pm

        Thanks Holly! The prepared breaded chicken definitely makes it a quick and easy meal! I'll have to try kimchi with Japanese curry -- it sounds like a delicious combination! πŸ™‚

    5. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      February 25, 2021 at 12:42 pm

      5 stars
      How have I never had katsu curry!? This looks sooo good Michelle! And definitely sounds like something my whole family would love. Delicious!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        February 25, 2021 at 12:52 pm

        Thanks Katherine -- oh you'll have to try it! Such a delicious and easy dinner! πŸ™‚

    6. Jenn

      March 18, 2021 at 2:09 pm

      5 stars
      This is a terrific dish made even better with the addition of curry! The whole family loved it and asked that I make it again!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        March 19, 2021 at 10:05 am

        Glad your family enjoyed it, Jenn! It's a favourite in our home too! πŸ™‚

    7. Sara Welch

      March 18, 2021 at 2:25 pm

      5 stars
      Enjoyed this for dinner last night and it does not disappoint! Quick and easy and perfect for busy weeknights!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        March 19, 2021 at 10:05 am

        Awesome, glad to hear it Sara!

    8. Mary

      March 18, 2021 at 2:35 pm

      5 stars
      This is so simple and delicious with the premade cutlets! It's a winner in our house!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        March 19, 2021 at 10:05 am

        Right? The premade cutlets save so much time!! Thanks Mary!

    9. Elaine

      March 18, 2021 at 3:33 pm

      5 stars
      I have a few cookie and smoothie recipes to get more veggies in without drawing too much attention LOL but never tried a curry before. I have to check it out!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        March 19, 2021 at 10:07 am

        Hehe, yes I've done my fair share of smoothie and brownie recipes to get the kids to up their veggie intake... but they truly do love it in this curry! Thanks Elaine πŸ™‚

    10. Angela

      April 03, 2021 at 8:36 am

      5 stars
      This sure did come together quick and easy for the perfect weeknight dinner recipe. I will definitely be making it again in the near future.

      Reply
    11. Toni

      April 18, 2021 at 9:29 am

      5 stars
      This meal is seriously amazing! Everyone at my house was impressed!

      Reply
    12. Alisa Infanti

      May 06, 2021 at 8:55 am

      I have never heard of a Japanese roux before...thanks for sharing! Can't wait to give it a try.

      Reply
    13. Jess

      May 27, 2021 at 9:48 am

      5 stars
      30 minutes for a weeknight meal!? Yes please!

      Reply
    14. maryanne

      June 10, 2021 at 8:43 am

      5 stars
      I am dashing out to my local Japanese market to buy some instant curry packets! This sounds sooo good! Thanks, Michelle!

      Reply
    15. Linsey

      September 11, 2021 at 4:42 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! This Katsu curry looks very delicious and easy to make! Thanks Michelle!

      Reply

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