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Hawaiian Chicken Katsu

Hawaiian chicken katsu recipe: crackling panko-crusted chicken cutlets with tangy katsu sauce, the crispy centerpiece of Hawaii’s favorite lunch plate.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 30 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 Hawaii KitchenCategory
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Chicken katsu crossed the Pacific with Japanese immigrants and became a pillar of the Hawaiian plate lunch, where it is served with shredded cabbage, rice, and a puddle of sweet-tart katsu sauce. The Hawaiian version is famously generous, with two big cutlets stacked high.

What makes it great is the contrast between the shattering, golden panko crust and the juicy chicken inside. A drizzle of katsu sauce, made from ketchup, Worcestershire, and sugar, ties it all together in one perfect bite.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up a breading station: flour in one dish, beaten eggs in another, panko in a third.
  3. Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip in egg, and press firmly into the panko to coat completely.
  4. Heat the oil in a deep skillet to 350 degrees F. Fry the cutlets, two at a time, for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep golden and cooked through.
  5. Drain on a rack, slice into strips, and serve over rice with cabbage and a generous drizzle of katsu sauce.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Let the breaded cutlets rest 5 minutes before frying so the crust adheres. Press the panko in firmly for the craggy, shattering crust everyone loves.

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Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Servings4
CategoryHawaii Kitchen
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →