Description
If you’re craving something crunchy, satisfying, and packed with Japanese-inspired flavor, this Easy Japanese Katsu Bowl will hit the spot. Juicy breaded chicken cutlets fried to golden perfection are sliced and layered over fluffy white rice, drizzled with sweet-savory tonkatsu sauce and creamy spicy mayo. It’s a quick dinner, a comforting lunch, or a meal-prep favorite that feels like restaurant quality in your own kitchen. This dish fits right into any rotation of easy recipes, food ideas, and dinner ideas when you want a flavorful, stress-free meal that delivers every time.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken cutlets
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
0.5 cup neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
2 cups steamed white rice
3 tablespoons tonkatsu sauce
2 tablespoons Japanese mayo or spicy mayo
1 tablespoon chopped parsley or green onion
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken cutlets dry and pound to even thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Set up a breading station with flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and panko breadcrumbs in the third.
3. Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, dip in egg, then press into panko to coat thoroughly.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain.
5. Cook the rice according to package instructions while the chicken is frying.
6. Slice the cooked chicken into strips once slightly cooled.
7. Build the bowl by placing rice in a bowl, topping with sliced chicken, then drizzling with tonkatsu sauce and spicy mayo.
8. Garnish with parsley or green onion and serve immediately.
Notes
Pound your chicken evenly for consistent cooking and better crisping.
Let the fried cutlets rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain moisture.
Use an air fryer to reheat for the crispiest leftovers without extra oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: easy recipe, quick dinner, Japanese food, comfort food, chicken katsu, katsu bowl