Chicken Katsu Curry

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 3 tablespoons curry powder
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 0.5 cup coconut milk
• 2 medium potatoes, cubed
• 1 medium carrot, sliced
• 2 cups cooked white rice

Instructions

1. Pound chicken breasts to 0.5 inch thickness using a meat mallet.
2. Set up three bowls: one with flour mixed with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
3. Coat each chicken breast in flour, then dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in panko.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry katsu for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside on a paper towel.
5. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onion until softened, about 3 minutes.
6. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Stir in curry powder and tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes.
8. Add chicken stock, coconut milk, soy sauce, and honey, stirring well to combine.
9. Add potatoes and carrot, bringing to a simmer and cooking for 10-12 minutes until vegetables are tender.
10. Slice the katsu into strips and arrange over cooked rice, then pour curry sauce over top and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use a meat mallet to evenly pound chicken for uniform cooking.
• Prepare the breading station before cooking to streamline the process.
• Keep katsu warm in a 200°F oven while preparing the curry sauce.
• Curry sauce can be made ahead and reheated; store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• For crispier katsu, double-bread by repeating the egg and panko coating process.
• Substitute coconut milk with heavy cream for a creamier sauce if preferred.
• Vegetables can be cut into smaller pieces for faster cooking if needed.