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Easy Homemade Keto Chicken Katsu Recipe 🍗

Dom Lorenzo
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Want a tasty Japanese dish that's easy on the carbs? Try our Chicken Katsu recipe! It's a crunchy chicken dish with a yummy sauce that fits right into a low-carb meal plan. Ready to master this iconic keto dish? Here's your step-by-step guide to achieving that perfect plate at home!

Chicken katsu with Japanese mayo and katsu sauce served with a side of cabbage.
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Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing this Japanese chicken katsu takes only 20 minutes. Start by flattening the chicken and seasoning it. Dip in egg, coat with coconut, and fry to a golden hue. While frying, prepare the katsu sauce and pour it over the chicken for a burst of flavor.

Chef's note

For a twist, add some smoked paprika or cayenne to the coconut for a kick. Can't enjoy panko crumbs on keto? No worries! Try pork rinds, or even mix it with coconut for added crunch! Feel free to play around with the recipe to make it truly your own.

Love the chicken katsu? Browse our rich collection of chicken recipes, and you'll find more delicious ideas for dinner!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 2 Servings

🍗 Ingredients for the chicken katsu recipe

To prepare this chicken katsu, you'll need the following ingredients:

  • 10.5 ounces chicken thigh filets
  • 1 tablespoon unflavored protein powder
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup desiccated coconut
  • 1 cup ghee, for frying
  • Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie), for serving
  • Chopped spring onions, for garnish
  • A pinch of sea salt
  • A  pinch of freshly cracked black pepper

For the katsu sauce

  • 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon xylitol honey
All the ingredients required to make the chicken katsu are gathered and arranged on the table.

Ingredient substitutions

Not a fan of some of the ingredients? Here are several keto-friendly substitutions you can make:

  • Skinless, boneless chicken thighs: Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if that's what you have.
  • Desiccated coconut: Substitute coconut with fine ground almond flour for a more neutral flavor.
  • Ghee: If you don't have ghee, use other keto-friendly vegetable oils to fry the chicken. We recommend avocado oil.
  • Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie): Can't find Japanese mayo? Mix regular mayo, a dash of rice vinegar, and a hint of sweetener.

Additional ingredients

Experiment with this homemade chicken katsu by playing around with some optional ingredients. Here are some ideas to get your inner chef inspired:

  • Garlic powder: Add a pinch of garlic powder to the chicken seasoning for a zesty flavor.
  • Sesame seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the dish for a crunchy texture and authentic Asian flair.
  • Chili flakes: Add red chili flakes to the homemade katsu sauce if you want some heat.
  • Fresh cilantro: Garnish your dish with chopped fresh cilantro with spring onions for a burst of freshness.
  • Lemon wedges: Lemon wedges on the side give a fresh, tangy taste when squeezed on the chicken.
Slices of crispy chicken fillets with Japanese mayo and katsu sauce.

Cooking tools required

To make the chicken katsu recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • Meat mallet
  • Deep cast-iron skillet
  • Tongs
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Cooling rack

Tool substitutes list

  • Meat mallet: If you don't have a meat mallet or tenderizer, use a rolling pin to flatten the chicken.
  • Cast-iron skillet: Use a shallow pan instead of a cast-iron skillet and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Holding a slice of chicken katsu with a pair of chopsticks.

How to make Chicken Katsu: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Frying

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all the ingredients.
  2. Crack an egg in a small bowl and beat it to prepare an eggwash.
  3. Wash the spring onions and chop them finely.

Cooking steps

  1. Mix ketchup, oyster sauce, xylitol honey, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl to make the katsu sauce. Keep it aside.
  2. Pound chicken filets lightly using a meat mallet.
  3. Warm up two inches of ghee in a skillet.
  4. Sprinkle sea salt, black pepper, and a bit of protein powder over the filets.
  5. Dip each filet in the beaten eggs and ensure they're covered well.
  6. Next, coat the filets with desiccated coconut.
  7. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
  8. Remove from ghee and place on a cooling rack to rest.
  9. Slice the filets, then top with Japanese mayonnaise and your katsu sauce.
  10. Add some chopped spring onions, and it's ready to eat!

Chef's pro tip

Fry the chicken filets in batches to keep the oil at an ideal temperature. Doing so ensures you get a crispy texture every time. Allow the filets to rest for a while after frying. It'll help you get the juicy meat.

What to serve with chicken katsu?

Wondering what to pair with your keto chicken katsu? Dive into these delicious ideas:

  • Mexican Cauliflower Rice: This fluffy, spiced rice alternative pairs well with the katsu's crunch and adds extra flavor.
  • Roasted Asparagus: Light and earthy roasted asparagus helps balance the chicken's deep-fried goodness.
  • Keto Kale Salad: A crisp kale salad adds a fresh touch to your chicken katsu meal.
  • Miso Soup (with tofu): Serve the chicken with a warm miso soup for a satiating Japanese meal.
  • Crack Slaw: This crunchy and tangy salad is a refreshing contrast to the rich and crispy chicken.
  • Pickled Peppers: The crispness and tang of pickled peppers can lighten up the meal and complement the katsu's flavors.
Slices of fried chicken fillets topped with Japanese mayonnaise and katsu sauce.

How to make it healthier?

Here's how you can make this Japanese chicken katsu recipe even healthier: 

  • Reduce sodium: Use low-sodium alternatives for the ketchup and oyster sauce.
  • Healthier mayo: Japanese mayo may contain MSG. If that concerns you, use avocado oil mayonnaise as an alternative.

Time-saving tips

  • Pre-pounded chicken: Some stores offer chicken filets already pounded to an even thickness. This not only saves time but also ensures even cooking.
  • Use frozen chicken: If you're in a hurry and have frozen chicken filets, quickly defrost them in a microwave or a cold water bath.
  • Bulk frying: Use a large skillet to make a larger batch. This way, you can fry multiple pieces at once without overcrowding the pan.
Fried chicken slices with Japanese mayonnaise and katsu sauce on top.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Chicken katsu sauce: Prepare the sauce in advance. It'll stay fresh in the fridge for several days. Just pour it into a sealed container, and you're set.
  • Breaded chicken: Get the chicken filets breaded and ready. Place them in freezer bags and store them in the freezer. It's a perfect meal prep solution for busy weeknights.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

  • Fridge: Store the leftovers without the katsu sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll stay juicy for 2-3 days.

Best reheating practices

  • Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Reheat the chicken on a baking sheet for 10-12 minutes, turning once, until hot and crispy.
  • Stovetop: Refry the leftover chicken in hot oil over medium heat for a minute or two.

Recipe wrap-up conclusion

Experience the essence of Japanese flavors with this easy Chicken Katsu recipe, minus the carbs. Think of golden chicken with a tasty coconut crunch and awesome katsu sauce. The best part? It's ready in only 20 minutes and is great for quick dinners or lunches.

So, why wait? Make this super yummy, low-carb chicken katsu, and watch your family and friends be amazed.

Picking up a piece of chicken katsu using chopsticks.

Interested in more Asian-inspired flavors? Check out some of our top picks:

Frequently asked questions

Traditional chicken katsu may not be keto-friendly, but our recipe is tailored to fit a keto diet. We use keto-friendly ingredients like desiccated coconut instead of breadcrumbs.

The chicken katsu sauce recipe is very quick and easy. Simply combine sugar-free ketchup, oyster sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and xylitol honey. Mix them in a bowl until well combined. 

Usually, a serving of keto-friendly chicken katsu contains about 400-500 calories. However, this can change based on the specific ingredients you use.

Chicken katsu and fried chicken are similar in that they're both breaded and fried, but not exactly the same. Chicken katsu typically uses panko bread crumbs and is served with katsu sauce. On the other hand, traditional fried chicken uses regular breadcrumbs and spices.

Of course! Place cooked rice at the base of a shallow bowl. Add crispy, sliced chicken katsu on top. Complement with steamed veggies, pickled radish, and drizzle with katsu sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and crunch.

📖 Recipe

Japanese mayo and katsu sauce on slices of fried chicken fillets.

Chicken Katsu

This Chicken Katsu recipe offers a keto-friendly twist on a classic Japanese favorite, featuring crispy coconut-coated chicken served with a flavorful katsu sauce.
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Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Keyword: chicken katsu, japanese recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 1188kcal

Ingredients

  • 10.5 ounces chicken thigh filets
  • 1 tablespoon unflavored protein powder
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1 cup desiccated coconut
  • 1 cup ghee for frying
  • Japanese mayonnaise Kewpie, for serving
  • Chopped spring onions for garnish
  • A pinch of sea salt
  • A pinch of freshly cracked black pepper

For the katsu sauce

  • 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon xylitol honey
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Mix ketchup, oyster sauce, xylitol honey, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl to make the katsu sauce. Keep it aside.
  • Pound chicken filets lightly using a meat mallet.
  • Warm up two inches of ghee in a skillet.
  • Sprinkle sea salt, black pepper, and a bit of protein powder over the filets.
  • Dip each filet in the beaten eggs and ensure they're covered well.
  • Next, coat the filets with desiccated coconut.
  • Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
  • Remove from ghee and place on a cooling rack to rest.
  • Slice the filets, then top with Japanese mayonnaise and your katsu sauce.
  • Add some chopped spring onions, and it's ready to eat!

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Chicken Katsu
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1188 Calories from Fat 1008
% Daily Value*
Fat 112g172%
Saturated Fat 70g438%
Trans Fat 0.04g
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g
Monounsaturated Fat 29g
Cholesterol 465mg155%
Sodium 469mg20%
Potassium 587mg17%
Carbohydrates 11g4%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 39g78%
Vitamin A 176IU4%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
Calcium 60mg6%
Iron 3mg17%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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