Chicken Katsu Plate from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant features tender, breaded chicken cutlets fried to golden perfection, served alongside fluffy steamed rice, crisp shredded cabbage, and a tangy, savory katsu dipping sauce, offering a satisfying combination of crunchy, juicy, and fresh flavors.
Equipments
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Meat mallet (or tenderizer)
- Mixing bowls
- Shallow dredging dishes
- Tongs
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Wire rack or paper towels
- Rice cooker (or pot with lid)
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Plate(s) for serving
- Grater or shredder (for cabbage)
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups steamed white rice
- 1/2 small head green cabbage
- Katsu Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Ensure the chicken breasts are pounded evenly with a meat mallet to achieve uniform thickness for consistent frying and tenderness. Use panko breadcrumbs rather than regular breadcrumbs to get a crispy, light coating that holds up well during frying. The katsu sauce combines ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and Dijon mustard to create a balanced tangy and savory flavor that complements the crunchy chicken. Keep vegetable oil at the right temperature, around 350degF, to fry the cutlets golden without absorbing excess oil. Your home-cooked Chicken Katsu Plate from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant copycat menu will closely match the authentic taste and texture from the restaurant.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Prepare rice in rice cooker or pot; keep warm.
- Slice cabbage thinly; set aside.
- Trim chicken breasts; halve horizontally to make cutlets.
- Pound chicken cutlets to even thickness using meat mallet.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Set up three dredging dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs + water, one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken cutlet: coat in flour, dip in egg wash, then coat in panko.
- Heat vegetable oil in frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken cutlets in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Transfer fried cutlets to wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a saucepan, combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and Dijon mustard.
- Whisk katsu sauce mixture over medium heat until smooth and sugar dissolves; remove from heat and set aside.
- Slice fried chicken cutlets into strips.
- Arrange steamed rice, shredded cabbage, and sliced chicken cutlets on plate(s).
- Serve with katsu sauce on the side or drizzled on top.
Substitution
The Chicken Katsu Plate from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant copycat menu delivers the classic combination of crispy fried chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh cabbage with a flavorful dipping sauce. If panko breadcrumbs are unavailable, crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs can serve as an effective substitute while maintaining a crunchy texture. When frying, use vegetable oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. If you don't have a meat mallet, the back of a heavy skillet works well for tenderizing chicken breasts evenly. For added convenience, store-bought katsu sauce can replace the homemade version without sacrificing much flavor.
Tips
When pounding chicken cutlets, use even, gentle pressure to avoid tearing the meat and ensure uniform cooking. Maintain the oil temperature at 350degF (175degC) for a crispy coating without absorbing excess oil. Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the crust crunchy. Your katsu sauce should be whisked until the sugar dissolves completely for a balanced, smooth flavor.
Nutritions
The Chicken Katsu Plate from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant provides a balanced meal with protein-rich breaded chicken cutlets, which are a good source of lean protein essential for muscle repair and growth. The panko breadcrumbs add a light crispiness without heavy calories, while the steamed white rice supplies carbohydrates for energy. Fresh shredded cabbage contributes dietary fiber and vitamins such as vitamin C and K, supporting digestive health and immune function. Your meal is completed with a flavorful katsu sauce that enhances taste without excessively increasing sugar or sodium levels.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken Katsu in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Keep the katsu sauce separate in a small container to avoid sogginess and preserve its tangy flavor. Your rice and cabbage are best stored in separate containers as well to retain their texture and flavor for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Variation or Alternatives
Try substituting chicken breasts with pork loin cutlets for a traditional Tonkatsu variation, which adds a richer flavor profile. You can also experiment with tempura-style batter instead of panko breadcrumbs to create a lighter, crispier coating. Consider adding pickled ginger or Japanese pickles (tsukemono) on the side to enhance the plate with tangy, crunchy elements. Your katsu sauce can be spiced up by mixing in a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger or a dash of chili flakes for extra zing.
Allergies
Chicken Katsu Plate contains common allergens such as eggs, wheat (from all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs), and soy (found in soy sauce). The dish also includes Worcestershire sauce, which may contain anchovies, posing a risk for those with fish allergies. If you have specific food allergies, make sure to inform the restaurant or check ingredient labels carefully before consuming.
Why this recipe?
The Chicken Katsu Plate from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant is loved for its perfectly crispy breading and tender, juicy chicken that pairs beautifully with their signature sweet and fluffy Hawaiian rolls. The balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors creates a unique taste experience that stands out in classic comfort food. You'll find that recreating this dish at home is worth the effort because it brings the rich, authentic Hawaiian flavor directly to your kitchen, offering a satisfying and affordable alternative to dining out. Mastering the chicken katsu recipe allows you to enjoy this restaurant favorite anytime while impressing family and friends with a high-quality, delicious meal.