Name: Crispy Chicken Katsu Burger with Tonkatsu Sauce and Fresh Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 400 g (14 oz) Chicken Breast; ½ tsp Salt; ¼ tsp Black pepper; Vegetable oil (for frying); 2 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 1 cup Plain flour; ¼ cup Corn starch; ½ tsp Baking soda; 2 eggs; 4 Brioche burger buns; Shredded green cabbage; Shredded red cabbage; Shredded carrot; Japanese mayonnaise or regular mayonnaise; Japanese Tonkatsu sauce; Wholegrain mustard or Dijon mustard

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 1 review

If you are craving a meal that perfectly balances crunch, juiciness, and bold flavors, look no further than this Crispy Chicken Katsu Burger with Tonkatsu Sauce and Fresh Slaw Recipe. Imagine biting into a golden, panko-crusted chicken breast nestled inside a buttery toasted brioche bun, layered with tangy homemade slaw and drizzled with rich, slightly sweet tonkatsu sauce. This fusion of Japanese comfort food and classic burger satisfaction delivers an unforgettable experience. It’s the kind of recipe that brings joy to your kitchen and excitement to the dinner table, making every bite a celebration of texture and taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white flat surface holds four thin, raw pieces of light pink chicken placed side by side. Each piece of chicken is covered with a clear plastic wrap that glistens under the light. Sitting on the bottom left chicken piece is a black meat tenderizer with a textured, square face pressing down gently, showing its raised bumps. The whole setup is clean and simple, with the focus on the chicken and the tenderizer. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is essential to crafting the perfect Crispy Chicken Katsu Burger with Tonkatsu Sauce and Fresh Slaw Recipe. Each component is simple yet vital, contributing distinct textures, flavors, and colors that elevate the entire dish into something truly special.

Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy, this is the star protein that will soak up all the flavors while staying moist inside the crispy coating.
Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken without overpowering it.
Vegetable Oil: Ideal for frying, it ensures the chicken cooks evenly to a golden brown crispiness without burning.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These light, airy crumbs create the signature crunch everyone loves in chicken katsu.
Plain Flour, Corn Starch, and Baking Soda: This trio forms the perfect coating base, helping the crust adhere and crisp up beautifully.
Eggs: Acts as the glue, binding the coating ingredients to the chicken for a perfectly crispy finish.
Brioche Burger Buns: Slightly sweet with a soft, buttery crumb, these buns hold up well and add a luxurious touch.
Shredded Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage, and Carrot: Fresh, crunchy vegetables that bring bright colors and crisp texture to the burger’s slaw.
Japanese Mayonnaise or Regular Mayonnaise: Creamy richness that balances the tangy and savory sauces.
Japanese Tonkatsu Sauce: The tangy, savory, and slightly sweet sauce that makes this burger truly authentic and mouthwatering.
Wholegrain Mustard or Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle spicy kick and complexity to the burger’s flavor profile.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Katsu Burger with Tonkatsu Sauce and Fresh Slaw Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets

Start by covering your chopping board with cling film, then place the chicken breast in half lengthwise. Cut each piece in half again to create thinner cutlets. Cover these with cling film and gently pound them using a meat tenderizer or rolling pin until they are even and tender. This step ensures quick and even cooking, and the chicken remains juicy inside that crispy shell.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with a simple sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper. These basic seasonings are key to highlight the chicken’s natural flavor beneath the crispy coating.

Step 3: Make the Fresh Slaw

Combine shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrot in a bowl. Mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise until everything is just coated. This fresh slaw adds crunch, color, and a refreshing bite that cuts through the richness of the burger.

Step 4: Prepare the Coating Stations

In a large bowl, combine plain flour, corn starch, and baking soda evenly—this creates the perfect base for coating. Whisk two eggs in a separate bowl. On a shallow plate or bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs ready for dredging. This three-step process ensures the chicken gets a thick, crunchy crust.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Starting with the seasoned chicken cutlets, dredge each piece in the flour mixture to coat evenly. Then dip into the whisked eggs, followed by another dip in the flour mix, then eggs once more. Finally, dredge thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they stick well. Repeat this for all the pieces and set aside to rest briefly before frying.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken Katsu

Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat, aiming for about 300°-325° Fahrenheit. Carefully fry the breaded chicken cutlets for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until they are irresistibly crispy and golden brown. Remove them from the oil and transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain crunchiness.

Step 7: Assemble Your Crispy Chicken Katsu Burger with Tonkatsu Sauce and Fresh Slaw Recipe

Split the toasted brioche buns and spread a thin layer of mustard on the bottom half. Layer on the vibrant shredded cabbage slaw, then place your perfectly fried chicken katsu on top. Add a generous drizzle of Japanese mayonnaise followed by the luscious tonkatsu sauce, and crown it with the top bun. Get ready for a flavor-packed bite!

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Katsu Burger with Tonkatsu Sauce and Fresh Slaw Recipe

A close-up view of a sandwich with three main layers on a wooden board covered with white parchment paper. The bottom layer consists of a white bread bun topped with a colorful mix of shredded vegetables including white, purple, and orange pieces that look like coleslaw. Above that, there is a thick, crunchy, golden brown fried patty covered with a dark brown sauce. On top, there is a creamy white sauce generously spread under a soft, shiny golden brown bun that forms the sandwich top. The background has a white marbled texture, and in the blurred distance, there is a portion of white fries in a metal basket. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding extra garnishes can elevate your burger even more. Consider thinly sliced pickled ginger or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds over the slaw for extra zing and crunch. Fresh chopped scallions or a few sprigs of coriander can add herbal brightness that complements the rich chicken and sauces beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Chicken Katsu Burger with Tonkatsu Sauce and Fresh Slaw Recipe pairs wonderfully with crispy fries, sweet potato chips, or a light miso soup for a complete meal. A crunchy seaweed salad or edamame also makes a fun and fresh accompaniment that keeps the Japanese-inspired theme going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress a crowd or just add a playful twist? Serve mini slider versions of the burger on cocktail buns for a party platter. Another fun idea is to deconstruct the burger components into a bowl for a katsu rice bowl inspired by the burger’s flavors, layering crispy chicken, slaw, tonkatsu sauce, and a drizzle of mayo over steamed rice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Crispy Chicken Katsu Burger with Tonkatsu Sauce and Fresh Slaw Recipe, store the fried chicken separately from the buns and slaw in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps keep the coating crisp and prevents the buns from becoming soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze the fried chicken cutlets once completely cooled by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. The buns and slaw are best made fresh, so avoid freezing those components to maintain their texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken cutlets, use an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness without drying out the meat. If microwaving, do so briefly and then transfer to a hot pan or toaster oven to crisp up the coating again. Assemble the burger fresh after reheating for the best taste.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and will work well with this recipe. Just make sure to pound them to an even thickness and adjust frying time accordingly.

What if I don’t have Japanese tonkatsu sauce?

You can substitute with a combination of Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and soy sauce mixed to taste, but authentic tonkatsu sauce gives the burger its distinctive sweet and tangy flavor worth seeking out.

Is there a way to make the slaw without mayonnaise?

Yes! You can use a light vinaigrette made with rice vinegar, a touch of sugar, and sesame oil for a tangier, dairy-free alternative that still complements the burger beautifully.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Baking is a healthier option but may reduce the crispiness slightly. To get the best results, spray the breaded cutlets with oil and bake at a high temperature (around 425°F) until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.

How do I keep the burger buns from getting soggy when assembled ahead of time?

Spread mustard or mayo on the buns’ interior and layer the slaw just before serving to create a moisture barrier. Alternatively, assemble the burgers right before eating for the freshest texture.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Chicken Katsu Burger with Tonkatsu Sauce and Fresh Slaw Recipe truly brings together the best of Japanese flavors and classic burger goodness. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve guests who appreciate bold, satisfying food. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and share the crispy, tangy, and colorful experience with your loved ones. Once you do, it just might become your new favorite go-to!