How to Make Spicy Korean Chicken Katsu

Introduction

Spicy Korean Chicken Katsu is the ultimate fusion of crispy Japanese-style breaded chicken cutlets and bold, vibrant Korean flavors. What makes this recipe a must-try is the irresistible contrast of crunchy golden crust, juicy chicken, and a fiery yet balanced spicy sauce that will awaken your taste buds. It’s easy to prepare, delivers on both comfort and excitement, and is guaranteed to become a favorite for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Why Spicy Korean Chicken Katsu is a Standout Dinner

Unlike traditional chicken katsu, this version gets a Korean twist with gochujang—the iconic spicy, savory red chili paste—folded into the sauce. The result? A katsu that’s satisfyingly crispy on the outside and bursting with umami, sweetness, and addictive spice with every bite. Serve it over fluffy white rice with a crisp cabbage slaw for a well-rounded meal that pleases fans of both Japanese and Korean cuisine.

Perfecting Your Spicy Katsu Sauce

The real star here is the spicy gochujang sauce. Mix gochujang with soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and a hint of sesame oil. Taste and adjust as you wish—make it slightly sweeter or add extra spice. For best flavor, make the sauce in advance and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Brush it generously over the hot, crispy katsu or serve on the side for dipping.

Crispy Breaded Chicken: Essential Tips

For the ultimate crispy coating, dredge thin chicken cutlets first in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Press the crumbs onto the chicken to ensure a thick, even layer. Pan-fry in a shallow layer of hot oil until golden and cooked through, flipping once for even color. Cool briefly on a rack so the crust stays crunchy and doesn’t steam.

Serving Suggestions for Spicy Korean Chicken Katsu

For a classic presentation, slice the cooked katsu and serve over short-grain rice with a simple cabbage salad (dress with a little rice vinegar and sesame oil). Drizzle with extra sauce and sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. This dish pairs wonderfully with quick pickles, kimchi, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes about 4 servings. Each serving (including sauce and rice) contains approximately 520 to 600 calories, depending on rice and sauce portions. It’s a satisfying but lighter alternative to classic fried chicken lunches or takeout.

Recap: Flavor-Packed Spicy Korean Chicken Katsu

With its crispy coating and layers of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors, Spicy Korean Chicken Katsu is a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. This crowd-pleaser offers just the right amount of heat while remaining approachable, making it perfect for spice enthusiasts and curious first-timers alike.

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Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Lightly season the pounded chicken with salt and pepper. Set up 3 bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko.
2. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg, then press into panko until fully coated. Place on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and sesame oil until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired.
4. Fry the Katsu: Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, fry the breaded chicken pieces in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain briefly on a wire rack or paper towels.
5. Serve: Slice the chicken katsu and drizzle or brush with the spicy Korean sauce. Serve immediately over rice with cabbage salad, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Spicy Korean Chicken Katsu recipe is great for prep! Save and schedule this recipe in your meal plan to enjoy fuss-free weeknights. With CookifyAI, you can automatically generate smart shopping lists and avoid forgotten ingredients with consolidated, organized lists.

Planning Benefits:

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Pro tip: Schedule this recipe with others for the week and see overlapping ingredients so you buy just what you need, reducing food waste and saving money.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Enjoy a spicy, crispy, and flavor-packed chicken katsu with the help of smart meal planning tools—your dinners will always be both delicious and hassle-free!