Quick & Crispy Spicy Korean Chicken Katsu Recipe for Beginners

Korean chicken katsu revamps classic comfort food with an electrifying spice profile that dances across your palate.

Traditional breading meets fiery seasonings in this cross-cultural culinary adventure that promises maximum flavor intensity.

Crispy exterior layers give way to succulent meat, creating a textural symphony that delights serious food enthusiasts.

Regional spices elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary, challenging conventional recipe expectations.

The delicate balance between crunch and heat makes every bite a tantalizing experience that speaks to bold taste preferences.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike can master this impressive recipe with confidence and creativity.

Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will revolutionize your dinner routine.

Tips for Spicy Korean Chicken Katsu That Sizzles

• Pound Precisely: Ensure uniform chicken thickness by gently pounding with a meat mallet, creating even cooking and tender results.
• Spice Smart: Adjust jalapeño quantity based on personal heat tolerance, tasting as you go for perfect spice level.
• Pressure Perfect: Always allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes to keep chicken moist and prevent toughening.
• Flavor Boost: Fresh herbs like cilantro and scallions add brightness, so chop them just before mixing for maximum flavor impact.
• Shredding Secret: Use two forks to shred chicken for consistent, tender pieces that absorb sauce beautifully.

Storing and Reheating Spicy Chicken Katsu Without Losing Crisp

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cooled chicken katsu in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing Option: Pack chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to three months. Frozen chicken preserves flavor and texture perfectly.
• Reheating Method: Warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent drying out. Add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture if needed.

What Goes Great with Spicy Korean Chicken Katsu

• Pair with Crisp Kimchi Slaw: Whip up a tangy Korean-inspired coleslaw using shredded cabbage, kimchi, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to complement the spicy chicken's bold flavors.
• Match with Refreshing Soju Cocktail: Create a light, zesty soju cocktail with cucumber, lime, and a touch of ginger to cool down the dish's spicy kick and enhance the Korean fusion experience.
• Serve alongside Garlic Sesame Rice: Prepare steamed rice tossed with toasted sesame seeds, minced garlic, and a drizzle of sesame oil to provide a nutty, aromatic base that balances the chicken's intense spiciness.
• Complement with Pickled Vegetable Banchan: Prepare quick pickled radishes or cucumber with rice vinegar and red pepper flakes to add a bright, acidic contrast to the rich, spicy chicken katsu.

Flavorful Twists on Korean Chicken Katsu

• Korean Fusion Katsu: Replace salsa verde with gochujang sauce for an authentic Korean spice profile, adding kimchi and sesame oil for extra depth and traditional flavors.
• Herb-Infused Chicken Katsu: Swap jalapeno with fresh rosemary and thyme, introducing Mediterranean herbs that complement the chicken's tender texture and create a more subtle, aromatic experience.
• Citrus Zest Chicken Katsu: Incorporate orange zest and lime juice instead of honey, bringing bright, tangy notes that elevate the chicken's richness and provide a refreshing alternative to the original recipe.
• Smoky Chipotle Variation: Substitute jalapeno with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, developing a deep, smoky undertone that adds complexity and mild heat to the chicken katsu preparation.

Why Spicy Korean Chicken Katsu Is Worth the Hype

• Savor Spicy Fusion Flavors: This recipe brilliantly combines Korean and Mexican inspirations, creating a unique taste profile that blends zesty salsa verde, aromatic spices like cumin and oregano, and sweet honey for a complex flavor experience.
• Effortless Cooking Techniques: Whether using an Instant Pot or slow cooker, this recipe offers flexible preparation methods that save time and minimize hands-on cooking, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals with minimal effort.
• Protein-Packed Nutritional Powerhouse: With an impressive 30g of protein per serving, this dish supports muscle health while remaining relatively low in calories and fat, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals seeking a satisfying meal.
• Versatile Serving Potential: The shredded chicken's adaptable nature allows for multiple serving options like tacos, salads, rice bowls, or sandwich fillings, ensuring you can enjoy this flavorful protein in numerous delightful ways.

What You’ll Need for Spicy Korean Chicken Katsu

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the core of the dish, best when fresh and evenly thick.

• Scallions, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that add brightness and herbal notes to the final dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth of flavor and complexity.
• Jalapeno: Adds a spicy kick and fresh pepper heat to the chicken.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that help enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
• Cumin, Oregano, Onion Powder: Spice blend that creates a robust and complex flavor profile.
• Salsa Verde: Adds tanginess and moisture to the chicken while introducing additional herbal notes.
• Honey: Provides subtle sweetness and helps balance the spicy and savory elements of the dish.

How to Cook Spicy Korean Chicken Katsu with Crunch

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Lay chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Gently pound until the thickness is 1/2 inch evenly.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken to enhance its flavor.

Step 3: Instant Pot Preparation

• Salsa verde
• Minced garlic
• Chopped jalapeno
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Onion powder

Mix all ingredients thoroughly to create a flavorful base.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid and seal the pressure valve. Cook at high pressure for 8 minutes.

Step 5: Release Pressure

Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quickly release any remaining steam.

Step 6: Shred and Finish

• Chopped scallions
• Fresh cilantro
• Honey

Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for perfect flavor.

Slow Cooker Alternative:

Step 8: Slow Cooker Preparation

Follow steps 1-3 as with the Instant Pot method. Transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker.

Step 9: Slow Cook

• High heat: 4 hours
• Low heat: 6-8 hours

Step 10: Final Touch

Shred the chicken and mix in scallions, cilantro, and honey. Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.

Spicy Korean Chicken Katsu Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Korean chicken katsu blends crispy panko-crusted chicken with fiery gochujang sauce, delivering a perfect fusion of Japanese and Korean flavor profiles. Crunchy exterior and bold spices make this dish an irresistible culinary adventure you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts and/or thighs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 jalapeno, stemmed, seeded and chopped

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (414 milliliters) homemade or jarred salsa verde
• 4 scallions, sliced
• 1 small bunch cilantro leaves and tender stems, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey (Optional)

For Serving:

• Rice or tortillas
• Greek yogurt
• Sour cream or queso fresco
• Diced avocado
• Pepitas
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Carefully butterfly chicken breasts on a cutting board, covering them with plastic wrap, and gently flatten to create an uniform 0.5-inch (1.27-centimeter) thickness using a meat mallet.
2. Generously season chicken with salt and black pepper, ensuring even coverage across the entire surface.
3. Prepare a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Korean gochugaru pepper flakes.
4. Dredge each chicken piece first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350°F (175°C), maintaining a consistent temperature for even frying.
6. Carefully place breaded chicken into hot oil, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove chicken and drain excess oil on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to maintain crispiness.
8. While chicken rests, prepare a spicy Korean-style sauce by whisking together gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
9. Slice chicken katsu into diagonal strips and drizzle generously with prepared spicy sauce.
10. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving immediately with steamed rice.

Notes

• Perfectly tenderize chicken breasts by pounding them to an even ½-inch thickness, ensuring uniform cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Create a vibrant spice blend featuring salsa verde, garlic, jalapeno, cumin, oregano, and onion powder to infuse intense Korean-inspired flavor profiles.
• Utilize Instant Pot or slow cooker methods to achieve incredibly moist and flavorful shredded chicken with minimal hands-on preparation time.
• Enhance the final dish by incorporating fresh scallions and cilantro, which add brightness and complexity to the rich, spicy meat.
• Finish with a touch of honey for balanced sweetness, transforming the chicken into a versatile filling for tacos, bowls, or sandwiches.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg