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+ servings
Close-up of crunchy fried pieces with a drizzle of savory sauce.

Chicken Katsu Tenders

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
These Chicken Katsu Tenders are made with chicken breasts, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Dijon, offering a crisp, golden coating and juicy interior. A flavorful twist on classic chicken strips with a Japanese-inspired crunch.
6 Servings

Ingredients

  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 large eggs beaten
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Neutral oil for frying (e.g., vegetable or canola oil)
  • Salt to taste
  • Ranch dressing or preferred dipping sauce for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Batter

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and Dijon mustard. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined. Set aside.

Mix the Coating

  1. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the coating.

Pound and Slice the Chicken

  1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound each breast to an even thickness. Then, slice each breast into thick strips, approximately the size of standard chicken tenders.

Coat the Chicken

  1. Dip each chicken strip into the prepared egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then transfer to the breadcrumb mixture and press firmly to adhere the coating. Repeat with all remaining strips and place them on a tray.

Heat the Oil

  1. Pour approximately 1 inch of oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep frying pan. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). A kitchen thermometer is recommended, but alternatively, test the temperature by dropping a breadcrumb into the oil—if it sizzles and floats, it is ready.

Fry the Tenders

  1. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully place the coated chicken strips into the hot oil. Fry for 3 to 5 minutes, turning once halfway through, or until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Drain and Serve

  1. Remove the tenders from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. While still hot, season with a light sprinkle of salt. Serve immediately with ranch dressing or your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure the panko breadcrumbs used are certified gluten-free. Additionally, verify that the Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese do not contain any gluten-based additives. The result remains equally crispy and flavorful.
Bitty