Katsu Chicken Bowls  A Flavor-Packed Protein Powerhouse

If you’re craving a bowl that’s bursting with flavor and packed with protein, this Katsu Chicken Bowls is the one for you! I’ve fallen in love with this dish, and I just know it’ll become one of your go-to recipes too. The crispy chicken, creamy Katsu curry sauce, fresh veggies, and crunchy slaw mix come together to create a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Plus, it’s so easy to make, and it’s super high in protein, so it’ll keep you full and satisfied. Let’s dive right into this tasty meal!

Method 

1. Prepare the Slaw 

Start by preparing the slaw mix. In a small bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, onion, and carrot. These ingredients create a colorful, crunchy base for your bowl. Once combined, pour in the rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. Give everything a good mix, ensuring that the cabbage, onion, and carrot are evenly coated. Let this sit aside for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and soften slightly. This quick slaw adds a refreshing crunch to balance out the other components of the bowl.

2. Prep the Chicken 

Next, it’s time to prep the chicken. Take your chicken breast and slice it into strips. Make sure the pieces are relatively even so they cook at the same rate. Once cut, coat the chicken in a light layer of sesame oil, followed by a splash of egg whites. This will help the Katsu seasoning and breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. After the chicken is coated, season it with the Katsu curry seasoning mix. I used a combination of the ‘Yo! Aromatic katsu sauce mix’ and a bit of chicken curry seasoning for extra depth of flavor. Once seasoned, coat the chicken with the breadcrumbs, ensuring each piece is well-covered. The breadcrumbs will give the chicken its crispy, golden exterior when cooked.

3. Cook the Chicken 

Now, preheat your air fryer to 180°C. Place the breaded chicken strips into the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re spread out evenly. For extra crispiness, I like to loosely wrap the chicken in foil for the first few minutes. This helps the chicken cook through while keeping it tender. After 10 minutes, remove the foil to allow the chicken to crisp up even more. Continue cooking for another 5-8 minutes, or until the chicken is crispy and cooked through. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to get that perfect crisp.

4. Assemble the Bowl 

While the chicken is cooking, heat the microwaveable jasmine rice according to the instructions on the packet. Once ready, place the rice at the bottom of your bowl, creating a fluffy base. Next, layer in the red pepper strips, tenderstem broccoli, and your freshly prepared slaw mix. The veggies add a pop of color, crunch, and fresh flavor to the bowl. Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, place it on top of the rice and veggies. This creates a perfect balance of warm and cold elements, making every bite satisfying.

5. Add the Sauce and Toppings 

To finish, drizzle the prepared Katsu curry sauce over the crispy chicken. This rich, savory sauce is the star of the dish, bringing all the flavors together. Finally, garnish the bowl with a sprinkle of fresh spring onions, sliced chillies, and coriander. These toppings not only add extra freshness and flavor, but they also make the dish visually appealing with their vibrant colors.

Necessary Tools 

• Air fryer (or oven if you prefer)
• Knife and chopping board
• Small bowl for slaw mix
• Bowl for marinating chicken
• Plate for breadcrumbs

Serving Suggestions 

This Katsu Chicken Bowl is a complete meal in itself, but if you want to take it up a notch, consider serving it with a side of miso soup or a fresh cucumber salad. You could even pair it with a light, fruity beverage to balance out the richness of the Katsu sauce.

Fun Fact 

Did you know that Katsu curry is a popular comfort food in Japan? It’s a hearty dish made with a crispy breaded chicken cutlet, served with a savory curry sauce. It’s so comforting that many people in Japan enjoy it on weekends!

Conclusion 

This Katsu Chicken Bowl is one of those dishes that brings together all the best flavors crispy chicken, tangy slaw, savory Katsu sauce, and wholesome veggies. Plus, it’s packed with protein to keep you feeling satisfied for hours. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. So grab your ingredients and give this delicious bowl a try you won’t regret it!