Chicken Katsu Box (Easy Japanese Lunch Idea)

This Chicken Katsu Bento Box features crispy breaded chicken, fluffy rice, steamed broccoli, pickled cabbage, and tangy tonkatsu sauce—creating a balanced, flavorful meal that’s great for lunch or dinner on the go.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, savoury chicken with that satisfying snap from the panko coating

• Bright sides (steamed broccoli, pickled cabbage) to balance richness

• Tonkatsu sauce adds a sweet‑tangy kick that pairs perfectly with the fried chicken

• Bento style means portioned, neat, and ideal for meal prep

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Katsu

• 2 small chicken breasts (≈ 170 g / 6 oz each)

• ¼ cup all‑purpose flour

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon pepper

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Sides

• 1 cup cooked rice

• 1 tablespoon furikake seasoning

• ½ cup broccoli florets

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

• ¼ cup red cabbage, shredded thin

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon tonkatsu sauce

directions

1. Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

2. Set up a breading station with flour, egg, and panko. Dredge the chicken in each step, pressing the panko to adhere.

3. Heat oil in a pan to 175‑180°C (≈350°F). Fry chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (75°C / 165°F internal temperature). For baking or air frying, cook at 200°C (≈400°F) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. Let chicken rest, then slice into strips.

5. Prepare the sides:

   • Rice: Cook, fluff, and top with furikake.

   • Broccoli: Blanch in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, chill in ice water, then toss with sesame oil and seeds.

   • Pickled cabbage: Toss with rice vinegar and rest for 10–15 minutes.

6. Assemble the bento: rice with furikake, chicken katsu, broccoli, pickled cabbage, and tonkatsu sauce.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 2

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken thighs for more flavor

• Bake or air fry for less oil

• Swap in veggies like green beans, carrots, or asparagus

• Use brown rice or multi‑grain blends

• Try tofu or vegan protein for a plant‑based version

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store chicken, veggies, and rice separately in airtight containers. Use within 1–2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat chicken in oven or skillet. Microwave rice with a splash of water. Avoid microwaving pickled or steamed veggies to maintain texture.

• Tip: Keep sauce separate to avoid sogginess.

FAQs

1. What is tonkatsu sauce made of?

A sweet-savory Japanese sauce with ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire, sugar, vinegar, and sometimes mirin or fruit/vegetable purée.

2. Can I bake or air-fry the chicken?

Yes, bake at 200°C or air-fry at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.

3. How do I keep the chicken crispy?

Use panko, keep oil hot, and rest chicken on a wire rack or paper towels after frying.

4. How much tonkatsu sauce should I use?

About 1 tablespoon per serving, or to taste.

5. Is this recipe high in calories?

Yes, due to frying and rice. Use lean cuts or baking to reduce calories.

6. Is furikake necessary?

No, but it adds flavor. You can substitute sesame seeds or seaweed flakes.

7. How do I pickle cabbage quickly?

Shred and mix with rice vinegar (plus sugar/salt if desired), let sit 10–15 minutes.

8. Can I prep this the night before?

Yes, but store chicken and sauce separately to keep the coating crispy.

9. How to adjust for more servings?

Double or triple ingredients proportionally.

10. How to reheat without losing texture?

Use an oven or skillet for chicken, microwave rice with a splash of water.

Conclusion

The Chicken Katsu Bento Box combines crunch, savory flavors, and freshness into a well‑rounded meal. Whether you’re prepping for the week or packing a lunch to-go, it’s an easy, satisfying option you can tailor to your taste.

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