Chicken Katsu Bento Box (Easy Japanese Lunch Idea)

This Chicken Katsu Bento Box is a flavorful and well-balanced Japanese-inspired lunch featuring crispy chicken katsu, fluffy rice with furikake, tangy pickled cabbage, and sesame broccoli—complete with savory tonkatsu sauce for dipping or drizzling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, juicy chicken katsu cooked to golden perfection.

• A balanced meal with protein, carbs, and veggies in one bento box.

• Customizable with your favorite vegetables or sides.

• Great for meal prep—can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

• Authentic Japanese flavors with simple, accessible ingredients.

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 (about 170 g / 6 oz each)

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 cup vegetable oil

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon pepper

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

For the sides:

• 1 cup cooked rice

• 1 tablespoon furikake

• ½ cup broccoli florets

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

• ¼ cup red cabbage, thinly shredded

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon tonkatsu sauce

directions

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

2. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: flour, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko, pressing lightly to adhere.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 75°C). Alternatively, air fry at 375°F (190°C) or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. Rest the chicken briefly, then slice into strips.

5. For the sides:

   • Cook rice and sprinkle with furikake.

   • Blanch broccoli for 1–2 minutes, cool in an ice bath, and toss with sesame oil and sesame seeds.

   • Toss shredded red cabbage with rice vinegar and let sit for 10–15 minutes.

6. Assemble the bento box: place rice in one section, chicken katsu slices beside or on top, add broccoli, pickled cabbage, and optionally cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with tonkatsu sauce or pack it separately for dipping.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 2

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Protein swap: Try pork cutlets, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken.

• Rice options: Use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

• Vegetable variety: Add carrots, cucumber pickles, or edamame for extra color and crunch.

• Sauce alternatives: Substitute tonkatsu sauce with teriyaki or soy-based dipping sauces.

• Spicy twist: Mix a little sriracha or chili oil into the tonkatsu sauce.

storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Store assembled bento in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Reheating chicken: Reheat sliced katsu in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to crisp it back up. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the breading.

• Rice and veggies: Can be eaten cold, room temperature, or gently warmed in the microwave.

• Sauce: Store separately and add just before eating.

FAQs

Can I make chicken katsu ahead of time?

Yes. Cook and cool the katsu, then refrigerate. Reheat in the oven to keep it crispy before packing.

Is tonkatsu sauce necessary?

It’s traditional and adds tangy-sweet flavor, but you can substitute with Worcestershire, barbecue, or a soy-based sauce.

Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?

Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

How do I keep chicken katsu crispy in a bento box?

Let the chicken cool slightly on a rack before packing and avoid sealing it with hot rice to prevent steam softening the crust.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs are juicier and work well with this recipe.

What if I don’t have furikake?

Use toasted sesame seeds, a sprinkle of nori flakes, or just enjoy plain rice.

Can I air fry chicken katsu?

Yes. Spray with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes. The crispy chicken and mild flavors are great for kids. You can skip the pickled cabbage if they prefer.

What sides pair well with chicken katsu bento?

Edamame, tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet), or fresh fruit are great additions.

How do I pack this for lunch without it getting soggy?

Keep sauce separate, allow foods to cool before sealing, and use dividers in the bento box to separate moist and dry ingredients.

Conclusion

This Chicken Katsu Bento Box is a deliciously balanced meal that brings together crispy chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh vegetables with tangy sauce for dipping. Whether for lunch at work, school, or a weekend outing, this easy Japanese lunch idea delivers on taste, convenience, and nutrition.

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