Crispy, juicy chicken thighs pounded thin, breaded in panko, and shallow-fried to golden perfection. Serve with tonkatsu sauce and shredded cabbage for a classic Japanese meal.
Place a chicken thigh between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound with a rolling pin or meat mallet to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Repeat with remaining thighs. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Set up a breading station: place flour in a shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and panko in a third.
Dredge each chicken thigh in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg, letting excess drip off. Coat evenly with panko, pressing gently to adhere. Place on a wire rack.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be about 1/2 inch deep.
Fry chicken thighs in batches, without crowding, for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Drain on paper towels.
Slice each katsu crosswise into strips. Serve immediately over shredded cabbage with tonkatsu sauce on the side.
Tips
For extra crunch, use fresh panko and do not overpack the breading.
Leftover katsu can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Tonkatsu sauce is available at Asian markets; substitute with a mix of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce if needed.