Jamie Oliver Chicken Katsu Curry Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Katsu Curry is his twist on the classic Japanese dish. Katsu curry is a comfort food staple in Japan. a crispy, breaded chicken cutlet served with a rich, savory curry sauce. Jamie’s version stays true to the essentials but has a personal touch that makes it easy to recreate at home.

The crispy, golden-brown chicken, paired with a creamy, spicy curry sauce, is an unbeatable combination. It’s simple but flavorful, with a satisfying balance of textures. The chicken is tender on the inside, crunchy on the outside while the curry sauce brings warmth and depth. You can serve it over steamed rice, making it a complete, comforting meal.

Jamie Oliver Chicken Katsu Curry Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Katsu Curry, you’ll need a handful of key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For The Chicken

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 100g plain flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 200g panko breadcrumbs (these give the crispy texture)
  • Sunflower oil for frying

• For The Curry Sauce

  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1 potato, peeled and diced (optional but adds a nice texture)
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder (adjust to taste)
  • 500ml chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (to balance the flavors)
  • A splash of Worcestershire sauce (adds umami)
  • Olive oil for sautéing

• To Serve

  • Steamed jasmine rice (or your choice of rice)
  • Fresh coriander (optional, for garnish)

These ingredients are easy to find in most supermarkets and they all come together to create the rich, savory and slightly sweet curry sauce as well as the crispy chicken.

Equipment Needed

While the ingredients are pretty straightforward, the right tools will help you execute the recipe perfectly.

1. Frying Pan or Shallow Frying Pan. Essential for crisping up the chicken to golden perfection.
2. Large Saucepan – You’ll need this for the curry sauce.
3. Bowl for Egg Wash. For dipping the chicken before breadcrumbs.
4. Plates for Breading – A couple of shallow plates will make breading easier (one for flour, one for breadcrumbs).
5. Sharp Knife and Chopping Board. For prepping the vegetables and chicken.
6. Rice Cooker or Saucepan. To cook the rice.

Not too many specialized tools but everything you use will help make the cooking process smoother.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Katsu Curry

Here’s how you put it all together, step by step:

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • Start by tenderizing the chicken breasts. If they’re too thick, slice them in half horizontally or bash them out to an even thickness.
   • Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs and finally coat in panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure an even coating. Set aside.

2. Make The Curry Sauce

   • Heat a bit of olive oil in a saucepan and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
   • Add the grated carrot (and diced potato if you’re using it). Cook for a few more minutes to soften.
   • Stir in the curry powder, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
   • Pour in the chicken stock, soy sauce, honey and Worcestershire sauce. Bring it to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened and everything is tender.
   • You can use a hand blender to smooth out the sauce if you prefer a silky texture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

3. Cook The Chicken

   • Heat sunflower oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the breaded chicken. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
   • Let the chicken rest on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

4. Serve

   • Spoon some steamed rice onto a plate. Cut the crispy chicken into strips and arrange on top of the rice.
   • Pour the warm curry sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh coriander if desired.

And that’s it! The chicken should be crispy, juicy and perfectly complemented by the rich curry sauce.

What I Learnt

What I love about Jamie’s version of Chicken Katsu Curry is how accessible it is. You don’t need fancy ingredients or skills to make a dish that feels special. The curry sauce, for example, is deceptively simple but packs a punch and the crispy chicken adds a layer of texture that’s just irresistible.

One thing I learned is that the panko breadcrumbs really make a difference in the crispiness of the chicken. If you try to use regular breadcrumbs, you might not get that light, crunchy exterior. Also, don’t be afraid to tweak the curry sauce to your liking. add a little more honey for sweetness or some chili for extra heat, depending on your taste.

The dish is definitely a crowd-pleaser and it’s pretty versatile. You could even swap the chicken for pork or make a vegetarian version using tofu or tempeh.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Katsu Curry

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Katsu Curry recipe is already pretty solid but there are always ways to make it your own. Here are some tweaks to enhance the flavor or suit your tastes:

1. Crispy Coating: The classic panko breadcrumb coating is a must for that satisfying crunch. But if you want to up your game, you could mix in some grated parmesan or even coconut flakes into the breadcrumbs. It adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
2. Chicken Alternatives: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the chicken breast for thigh fillets. Chicken thighs have more flavor and remain juicy after frying. If you’re after a lighter option, use turkey breast or even a plant-based alternative like crispy tofu or tempeh.
3. Curry Sauce: The curry sauce is the heart of the dish. If you’re looking for a bit more depth, try adding a spoonful of miso paste, a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of ground ginger for extra warmth. You can even throw in a few chopped carrots or a small apple for a subtle sweetness.
4. Spice Level: Jamie’s version is mildly spicy but if you love heat, kick it up a notch. Add a chopped red chili or two when you cook the sauce or drizzle some chili oil on top before serving.
5. Rice: While the recipe calls for plain white rice, consider switching it out for a fragrant jasmine rice or even brown rice if you’re looking for more texture and flavor. For a twist, mix in some toasted sesame seeds or chopped cilantro to bring in freshness.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Leftovers from Chicken Katsu Curry can be a treat if stored properly. Here’s how to make sure they stay tasty:

1. Chicken: After frying, the crispy chicken coating will soften over time but you can minimize this by storing the chicken separately from the sauce. Use an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. If you’re freezing, wrap the chicken in foil and place it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to bring back some of that crunch.
2. Curry Sauce: The curry sauce can be stored in the fridge for about 3 days. Let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container. If you want to freeze it, it’s fine for up to 2 months. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of water or stock to loosen it up.
3. Rice: Store the rice in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. If you’re planning on freezing it, portion the rice into individual servings to make it easier to thaw. Just be mindful not to leave rice sitting at room temperature for too long as it can develop bacteria.

Reheating Tips: The key to reheating without losing too much texture is to use gentle heat. For the chicken, a quick fry in a hot pan can bring back some of the crunch. For the sauce, a slow simmer is ideal to avoid separation. Rice should be steamed or microwaved with a damp towel on top to retain moisture.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Katsu Curry?

Chicken Katsu Curry is rich, savory and slightly spicy, so pairing it with lighter sides helps balance the dish. Here are some ideas to create a well-rounded meal:

1. Pickled Vegetables: The acidity from pickled daikon, cucumber or even pickled ginger offers a refreshing contrast to the rich curry sauce. These tangy bites help cut through the heaviness and keep the meal from feeling too rich.
2. Salad: A simple green salad with a light dressing is perfect for this dish. Try mixed greens with sesame dressing or even a crunchy slaw with a tangy vinaigrette to add some crunch and freshness.
3. Japanese-style Soup: A clear miso soup or a broth-based soup with seaweed and tofu would pair wonderfully, offering a light contrast to the more decadent Katsu Curry. It’ll cleanse your palate between bites.
4. Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or baby corn can add some texture and color without overpowering the dish. You could also go for steamed edamame beans sprinkled with sea salt.
5. Japanese Pickles (Tsukemono): These can be a fun and flavorful side. Their sharp, sweet-sour flavor provides a fantastic counterpoint to the savory curry.

FAQs

What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Katsu Curry Recipe Special?

His version has a delicious balance of crispy chicken, rich curry sauce, and a fresh, zesty slaw for extra crunch!

Can I Make The Katsu Curry In Advance?

Yes, the curry sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Just reheat and cook the chicken fresh when ready.

What Can I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Katsu Curry?

It’s traditionally served with steamed rice, but you could add pickled vegetables or a side salad for extra flavor.