Culinary fusion like no other – Japanese Chicken Katsu meets Haitian Epis. Crispy perfection meets vibrant spices, creating an unbelievable eating experience.
Place all epis ingredients in a blender or food processor and puree to desired consistency. I prefer a salsa-like consistency. Set aside.
Prepare Chicken Rub (seasoning)
Place all dry spices in a small bowl or ramekin, mix well, and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
Lay out the chicken breasts. Place them in plastic ziplock bags and pound them flat using the bottom of a cast iron skillet or a meat mallet.
Season the chicken on both sides with a third of the seasoning mix. Add the epis and marinate overnight.
Dredge in Flour:
Add the flour to a large bowl. Mix in half of the remaining spice mix and stir well. Dredge each chicken breast in all-purpose flour mix, ensuring even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
Coat with Beaten Eggs:
In a shallow bowl, add the eggs and beat them. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, coating both sides thoroughly.
Cover with Panko Bread Crumbs:
Place panko bread crumbs in a separate shallow dish. Add the last of the spice mix and mix well. Press each chicken breast into the panko crumbs, ensuring a full and even coating. Press the crumbs onto the chicken to help them adhere.
Set Aside and Heat Oil:
Place the breaded chicken on a plate or wire rack lined baking sheet and set it aside. Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough for frying (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C).
Fry the Chicken:
Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry each side until golden brown and crispy, usually around 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Drain Excess Oil:
Once fried, transfer the chicken katsu to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Slice and Serve:
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin slices, strips or pieces. Serve hot.
Video
Notes
To Maximize Flavor Consider These:
Season the Flour and Bread Crumbs: Add additional flavor to the breading process by seasoning the all-purpose flour. This ensures that each layer contributes to the overall taste of the dish.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like cilantro, parsley, or green onions over the finished chicken katsu. The brightness of the herbs adds a burst of freshness to each bite.
Squeeze of Citrus: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice just before serving can add a zesty and citrusy element, cutting through the richness of the fried chicken.
Experiment with Spices: Customize the seasoning blend to your liking by experimenting with different spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or a dash of curry powder. Adjust the spice level according to your preferences.
Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality and fresh ingredients to ensure that the natural flavors of the chicken shine through. Fresh chicken and quality seasonings make a significant difference in the final taste.
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