Crispy chicken dishes are always a favorite in American homes, and nothing beats the crunch of a panko chicken recipe. Using Japanese breadcrumbs, panko gives chicken a light and airy crust. In this guide, you’ll learn multiple ways to prepare it, including fried panko chicken, baked chicken panko, panko chicken air fryer, and the popular Japanese katsu chicken. Whether you want to make nuggets, cutlets, or full chicken breasts, this recipe covers every option for your dinner table. ( Explore Chicken Cottage )
Ingredients for Panko Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into strips, nuggets, or fillets)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (for mayo panko chicken)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, paprika, soy sauce for extra flavor
Method 1: Fried Panko Chicken
- Coat chicken in flour, dip in eggs, and press into panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a skillet and fry until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve with dipping sauce.
This classic style is similar to fried chicken with panko and flour, creating extra crunch.
Method 2: Baked Panko Chicken
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until crispy.
This is a lighter option often called panko chicken oven or baked chicken with panko. Add mayo before breadcrumbs for extra moisture.
Method 3: Panko Chicken Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Spray coated chicken lightly with oil.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
This version, also known as panko air fry chicken, gives a healthier crisp without deep frying.
Method 4: Japanese Chicken Katsu
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Dredge in flour, dip in egg, and coat with panko.
- Shallow fry until golden brown.
- Serve with katsu sauce and rice.
Known as tonkatsu chicken or tori katsu recipe, this style is a Japanese favorite now popular across the USA.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on fried version)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fats | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
Serving Ideas
- Serve with coleslaw, potato salad, or steamed rice.
- Use leftovers for chicken nuggets recipe or sandwiches.
- Pair with dipping sauces like honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or traditional katsu sauce.
Why This Recipe Works in the USA
This panko crusted chicken combines the American love for fried chicken with Japanese cooking methods. It’s versatile for quick family dinners, healthy snack food, or even as a main dish for gatherings. With air fryer, oven, and fried methods included, it appeals to every cooking style.
Conclusion
The panko chicken recipe is a perfect way to bring crispy, golden chicken to your table. Whether you try fried panko chicken, the lighter baked chicken panko, or the healthier panko chicken air fryer, each version delivers a satisfying crunch with juicy chicken inside. For fans of Japanese flavors, katsu chicken or tonkatsu chicken makes an excellent main dish with rice and sauce. This recipe is flexible enough to work as nuggets, cutlets, or full fillets, making it a great choice for family dinners or casual meals.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between panko and regular breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs are lighter, flakier, and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, making them ideal for fried or baked chicken.
2. Can I make panko chicken without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with mayonnaise or buttermilk to help the panko stick to the chicken.
3. How do I make panko chicken in the oven?
Bake at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy. Use a light spray of oil for extra crunch.
4. Is panko chicken healthier in the air fryer?
Yes, air fryer panko chicken uses less oil but still comes out crispy, making it a healthier choice compared to deep frying.
5. What sauces go best with panko chicken?
Popular options include katsu sauce, honey mustard, ranch, sriracha mayo, and barbecue sauce.
