Ultimate Chicken Katsu Bento Recipe for Beginners (1 Serving)

Chicken Katsu Bento is a delicious and satisfying Japanese meal packed with a perfect balance of crispy fried chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant veggies. It’s beginner-friendly, easy to make, and completely customizable. Whether you’re preparing lunch for work or dinner for yourself, this one-serving recipe is designed to make your first bento-making experience a breeze.

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Ingredients Overview

For Chicken Katsu:

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 6-8 oz)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil, for frying)

For Bento Sides:

• 1 cup cooked short-grain white rice
• 1/2 cup steamed broccoli florets
• 1/2 medium carrot, julienned or sliced into sticks
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for rice)
• 1 tbsp tonkatsu sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Optional Garnishes:

• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for rice)
• Pickled ginger or radish (optional)

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Tools You’ll Need

• Skillet for frying
• Tongs for handling the chicken
• Plastic wrap or parchment paper (for tenderizing chicken)
• Bento box (or any compartmentalized container)
• Rice cooker or pot
• Steaming basket for vegetables

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1: Preparing the Chicken Katsu

1. Tenderizing the Chicken: Place the chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound it to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
2. Seasoning: Season both sides with salt and pepper for balanced flavor.
3. Breading Process:
   • Bowl 1: Add flour.
   • Bowl 2: Beat an egg.
   • Bowl 3: Place panko breadcrumbs.
     Dredge the chicken in flour (shake off excess), dip it in egg, and thoroughly coat with breadcrumbs.

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2: Frying the Chicken Katsu to Perfection

1. Heat the Oil: Add about 1/4 inch of oil to a skillet. Heat over medium until shimmering (around 350°F). A quick test: breadcrumbs should sizzle instantly when dropped into the oil.
2. Fry the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken into the skillet and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature: 165°F).
3. Drain the Oil: Place the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

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3: Cooking the Rice

Short-grain white rice is the classic choice for bento. Cook 1 cup according to package instructions. For a savory twist, mix 1 tbsp soy sauce into the rice once cooked.

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4: Preparing the Vegetables

1. Broccoli: Steam broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until tender but still vibrant green.
2. Carrots: Boil or steam julienned carrots for 2-3 minutes, leaving them slightly crisp.

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5: Assembling the Bento Box

1. Start with the Rice: Place the cooked rice in one section of the bento box. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added flavor.
2. Add Chicken Katsu: Slice the chicken into strips and arrange it neatly in another section.
3. Include Vegetables: Fill remaining sections with broccoli and carrots.
4. Tonkatsu Sauce: Drizzle over the chicken or serve it on the side for dipping. Add optional garnishes like pickled ginger or radish.

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Tonkatsu Sauce: Store-Bought vs Homemade

Store-bought tonkatsu sauce is convenient, but making it at home is easy and rewarding. Here’s a quick recipe:

• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
  Mix well, and adjust sweetness to taste.

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Tips for Beginner Success

• Monitor oil temperature to avoid burning the breadcrumbs.
• Fry chicken in batches if necessary; overcrowding the skillet lowers the oil temperature.
• Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken for clean, even cuts.

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Variations of Chicken Katsu Bento

• Low-Carb Option: Swap white rice with cauliflower rice.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu or eggplant slices.

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Storing and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Pack leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer to keep it crispy.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 630
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 5g

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Why Bento Boxes Are Great for Meal Prep

Bento boxes are versatile and perfect for portion control. They help you prepare balanced meals in advance, save time during busy weekdays, and reduce food waste.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Chicken Katsu Bento

Conclusion – Chicken Katsu Bento

Now that you’ve mastered this simple Chicken Katsu Bento recipe, feel free to experiment with sides and sauces to make it your own. It’s a versatile, tasty, and beginner-friendly meal that will quickly become a favorite!