This Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry is a delightful meal that brings together crispy chicken, rich Japanese curry, and fluffy rice. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish offers a comforting taste of the islands right in your kitchen. The unique blend of flavors from the ingredients creates an unforgettable experience that you will want to enjoy time and again.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Curry Sauce
- For the Chicken Katsu
- To Serve
- How to Make Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry
- Step 1: Prepare the Curry Base
- Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Katsu
- Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Step 4: Serve Your Dish
- How to Serve Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry
- Serve with Fresh Vegetables
- Garnish Ideas
- Accompaniments
- How to Perfect Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry
- Best Side Dishes for Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry
- Reheating Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry?
- How can I customize my Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry?
- Can I make Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry ahead of time?
- What sides go well with Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this dish is perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.
- Flavorful and Comforting: The combination of crispy chicken and savory curry will warm your heart.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it for lunch or dinner, and pair with your favorite sides or salads.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its delicious taste, it’s sure to impress family and friends at any gathering.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels or add your favorite vegetables for a personal touch.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes the cooking process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry efficiently.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Deep frying pan
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Deep frying pan: Ideal for achieving that perfect crispy texture on your chicken without excess oil.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures precise chopping, helping ingredients cook evenly.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for preparing coatings and mixing ingredients efficiently.

Ingredients
For the Curry Sauce
- 1/4 cup neutral oil
- 2 large onions (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp ginger (minced)
- 2 Fuji apples (grated)
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 block Japanese curry mix
For the Chicken Katsu
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (pounded to ½-inch thickness)
To Serve
- Cooked rice
- Katsu sauce (homemade or store-bought)
How to Make Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry
Step 1: Prepare the Curry Base
- Heat the neutral oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and ginger; sauté until softened.
- Stir in grated Fuji apples and chopped carrots, cooking until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken stock and soy sauce; bring to a simmer.
- Add the Japanese curry mix, stirring until dissolved.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Katsu
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken thigh in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip floured chicken in beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
- In another pan, heat oil over medium-high heat for frying.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Carefully place breaded chicken thighs in hot oil; fry until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove cooked chicken from oil and drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Serve Your Dish
- On a plate, serve a generous scoop of warm cooked rice.
- Pour over the rich curry sauce followed by sliced fried chicken katsu on top.
- Drizzle with katsu sauce if desired for added flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry! This recipe not only brings comfort but also an explosion of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
How to Serve Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry
Serving Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry is as important as making it. The balance of crispy chicken, flavorful curry, and warm rice creates a comforting meal that everyone will love. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Serve with Fresh Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: A light and healthy side that adds color and crunch.
- Pickled Radishes: These add a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the curry.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad dressed with rice vinegar for a zesty complement.
Garnish Ideas
- Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle them on top for a fresh flavor kick.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty taste and attractive presentation.
Accompaniments
- Katsu Sauce: Drizzle over the chicken for an extra layer of flavor.
- Soy Sauce: A splash can enhance the umami notes in your dish.
How to Perfect Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry
Perfecting Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry involves attention to detail in both technique and ingredient selection. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions, garlic, and ginger bring vibrant flavors to the curry.
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: This ensures even cooking and tenderness in every bite.
- Fry at the Right Temperature: Maintaining oil temperature is key to achieving crispy chicken without greasiness.
- Let the Curry Simmer: Allowing the curry to simmer helps deepen its flavors; patience pays off!
- Taste Before Serving: Adjust seasoning if necessary, as flavors can develop during cooking.
Best Side Dishes for Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry
Pairing side dishes with Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry can enhance your meal further. Here are some great options to consider.
- White Rice: The classic base that soaks up the delicious curry.
- Miso Soup: A light broth that complements the heavier elements of the meal.
- Japanese Pickles: Adds a crunchy texture and tangy flavor contrast.
- Coleslaw: A creamy slaw provides a cool, crunchy element alongside the hot curry.
- Edamame: Lightly salted edamame beans are a nutritious finger food option.
- Seaweed Salad: Offers oceanic flavors that pair well with the dish’s richness.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their sweetness balances out the savory aspects of the curry.
- Tempura Vegetables: Lightly battered vegetables that add crunch and variety to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
Skipping the pounding step: Not pounding the chicken thighs can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to pound them to ½-inch thickness for consistent texture.
Using too much oil: Overusing oil when frying can make the dish greasy. Use just enough to coat the pan lightly and achieve that crispy texture.
Neglecting the sauce: A common mistake is not letting the curry simmer long enough. Allow it to cook for at least 20 minutes for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Choosing the wrong curry mix: Not all curry mixes are created equal. Opt for a quality Japanese curry block for authentic flavor in your Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry.
Serving without rice: Forgetting to serve the curry with rice can make the dish feel incomplete. Pair it with warm, cooked rice for a balanced meal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry
Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place curry in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake until heated through.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.
Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until thoroughly heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry.
What is Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry?
Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry is a delicious fusion dish featuring crispy fried chicken served with a savory Japanese curry sauce over rice.
How can I customize my Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry?
You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers or peas, or using different proteins such as turkey or beef instead of chicken.
Can I make Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and curry ahead of time and store them separately until you’re ready to serve.
What sides go well with Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry?
Consider serving it with simple sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complement the rich flavors of the curry.
Final Thoughts
Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry is a delightful dish that combines crispy chicken with flavorful curry sauce. Its comforting nature makes it perfect for any day of the week. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins!
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Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry is a delightful fusion dish that brings the flavors of the islands to your table. Crispy, panko-crusted chicken thighs are served over a bed of fluffy rice and smothered in a rich, savory Japanese curry sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering an explosion of flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more. With its ease of preparation and customizable elements, Hawaii Chicken Katsu Curry is not just a meal; it’s an experience that invites you to explore the culinary traditions of Hawaii.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 large onions
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 block Japanese curry mix
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 2 Fuji apples
- Panko breadcrumbs
- All-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup neutral oil
- 1 tbsp ginger (minced)
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- Cooked rice
- Katsu sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions, minced garlic, and ginger until softened.
- Add grated apples and chopped carrots; cook until fragrant. Pour in chicken stock and soy sauce; bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the Japanese curry mix until dissolved.
- Set up three bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Dredge chicken thighs in flour, dip in eggs, then coat with panko.
- Fry coated chicken in hot oil until golden brown on both sides; drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm rice topped with curry sauce and sliced chicken katsu.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 150mg





