Name: Chicken Katsu Curry Sliders
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; Vegetable oil, for frying; 6 slider buns; 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix; 1/4 cup Japanese mayonnaise; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp sugar; 1 package Japanese curry roux; 1 1/2 cups water

Why You’ll Love Chicken Katsu Curry Sliders Recipe

These sliders combine the comforting flavors of Japanese curry with the fun, handheld appeal of sliders. The chicken is juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside, while the curry sauce adds savory depth with just a hint of sweetness from apple and honey. They’re quick to make, satisfying, and great for sharing.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken Katsu
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
¾ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, whisked
1½ cups panko bread crumbs

Japanese Curry
1 oz curry roux
½ yellow onion, thinly wedged
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons finely grated apple
½ tablespoon honey
1 cup chicken broth

For Serving
slider buns
shredded cabbage

Directions

Prepare the chicken by pounding it to an even thickness of about ½ inch. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Toast the panko by heating the breadcrumbs in a dry pan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until lightly golden. Transfer to a bowl and let cool slightly.

Set up three dredging stations: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with the toasted panko.

Coat each piece of chicken by dredging it in flour, dipping it into the egg, and pressing it into the panko until fully coated.

Air fry the chicken by preheating the air fryer to 330°F (165°C). Cook for 7 minutes, then increase the temperature to 380°F (193°C), flip the chicken, and cook for another 4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Make the curry sauce by heating olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and softened. Add the chicken broth, grated apple, and honey, then bring to a gentle simmer. Break up the curry roux and stir it in until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

Assemble the sliders by placing the crispy chicken onto the slider buns, spooning warm curry sauce over the top, and finishing with shredded cabbage.

Servings and timing

Servings: 3 sliders
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 17 minutes

Variations

For a spicy version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the curry sauce.
For a vegetarian option, substitute breaded tofu cutlets for the chicken and use vegetable broth in the curry.
For extra crunch and freshness, add sliced cucumbers or julienned carrots to the sliders.
For a sweeter profile, use brioche or Hawaiian sweet rolls instead of plain slider buns.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken and curry sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness, and warm the curry sauce gently on the stovetop before assembling.

FAQs

What is chicken katsu?

Chicken katsu is a Japanese dish made with breaded chicken cutlets coated in panko breadcrumbs and cooked until crispy.

Can I make these sliders without an air fryer?

Yes, the chicken can be pan-fried or deep-fried until golden brown and fully cooked.

What is curry roux?

Curry roux is a solid block used to make Japanese curry, providing rich flavor and a smooth, thick texture.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work very well and tend to be juicier than breasts.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?

Keep the chicken separate from the curry sauce until serving and reheat it in an oven or air fryer.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko-style breadcrumbs.

What kind of buns work best for these sliders?

Soft slider buns or Hawaiian sweet rolls pair especially well with the crispy chicken and savory sauce.

Is Japanese curry sweet?

Japanese curry is mildly sweet and savory, often balanced with ingredients like apple and honey.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, the chicken and curry sauce can be made ahead, but assemble the sliders just before serving.

How should leftovers be reheated?

Reheat the chicken in an air fryer or oven and warm the curry sauce on the stovetop for best results.

Conclusion

Chicken Katsu Curry Sliders are a delicious blend of crispy texture, rich sauce, and fresh crunch. Easy to prepare and full of comforting flavor, they’re an excellent choice for quick meals or sharing with friends and family. This recipe brings classic Japanese-inspired flavors into a fun, approachable slider format that’s sure to impress.