If you’ve never had a Chicken Katsu Sandwich, you’re in for a treat. My first experience with a gluten-free Chicken Katsu Sandwich was in Costa Rica, and it was absolutely life-changing. The combination of crispy, golden breaded chicken, tangy pickled vegetables, creamy avocado, and bold sauces completely redefined what I thought a sandwich could be. That unforgettable bite inspired me to create this recipe, which stays true to those incredible flavors while being accessible for home cooks and entirely gluten-free. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of katsu or discovering it for the first time, this sandwich is a must-try. ✨

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How to Make a Chicken Katsu Sandwich

Ingredients

8 Slices Gluten Free Sourdough
4 Chicken Thighs

Katsu Chicken Crust

2 Cups Gluten Free Crumbs
1 Teaspoon Salt

Chicken Marinade

1 Cup Tamari or gluten free soy sauce
1 Tablespoon Garlic
1/2 Cup Cilantro chopped
1/2 Cup Green Onions chopped
1 Teaspoon Sesame Oil

Sweet & Spicy Mayo

1/4 Cup Avocado Mayo
1 Tablespoon Sriracha
1 Tablespoon Tamari
1 Tablespoon Honey
1 Lime juiced

Pickled Veggies

1 Cucumber
2 Carrots
1 Red Onion
1 Bell Pepper
1 Cup Vinegar

Toppings

2 Avocados
Chili Crisp

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Chicken Katsu Sandwich

Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken thighs. Combine tamari, garlic, sesame oil, cilantro, and green onions in a bowl. Add the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to soak in.

Prepare the Katsu Crust Mix

While the chicken marinates, set up your breading station. Mix gluten-free crumbs with a teaspoon of salt in a shallow bowl. This simple blend ensures a crunchy and flavorful crust.

Make the Pickled Veggies

Slice the cucumber, carrots, red onion, and bell pepper into thin strips or rounds. Pour the vinegar over the vegetables in a jar and fill the rest with water. Let the veggies pickle as you prepare the other components.

Whip Up the Sweet & Spicy Mayo

In a small bowl, whisk together avocado mayo, sriracha, tamari, honey, and lime juice. Taste and adjust the balance of flavors to suit your preference.

Coat and Cook the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Coat each thigh in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crust adheres. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil and pan-sear the chicken until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Be sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Chicken is generally safe to eat at this temperature.

Toast the Bread and Prep the Toppings

Lightly toast the gluten-free sourdough slices for added texture. Slice avocados and get out the chili crunch.

Assemble Your Chicken Katsu Sandwich

Spread a generous layer of sweet and spicy mayo on one side of each bread slice.
Add a layer of pickled veggies for tang and crunch.
Place the crispy chicken thigh on top, followed by slices of creamy avocado.
Sprinkle chili crisp over the avocado for a spicy, savory kick.
Top with another slice of bread and press gently to hold everything together.
Slice in half & enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Katsu Sandwich

This isn’t your average sandwich. The Chicken Katsu Sandwich combines crispy chicken, tangy pickled vegetables, creamy avocado, and a zingy sweet-and-spicy mayo, all tucked between slices of toasted gluten-free sourdough bread. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Texture & Flavor: From the crunch of the katsu crust to the creamy avocado and the soft bread, this sandwich has it all.

Gluten-Free Goodness: Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities, thanks to gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari.

Customizable Flavors: You can tweak the spice level, swap veggies, or use your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours.

Tips for the Best Chicken Katsu Sandwich

Don’t Skip the Marinade: The marinade not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the chicken for that perfect bite.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro, green onions, and avocado make a huge difference in the final dish.

Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of sriracha and chili crisp to suit your spice tolerance.

Serve Immediately: The sandwich tastes best when the chicken is hot, and the bread is freshly toasted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Chicken Katsu Sandwich?
A Chicken Katsu Sandwich is a Japanese-inspired dish featuring breaded and fried chicken, often served with tangy vegetables and flavorful sauces between slices of bread.

Can I make the Chicken Katsu Sandwich ahead of time?
While the components can be prepared in advance, it’s best to assemble the sandwich right before serving. You can marinate the chicken, make the pickled veggies, and prepare the mayo a day ahead to save time.

What’s the best bread for a Chicken Katsu Sandwich?
Gluten-free sourdough is a great option because it’s sturdy and has a slight tang that pairs well with the flavors. If sourdough isn’t available, use your favorite gluten-free bread with a firm texture to hold up to the fillings.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook the breaded chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method is a bit lighter but still yields crispy results.

What other toppings can I use for a Chicken Katsu Sandwich?
Get creative with your toppings! Shredded cabbage, spicy slaw, kimchi, or even a fried egg can add new dimensions to this sandwich.

How long do the pickled vegetables last?
Quick-pickled veggies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Is this Chicken Katsu Sandwich recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is completely dairy-free!

What’s the difference between tamari and soy sauce?
Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to traditional soy sauce. It has a slightly richer, less salty flavor.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are more tender and juicy, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer.

Enjoy!

The Chicken Katsu Sandwich is one of those meals that makes every step in the kitchen totally worth it. Think crispy, golden chicken, tangy pickled veggies, creamy avocado, and a bold sweet-and-spicy mayo—it’s like a flavor explosion in every bite. The best part? It’s completely gluten-free and super easy to tweak to match your cravings.

When you’re ready to switch up your lunch game or impress someone with a next-level dinner, this Chicken Katsu Sandwich has you covered. It’s crunchy, tangy, spicy, and satisfying all at once. Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy ✨