Hawaiian-style chicken katsu with macaroni salad is a comfort dish for me. Crispy, golden-fried chicken paired with a slightly sweet, tangy mac salad—it’s the ultimate balance of crunchy, savory, and refreshing.

The best part? This dish is surprisingly easy to make at home! Plus, by using chicken breast and swapping in avocado mayo, we’re keeping things a little lighter while still indulging in all that satisfying flavor. Whether you’re meal-prepping, cooking for a family dinner, or just craving something nostalgic, this is the kind of dish that never disappoints.

Let’s get cooking! 🔥

Hawaiian-Style Chicken Katsu Meal

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Katsu:

• Chicken breast
• Salt & pepper
• 2 eggs
• Frying powder (flour)
• Bread crumbs

For the Macaroni Salad:

• 2 cups macaroni pasta
• 6 tablespoons mayonnaise (avocado mayo for a healthier twist!) 🥑
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt & pepper
• Chopped carrot, onion, and green onion

Instructions:

Macaroni Salad

1. Boil the pasta until tender, then rinse it under cold water. This keeps it from getting mushy!

2. Add a handful of chopped carrots, onions, and green onions to the pasta.

3. Mix in mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper until everything is well coated.

tip: Avocado mayo makes it even healthier.

 

Chicken Katsu

4. Now, onto the chicken! Slice the chicken breast in half and use a fork or meat tenderizer to flatten it. This helps it cook evenly and gives you that perfect crunch.

5. Season both sides with salt and pepper—don’t be shy with it!

6.Coat each piece in frying powder (flour), egg wash, and breadcrumbs in that order. This layering is key to a crispy, golden crust.

7. Fry at 180°C (350°F) for 5-6 minutes until beautifully golden brown. ✨

8. And there you have it—big, elegant, restaurant-style chicken katsu! 🤍

Plating tip: Use an ice cream scoop for the mac salad to get that authentic restaurant feel.

For the full Hawaiian experience, pair it with a cold Arizona Iced Tea like I did—it’s all about the vibes! 🌊💛

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Crispy & juicy perfection – Light, golden-brown crust with tender chicken inside.
✅ Creamy, balanced mac salad – Just the right touch of sweetness.
✅ Simple ingredients, big flavor – Easy to make, but feels like a restaurant meal.
✅ Perfect for meal prep – The mac salad tastes even better the next day!

This meal is pure happiness on a plate, and I promise you’ll be hooked after the first bite. 🍽️ If you try it, tag me—I’d love to see your creations!

📲 Recipe video: Hawaiian Katsu recipe video on TikTok

Now go make yourself a crispy, golden katsu and enjoy every crunchy, creamy bite! 🍗💛