Paleo Chicken Katsu
Paleo Chicken Katsu with thin shredded cabbage noodles in light Asian sesame ginger dressing. Paleo and Whole30 friendly Japanese-inspired chicken cutlets
Paleo Chicken Katsu with thin shredded cabbage noodles in light Asian sesame ginger dressing. Paleo and Whole30 friendly Japanese-inspired chicken cutlets
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lbs chicken thighs or breasts ((skinless/boneless))
- quarter to half of one whole green cabbage
- coarse sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 tbsp arrowroot/sweet potato flour/powder
- 2 medium chicken eggs + 2-3 tbsp water*
- 6 tbsp shredded coconut ((unsweetened))
- â…“ cup almond flour ((alt. â¼ cup cassava flour))
- â¾ tbsp grated ginger
- 1-2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 3 tsp coconut aminos
- â¼ tsp garlic granules
- â¼ tsp onion granules
- Carbohydrate 0.0558000001132093 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 2.58 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0.3562464 g
- Serving Size 1 1 adult (99g)
- Sodium 0.351600000608652 mg
- Sugar 0.0558000001132093 g
- Trans Fat 0.0698664000000001 g
- Calories 24 calories
Step-by-step
- Slice one whole green cabbage in half then cut into 4 quarter wedges. Use a mandolin slicer to thinly slice them into thin/long shreds. Submerge the cabbage in ice cold water. Set aside in the fridge. Drain before serving.
- If the chicken breast is too thick, butterfly and pound it to an even thickness (about ⅛ inch thick) with the bottom of a wide jar. Lightly season both sides with coarse sea salt and black pepper.
- Prepare 3 large shallow dishes: Season with a little bit of salt in all 3 dishes - 1) arrowroot flour, 2) 2 whisked eggs with 2-3 tbsp water, 3) shredded coconut and almond flour.
- Heat 1 ½ tbsp ghee over medium-high heat. When hot, lower the heat to medium. Lightly coat chicken with arrowroot. Shake off the excess. Then dip into the egg mixture and finally coat with shredded coconut and almond flour. Press and make sure the coconut & almond flour stick to the chicken breast well.
- Pan-fry over medium-high heat until both sides are golden brown then lower the heat to medium and continue to cook for a few additional minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through. Flip the breasts often and watch it carefully to prevent burning. Set aside over a cooling rack.
- Carefully slice the cutlets and serve immediately with finely shredded cabbage, sesame ginger dressing and cauliflower rice.
A Busy Mom's Guide to Quick and Healthy Paleo Meals
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping a relatively clean house, finding time for anything, let alone healthy home-cooked meals, can feel impossible. I’m always looking for recipes that are quick, easy, and, most importantly, healthy. That’s where this Paleo Chicken Katsu recipe comes in. It's a lifesaver! Not only is it incredibly delicious – think crispy, juicy chicken cutlets with a vibrant, refreshing slaw – but it’s also surprisingly simple to whip up, even on a busy weeknight.
I stumbled upon this recipe while searching for Paleo-friendly alternatives to my favorite takeout. I’ve always loved the satisfying crunch of Chicken Katsu, but the traditional breading is a no-go for my Paleo lifestyle. This recipe uses a clever combination of arrowroot flour, shredded coconut, and almond flour to create that perfect crispy texture without any grains. The result is a guilt-free indulgence that even my picky eaters adore. The best part? This dish is incredibly versatile. I often swap out the cabbage slaw for other greens or add a side of roasted vegetables to make it a complete meal. Sometimes, when I'm particularly short on time, I'll even use pre-shredded cabbage to cut down on prep time even further. The key is adaptability; tweak it to fit your needs and what's available.
Why This Paleo Chicken Katsu Recipe Is a Game Changer
Quick & Easy: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook, perfect for busy weeknights. The preparation is straightforward, and even my children can help with some of the simpler tasks, making it a fun family activity too.
Healthy & Nutritious: Paleo-friendly, gluten-free, and packed with protein, this meal is a powerhouse of nutrients. Chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, while the cabbage provides essential vitamins and fiber. The light sesame ginger dressing adds a burst of flavor without the added sugar and unhealthy fats found in many traditional Asian sauces.
Delicious & Satisfying: The crispy, flavorful chicken cutlets are simply irresistible. The combination of textures and flavors – crunchy chicken, refreshing slaw, and a zesty dressing – is unbelievably satisfying. Even my husband, who’s usually not a huge fan of healthy food, raves about this dish.
Versatile & Adaptable: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables in the slaw. Try adding carrots, bell peppers, or even some finely julienned zucchini. If you're not a fan of coconut, you could try substituting with another nut flour or even panko breadcrumbs (if you're not strictly adhering to the Paleo diet).
Family-Friendly: This is a recipe that the whole family can enjoy. It's kid-approved, making it a great option for mealtimes when you want something quick, tasty, and healthy for everyone.
Perfect for Meal Prep: The chicken cutlets can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping and ensures you have a healthy and delicious lunch ready to go for the week ahead. This is a huge time saver, particularly for busy schedules. Simply reheat the chicken and toss the slaw together right before serving.
Beyond the Plate: Adapting This Recipe for Your Lifestyle
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easily it adapts to different lifestyles. Are you a fitness enthusiast who needs a high-protein meal after a workout? This recipe is perfect for you. Just adjust the portion sizes to meet your caloric needs. Are you on a strict Whole30 diet? This recipe fits right in, just be mindful of any potential cross-contamination in your kitchen if you are using other cooking implements for other dishes that aren’t Whole30 compliant.
Traveling for work? This recipe is incredibly portable. You can easily pack the chicken cutlets and slaw separately in containers, then assemble them for lunch or dinner on the go. The dressing can also be packed separately to prevent the slaw from getting soggy. The convenience is a game changer when you’re constantly on the move, making it a healthy and delicious meal option that won't compromise your time.
Whether you're a busy mom like me, a frequent traveler, or just someone who appreciates delicious and healthy food, this Paleo Chicken Katsu recipe is a must-try. It's a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a meal that is both satisfying and nutritious, leaving you feeling energized and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
