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Best Oven Fried Cajun Popcorn Chicken with Creamy Honey Mustard. shot

Oven Fried Cajun Popcorn Chicken with Creamy Honey Mustard.

Crispy oven-fried Cajun popcorn chicken served with a creamy honey mustard dipping sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups corn flakes finely crushed
  • 2 tablespoons flour whole wheat, all-purpose, or gluten-free
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese finely shredded
  • black pepper to taste
  • extra virgin olive oil for brushing
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt or olive oil–based mayo (see note)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 lemon juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning for sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • kosher salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste (for sauce)

Equipment

  • gallon-size zip-top bag
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Medium bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Pastry Brush
  • whisk or jar with lid

Method
 

  1. Place the cubed chicken in a gallon-size zip-top bag and pour in the buttermilk; toss or shake to coat evenly. Refrigerate briefly if desired for up to 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the finely crushed corn flakes, flour, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, shredded cheddar, and a pinch of black pepper; stir to combine.
  4. Working one piece at a time, remove chicken from the buttermilk and dredge in the corn flake mixture, pressing gently so crumbs adhere. Arrange pieces on the prepared baking sheet without crowding; use a second sheet if needed.
  5. Lightly brush the coated chicken pieces with olive oil and bake for 15–20 minutes at 425°F, until cooked through and golden.
  6. While the chicken bakes, make the honey mustard: combine Dijon mustard, honey, sour cream (or Greek yogurt or mayo), 2 tablespoons olive oil, juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, and salt and black pepper to taste; whisk or shake in a jar until smooth.
  7. Serve the popcorn chicken warm with the creamy honey mustard for dipping, and sprinkle flaky salt or fresh chives if desired.

Notes

  • Use sour cream or yogurt in the sauce for tang, or mayo for a milder flavor.
  • Make homemade Cajun seasoning using the provided spice mix if desired.
  • Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure crispiness.
  • Finely crush corn flakes for a uniform coating.