Oven Fried Cajun Popcorn Chicken with Creamy Honey Mustard.
Switching up the average weeknight dinner with this Oven Fried Cajun Popcorn Chicken with a sweet and creamy honey mustard sauce…bar food, but healthier! Cajun breaded “popcorn” chicken bites, oven-baked, and served with an addicting creamy, sweet, and tangy honey mustard sauce. Enjoy as a healthier game day appetizer or turn into a family dinner with oven-roasted french fries and veggies. It’s fun, different, delicious, peppery, and full of flavor. This popcorn chicken is sure to be loved by all.
Author: Halfbakedharvest/Photo credit to halfbakedharvest.com
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, cut into 2 inch cubes
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 cups corn flakes finely crushed
- 2 tablespoons whole wheat, all-purpose, or gluten free flour
- 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
- ½ cup finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- black pepper
- extra virgin olive oil for brushing
- Creamy Honey Mustard
- ¼ cup dijon mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or olive oil based mayo (see note)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- juice of ½ a lemon
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Add the chicken to a gallon size zip top bag. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken. Toss well to coat.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the corn flake crumbs, flour, cajun seasoning, cheddar, and a pinch of pepper to a medium-sized bowl. Stir to combine.
- Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, and dredge through the crumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the chicken has been used. Make sure not to crowd your pan, if necessary use two baking sheets. Lightly brush the chicken with olive oil. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Meanwhile, make the honey mustard sauce. Combine all ingredients in a glass jar and shake or whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Serve the chicken topped with flaky salt, fresh chives, and honey mustard for dipping. Add ranch for a little double-dip. Enjoy!
