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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.
How much of a Super Bowl fan are you? My hope is that you’ll at least be watching the game. Because today’s recipe, as well as tomorrow’s, is very much inspired by Sunday’s game. You’d think growing up with five brothers that I’d be more into football, but the truth is that I just never got into it. I love Sunday night football because I find it comforting to hear playing in the background, it always takes me back to being a kid. Other than that it’s just not really my thing…that said I also never watch TV. Maybe I just need to give it another try?
Either way, my brothers, of course, love all things football. Same with my dad. They’re all in fantasy leagues and watch every Sunday (Monday and Thursday too). But most importantly…they live for game day food. But then…don’t we all?
And that’s where today’s recipe comes into play. I knew I needed to create a few good recipes for everyone to enjoy this Sunday. But I also wanted them to be recipes that can be enjoyed throughout the week, on any given day. Enter in this popcorn chicken. Baked, not fried, and seasoned heavily with homemade cajun seasoning.
Nothing is better than this oven fried cajun popcorn chicken. Ok, that’s too dramatic, but this recipe really is delicious. And if you love a healthier take on “bar” food you have to give this popcorn chicken a try.
Here is how you make this chicken…
I’ve made popcorn chicken before, so I had my basic breading formula down. Therefore throwing this recipe together was easy.
To start, I made my homemade cajun seasoning blend from the HBH Super Simple cookbook but added additional chili powder for a touch more spice. You can use this homemade blend or you can use your favorite store-bought cajun seasoning blend (I love this one from McCormick).
Next, bread the chicken. Toss the chicken in a little buttermilk, then coat it in finely crushed corn flakes seasoned with a good amount of cajun seasoning. The finely crushed corn flakes are KEY. They really give the chicken an authentic “fried” taste and texture, without actually frying the chicken. I’ve used this method for years and it never fails.
Tip? Pulse the corn flakes in the food processor to really break them down into a fine crumb.
Next, bake the chicken in the oven until it crisps all over. My secret is to gently dab/brush the chicken with olive oil before it bakes. This helps the coating to really crisp up nicely in the oven. You can’t skip this step, it’s crucial.
Now, on to the sauce.
You can’t have oven fried chicken without sauce. Always need the sauce. Always.
I went back and forth on three variations of this sauce. But after multiple text messages with my eldest brother, Creighton, who LOVES popcorn chicken more than anyone AND loves spicy cajun more than anyone, I landed on a creamier honey mustard sauce. He said it was a no brainer, creamy always wins.
While the chicken is baking, make the sauce. This sauce is hands down a new favorite. For one, it’s EASY. Just mix, stir, and done. It’s made using creamy sour cream, honey, mustard, more of that cajun seasoning, and just a touch of lemon. It’s extra creamy, a touch sweet, and a touch spicy. So perfect as a side with this chicken. The creaminess in the sauce makes everything heartier, but the sweetness balances out the spice.
Here is what I will note, I used sour cream, which I only recently started to use. Typically, I always use Greek yogurt in sauces. But when I was making this dish I decided I wanted to try something different. Once I used real sour cream I was hooked. It makes a really GOOD sauce. However, I did make the same sauce with Greek yogurt and found it to be creamy and delicious as well.
Another note, the sour cream (or yogurt) adds a slight tanginess, if you want something more mellow, I would suggest using mayo. I’m personally not big on mayo, but I’m sure it would be great in this sauce.
Since Creighton helped me so much with putting this recipe together, I had to send him a few pics for his seal of approval. Sadly, he’s not in town right now to actually try the chicken, but he’ll be home soon, so I will be remaking.
His response…well it made my Monday…
“That looks fire! I like how u sprinkled some sauce over top of the chicken already. To wet the appetite. Nice move.”
Got to love him. He’s always got something funny to say.
Point? This popcorn chicken is so very good. The seasoning is KEY. The sauce is KEY. I’d recommend serving with home-baked french fries and plenty of veggies on the side. Great for a weeknight, fun for game day, either way, these will be a hit!
If you make this oven fried cajun popcorn chicken, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Oven Fried Cajun Popcorn Chicken with Creamy Honey Mustard
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 641 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, cut into 2 inch cubes
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups corn flakes finely crushed
- 2 tablespoons whole wheat, all-purpose, or gluten free flour
- 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
- 1/2 cup finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- black pepper
- extra virgin olive oil for brushing
Creamy Honey Mustard
- 1/4 cup dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or olive oil based mayo (see note)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- juice of 1/2 a lemon
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- 1. Add the chicken to a gallon size zip top bag. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken. Toss well to coat. 2. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.3. Add the corn flake crumbs, flour, cajun seasoning, cheddar, and a pinch of pepper to a medium-sized bowl. Stir to combine.4. 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.5. Meanwhile, make the honey mustard sauce. Combine all ingredients in a glass jar and shake or whisk until smooth and creamy. 6. Serve the chicken topped with flaky salt, fresh chives, and honey mustard for dipping. Add ranch for a little double-dip. Enjoy!
Notes
Honey Mustard: I use sour cream or yogurt, but for a more classic, less tangy, taste use mayo.
Homemade Cajun Seasoning: mix 2 1/2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon black pepper. Makes 3/4 cup.
This post was originally published on January 29, 2020
Hi! These look so good! Do you think the recipe would still work if I substituted cauliflower instead of chicken? I might still make the chicken for my boyfriend but was wondering if it would work the same to use cauliflower for myself?
Hi Ashley! I am sure cauliflower will be amazing. Love that idea!! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
Could you use an air fryer for this?
Hi MJ! I am imagine this chicken would be good in the air fryer, but I have not tested it out personally! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
LOVE this chicken. Made it tonight, couldn’t stop thinking about it all day after seeing the recipe this morning, and it did not disappoint!! The chicken was delicious, well seasoned with a crispy outside, super moist within. And the sauce, I mean the SAUCE… the sauce is ridiculous, so wonderfully creamy, tangy, and spicy. I used creme fraiche in place of sour cream, as I had it in the fridge. It was truly luscious. This is definitely a keeper. Will make it again for sure! Thank you for the fantastic recipes 🙂
YES!! I am really glad you enjoyed this recipe Kristen! Thank you so much! xTieghan
I made these tonic and they were incredible, really amazing especially because I am gf and never find any chicken nugget recipes which come close to the real deal. I used gf flour of course :):) Thank you!!
I am so glad this recipe turned out so well for you Barbie! Thank you so much! xTieghan
These look soooo good. I can’t do dairy – could you sub egg for the buttermilk? Or anything else?
Thanks!
Hi there! Yes, you can use a beaten egg. That works great! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
Tieghan, my wife stumbled upon your recipe for ginger peanut chicken noodle soup last December and since then I have made a boatload of your recipes, many of them multiple times, and they have all turned out amazing. So I thought it was finally time to reach out and let you know how much we love your site. Made the 30 min co coq vin last night and it was also excellent. We now have your books and will continue to follow your site. Keep up the good work!
Bon appetie,
Drew
Aw this is so great to read! Thank you so much for continuing to try my recipes, I am so glad you have loved them! What have you made from the book? If any haha. xTieghan
Can panko be used instead of corn flakes?
Hi Anne, yes panko should be fine. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
Your brother is so right about the drizzle!
I’ve got some of your HBH Super Simple Cajun seasoning blend made in a jar, so I’m halfway there already. Xx
Yes so amazing! I hope you love this recipe, Kelly!! xTieghan
We have been look8ng for a Super Bowl dish. Yumm. We are from California and huge 49er fans. Can’t leave the TV to cook. Could this be prepped ahead of time and baked during the game? Or completely cooked earlier and warmed? We love all of your recipes. I am cooking one tonight. Sage lemon butter chicken. My absolute favorite. ?
Hi Marcia! Yes, you can prep ahead and bake while the game is one or you can precook, then warm when ready to eat. Honestly, either works great! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
Oh, this looks so good! Definitely gonna give it a try and consider it for Sunday. Last year, I made the chicken wings with the hot honey for our Super Bowl party and they were so so good! So I guess this must also be a hit. Thanks for all the great recipes! Greetings from Germany!
Hi Stephanie! Thank you so much! I hope you love this recipe when you get a chance to try it! xTieghan
Yum! Planning out my menu for Sunday as we speak so this is perfect timing, Tieghan! Looking forward to what else you come up with for the big day!
Thank you Sydney! xTieghan
A GREAT recipe for the game this weekend. I’m from Kansas City, so we are “super” pumped about the Super Bowl this year. Go Chiefs!!
Yes!! I hope this turns out amazing for you Linger! Thank you! xTieghan
this looks delicious! considering making these for Sunday, but curious about how spicy they are. I am fine with it but I have friends who really can’t handle spice.
Hi Lew! These do have a kick! Try only using 1 tbs of cajun seasoning for the chicken and 2 teaspoons in the sauce. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
Can’t wait to try this yummy recipe! Will let you know how it turns out.
Thank you so much Nancy! I hope you love this recipe! xTieghan
oh yum, this looks so delicious!
Thank you Ruth! xTieghan