Cauliflower Chicken Nuggets with Dijon Honey Mustard Dip are a wholesome, crispy, and flavorful alternative to traditional chicken nuggets. They combine tender cauliflower florets and ground chicken into bite-sized nuggets with a golden crust, perfect for dipping into a tangy, sweet, and creamy Dijon honey mustard sauce. These nuggets are ideal for weeknight dinners, appetizers, or a fun twist on game day snacks.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cauliflower floretsground chickenbreadcrumbs (panko or regular)eggsparmesangarlic powderonion powderpaprikasalt and pepperolive oil spray

For the Dijon Honey Mustard Dip:
Dijon mustardhoneymayonnaiseapple cider vinegarpinch of salt

directions

Steam the cauliflower florets until fork-tender, then transfer to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.

In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower, ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Mix until fully incorporated, then shape the mixture into small nugget-sized portions using your hands or a spoon.

Place the nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray them with olive oil.

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

While the nuggets bake, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl to make the dip.

Serve the nuggets hot with the Dijon honey mustard dip on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 20 nuggets.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken for ground turkey for a lighter version.
Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.
Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
Air fry the nuggets at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes for an extra crispy texture.

storage/reheating

Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until warm.
Freeze uncooked nuggets on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months—bake directly from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these nuggets vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and increase the cauliflower amount, adding a binding agent like mashed chickpeas or extra breadcrumbs.

Are these nuggets kid-friendly?

Absolutely, especially with the sweet honey mustard dip—they’re a hit with picky eaters.

Can I fry these nuggets instead of baking?

Yes, shallow fry in oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through.

Can I prep them ahead of time?

Yes, form the nuggets and refrigerate them up to a day in advance before baking.

How spicy is the dip?

It has a mild tang from the Dijon mustard, but it’s not spicy—adjust mustard levels to taste.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

You can finely chop the steamed cauliflower by hand or mash with a fork.

Conclusion

Cauliflower Chicken Nuggets with Dijon Honey Mustard Dip offer a satisfying crunch, juicy center, and rich dipping sauce that make them a winning choice for healthy comfort food. Whether you’re serving them to kids, guests, or just yourself, this versatile recipe delivers both nutrition and flavor in every bite.