Just like country and rap and french fries dipped in milkshakes, some unlikely combinations turn out to be dynamite duos when paired together. Our favorite surprising partnership? Everyone's favorite diner classic, chicken and waffles! The major downside to this delicious dish? The sky-high calories and less-than-stellar nutrition facts this meal adds up to.

Fear not, fried foodie fans! Our Lightened-Up Chicken Nuggets and Keto Friendly Protein Waffles serves all the nostalgic goodness of this dish, minus the over-the-top calorie load of the original version. Tender, flavorful chicken nuggets team up with light and fluffy protein waffles to create the ultimate better-for-you dish you can feel good about enjoying on the regular. 

Lightened Up Chicken Nuggets 

What You’ll Need…

• 2lbs Ground Chicken
• 1 ½ Tbsp Corn Flour or Starch
•  Seasoning To Taste

Flour Mix & Oil 

• 1 1/2 Cups Plain (All-Purpose) Flour or Almond Flour for Keto Option
• 1 1/4 Cups Corn Flour or Starch or 2 ½ Tbsp Xanthan Gum for Keto Option
• 1 Tbsp Smoked or Regular Paprika
• 2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 ½ tsp Garlic Salt or Garlic Powder
• Pinch of Ground Pepper
• Salt To Taste
• 1 ¾ Cups Original Bubbles
• Spray Oil 

What You’ll Do…

1. Preheat the oven to 390℉.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, corn flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then form the mixture into even-sized nuggets (using a scale for consistency is helpful).
3. Place the nuggets on a parchment-lined baking tray and freeze for about 30 minutes until firm but slightly soft in the center.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain flour, corn flour, paprika, onion powder, garlic salt, ground pepper, and salt.
5. Slowly pour in the chilled JUST WATER Original Bubbles, stirring gently until you get a light, bubbly batter. Be careful not to overmix—you want to keep those bubbles for a crispy, airy coating!
6. Dip each frozen nugget into the batter to coat thoroughly, then place them back onto the lined baking tray.
7. Lightly spray the battered nuggets with oil to help crisp them up in the oven.
8. Bake for 14-16 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping the nuggets halfway through cooking for even browning.
9. Air fryer option: Arrange the battered nuggets in the air fryer basket, spray lightly with oil, and cook at 390℉ for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.

High Protein Waffles

What You’ll Need…

• ½ cup oat flour or almond flour for Keto option
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (like whey, egg white, or pea protein)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup chilled Original Bubbles or Lemon Bubbles (for a zesty twist)
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cooking spray or a small amount of coconut oil for waffle iron

What You’ll Do…

1. Whisk together oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, combine egg whites, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
3. Gently mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined—some lumps are okay!
4. Carefully fold in the Bubbles to keep the batter light and bubbly. Avoid over mixing.
5. Preheat and lightly grease your waffle iron.
6. Pour batter onto the iron and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through.
7. Serve with low-calorie toppings like fresh berries or a drizzle of sugar-free syrup.