A collection of the BEST high-protein dinners that are easy, filling, and delicious! Meat and chicken, tofu, and vegetarian options, too!
40 Seriously Good High-Protein Dinners
Protein has been a big theme in our house the last few years – it started with my husband wanting to change some of his eating habits and overall health, but it has trickled down to me thinking about my protein consumption as well. When I can find dinners that are easy and also packed with protein, it feels like the best kind of win.
These dinners are quick, simple, and full of good stuff that keeps me feeling full and happy. If you’re looking for a little high-protein dinner inspiration, here are some of my favorites!
High-Protein Dinner Recipes
Lemongrass Broth Bowls with Yellow Curry Chicken
Lemongrass, ginger, shallot, and the brightness of lime! These broth bowls have got it all – luscious broth, fluffy rice, protein, and fresh herbs.
Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce
This bowl has it all! The crunch of the tomato cucumber salad, the thin slips of bitey red onion, the golden crisped air fryer chicken cut into tender little strips, a big pile of perfectly chewy Banza, and a dollop of tangy calabrian chile sauce on top.
Miso Peanut Ramen Bowls
A sweet and creamy savory broth ladled into bowls with noodles, crispy crumbled tofu, and fresh veg! These ramen bowls are SO GOOD.
Yummy Salmon Burgers with Slaw
These salmon burgers are THE YUMMIEST! and made with just five ingredients. The best for a quick + easy high protein lunch or dinner.
Sesame Beef and Broccoli
Sesame Beef and Broccoli! Full of protein, green broccoli goodness, and sticky-sweet garlic and ginger flavor. Perfect at-home takeout!
Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Chicken Breast
My go-to everyday air fryer chicken! Thinly sliced chicken breast pieces, coated to the max in spices, plus a bit of brown sugar and cornstarch, and air fried to golden, juicy perfection.
Sheet Pan Jambalaya
Sheet Pan Jambalaya: maximum flavor, minimal dishes. Sausage, peppers, onions, shrimp, and cauliflower rice all roasted up on a sheet pan. Big flavor, easy dinner!
Cilantro Lime Chicken and Lentil Rice Bowls
15 Minute Meal Prep Cilantro Lime Chicken and Lentils! The BEST easy protein powerhouse meal prep. Just 15 mins of prep and totally hands-off cooking!
Spicy Peanut Tofu Bowls
These Spicy Peanut Tofu Bowls are a meal prep / weeknight dinner life-saver! Crispy tofu, roasted veggies, fluffy rice, and a spicy sweet peanut sauce all over top.
Crockpot Chicken Bowls with Yellow Rice and Cilantro Pesto
Saucy shredded chicken, yellow rice, pickled onions, greens, and cilantro pesto on top. It’s a flavor and color delight!
Cottage Cheese Pizza
This cottage cheese pizza crust is ridiculous. 4 ingredients, 20 minutes, and actually chewy, crispy, and delicious.
Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries
A burger in a bowl! Ranch-seasoned fries topped with a burger patty and all the fixings, with a drizzle of house sauce to take it over the top!
Instant Pot Red Curry Lentils
Guess what’s for dinner? Creamy, spicy, delicious red curry lentils, made in the Instant Pot.
Perfect Baked Salmon with Lentils and Lemon Herb Sauce
Perfect Baked Salmon with Lentils, Quinoa, and Lemon Herb Sauce – super healthy, high protein, bakes all in one big easy dish. This stuff is SO DELICIOUS!
Super Yummy Chicken Salad
This Chicken Salad is so good! Protein-packed with a delicious creamy dressing, and perfect for an on-the-go lunch in a sandwich or wrap.
Red Curry Chicken Stir Fry with Spicy Cashew Sauce
Caramelized red curry chicken sits next to a bed of hot, fluffy rice and steamed broccoli and then totally sauced up with the BEST spicy cashew sauce. Ooof, this is so, so good.
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
The crispiest air fryer tofu – in 15 minutes! Extremely easy, incredibly versatile, and an absolute weeknight go-to.
Salmon Tacos with Mango Corn Salsa
Super easy salmon tacos loaded with a mango, sweet corn, and cucumber salsa!
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Winner, winner, Chicken Tortilla Soup dinner! Tender chicken thighs, creamy pinto beans, garlic and onions, crushed tomatoes, jalapeño pepper, crushed tomatoes, and ALL the toppings.
Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon
My go-to salmon recipe that’s perfect every time! Crisped and golden on the outside, buttery and juicy on the inside, and made in 15 minutes start to finish.
Chipotle Salmon with Orange Salsa and Aji Verde
Sweet-and-smoky chipotle salmon topped with fresh orange salsa and creamy aji verde! An easy, delicious, restaurant-level salmon dinner.
Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans
This golden Cilantro Orange Chicken is so flavorful, crisped to golden brown perfection, and just very finger-licking good! Served with rice, beans, and a quick homemade pineapple salsa.
Yummy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders made in the air fryer are a favorite in our house! Golden, hot, and crispy with your favorite sauce on the side!
Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Tzatziki
Part bowl, part salad, part sandwich folded up into any kind of bread you like, and I’m here for it in every form.
Chopped Thai-Inspired Chicken Salad
This simple chopped Thai chicken salad has BIG flavors – peanut, lime, soy, chili, cilantro. Topped with a homemade peanut dressing! Healthy and fresh.
Ricotta Meatballs with the Crispy Topping
These Ricotta Meatballs are an easy and delicious family favorite! Tender, juicy homemade meatballs with a jar of good marinara and a crispy topping to finish it all off. YUM!
Chicken Teriyaki Burgers with Sesame Slaw
These Chicken Teriyaki Burgers are amazingly simple while also being ridiculously delicious. Caramelized burgers that are fried up in minutes, a pile of sesame slaw on top, and a perfectly toasted bun. YUM.
Chicken with Coconut Kale
Golden, juicy, thinly sliced pan-fried chicken swims in a creamy coconut-kale gravy-like situation with slips of shallot and a bit of heat. Super easy, minimal ingredients!
Sheet Pan Salmon with Dill Potatoes
Simple and delicious salmon and potatoes roasted on a sheet pan, and covered in a garlic dill butter sauce! One of my family’s favorite dinners.
Spicy Sofritas Tofu
Spicy Sofritas Tofu, like homemade Chipotle! Think spicy peppers, garlic, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro in a flavorful simmer sauce for your tofu!
The Best Chicken Tinga Tacos
These Chicken Tinga Tacos are THE BEST! Saucy, spicy, real food perfection.
Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad
This Buffalo Tofu is SO EASY! A two-ingredient sauce tossed with air-fried crispy tofu, laid on top of a kale caesar salad.
Thai Peanut Chicken Bowls
I love a shortcut dinner hack! These bowls feature caramelized peanut chicken, a tangle of vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs and cucumber salad, and peanut sauce all over top.
Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers
These chicken skewers are a family favorite! Very easy, deliciously smoky, nice and sweet, with a good amount of spice and bite. Air fryer, grill, and oven-friendly!
Roasted Sweet Potato Stacks with Chipotle Sauce
Roasted sweet potatoes topped with creamy chipotle sauce, spicy ground chicken, avocado, cilantro, and pickled onion. My family loves them!
Best Anytime Baked Chicken Meatballs
These Baked Chicken Meatballs are the BEST! The perfect addition to any meal or to eat right on their own. Bonus: they’re meal-prep friendly to stock up throughout the week!
Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Whipped Feta Spread
Easy and amazing buffalo chicken burgers! Piled high with crisp lettuce, a whipped feta spread, sitting atop of toasted brioche bun.
Chicken Shawarma with Lemon Rice
Easy Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma bowls with fluffy lemon rice, crunchy cabbage, and creamy feta sauce. Fast, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights!
Chipotle Chicken with Chunky Pistachio Sauce
Smoky chipotle chicken grilled to perfection, with a chunky fun sauce featuring pistachios, avocado, lemon, and chives! This is so good!
Chili Crunch Tofu
Crispy baked tofu tossed with a 2-ingredient sweet, sticky, and spicy chili sauce!
High-Protein Breakfasts, Snacks, and Desserts
Breakfast Recipes
- Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
- Single-Serve Cottage Cheese Pancake
- Meal Prep Breakfast Sandwiches
- Scallion Pancake with Eggs
Snack and Dessert Recipes
February 13, 2026
Nice to meet you!
I’m Lindsay and I ♡ FOOD. I used to be a teacher, and now making food and writing about it online is my full-time job. I love talking with people about food, and I'm so glad you're here.
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