If you’re looking to add more protein into your diet, this is a great place to start. This is a list of 25+ High Protein Dinners that you can make during the week. I make these meals for my family on a regular basis when we’re wanting healthy food that will keep us fuller for longer.
The Benefits of Protein
Perhaps you’ve taken part in the protein craze that has graced us this year — I know I have! Honestly, there’s good reason for it.
I’m not going to pretend to know everything about protein (I am a food blogger, not a scientist), but I do know a few things. First, it keeps you fuller for longer, which leads to less snacking throughout the day. Second, it is essential for building and maintaining muscle, which only becomes more important as we age.
Personally, I try to incorporate protein into all of my meals, and a lot of times even my snacks as well. I see no point in eating a meal or snack only to feel hungry an hour later. No thanks!
When it comes to cooking, my favorite sources of protein tend to be meat: chicken, beef, salmon, shrimp, and even pork. Tofu and tempeh are great plant-based options, and of course, there’s also protein powder and nuts! But, today we’re focused on dinner recipes, so let’s dive into my go-to high protein dinner recipes.
1. Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo
If you’re looking for an authentic gumbo recipe, this is it! It’s filled with both shrimp and sausage, though if you want to make this without seafood, you could always use chicken instead and it would still be high in protein. This recipe is spicy, so if that’s not your jam, simply reduce the cajun seasoning and omit the cayenne. Protein: 22g per serving
2. Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
Slow cooker recipes are the best because they require very little upfront work, and the slow cooker does the cooking for you. This chicken is cooked with bell peppers and garlic, and the peanut sauce is just the right amount of peanut flavor. Pair it with rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal! Protein: 46g per serving
What’s better than salmon marinated in garlic herb butter? Nothing! Seriously though, this is a tasty way to get tons of protein in, and it pairs well with most sides. Don’t feel like cooking an entire fillet? This can easily be done with pre-cut salmon too.
Protein: 45g per serving
4. Chicken Stir Fry
This is our go-to stir fry recipe, mostly because it can be made in about 15 minutes! It’s made with chicken, along with frozen stir fry veggies, so there isn’t any chopping required. The sauce is simple yet delicious, and like many recipes in this list, it tastes extra yummy served over rice or cauliflower rice. Protein: 42g per serving
5. Burger Bowl
Want a burger without the carbs? This bowl is the answer! It’s made with ground beef, tomatoes, pickles, red onion, and of course sweet potato fries. You could also add cheese if you’re feeling it, and definitely don’t forget the special sauce. Protein: 26g per serving
6. Teriyaki Shrimp Sushi Bowl
Similar to the deconstructed burger above, this is basically sushi but in bowl form. Cooked shrimp, cucumber and avocado, plus sriracha mayo — YUM. Serve it over a mix of rice and quinoa for extra fiber and protein. Protein: 34g per serving
7. Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Enjoy a homemade version of your favorite orange chicken. This version is healthier, plus the slow cooker does all of the work for you. Seriously, just add the chicken to the bottom, pour the sauce overtop and that’s it! If you want, you can add broccoli, peas or green beans in toward the end for a complete meal. Protein: 42g per serving
8. Buffalo Chicken Bowls
A bowl made with buffalo-sauce marinated chicken, red bell pepper, red onion, cucumber, and avocado, then drizzled with a little ranch (duh!). Delicious for dinner, but also for lunch too. Protein: 43g per serving
9. Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Make use of your Instant Pot and whip up my personal favorite chili recipe! Made with chicken, beans and corn, it’s incredibly filling and great for meal prepping. Plus, it just so happens to be dairy-free (though it doesn’t have to be!) Add your favorite toppings like cilantro, avocado and crushed tortilla chips for added flavor and texture.
Protein: 31g per serving
10. Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
One of my family’s favorite recipes during the winter months. I throw everything in the crockpot in the morning, and dinner is ready 7 hours later! Chicken thighs, carrots and potatoes cook in a broth that’s later thickened into a gravy. Protein: 32g per serving
11. Instant Pot Pot Roast
Make a pot roast without the hassle thanks to the instant pot. Simply sear the beef, add the other ingredients and let the instant pot cook everything perfectly. The entire meal comes together in about 90 minutes, and it makes a LOT so you can serve a crowd or enjoy leftovers. Protein: 47g per serving
12. Sheet Pan Fajitas
Sheet pan meals are the best because the only dish required is a baking sheet. This meal features flank steak, peppers and onions, is perfectly seasoned and an easy weeknight meal. Protein: 26g per serving
13. Green Chicken Enchiladas
Tasty enchiladas stuffed with chicken, hatch green chiles and cheese, then coated in green enchilada sauce and of course more cheese. These are my husband’s favorite (even more than classic enchiladas), so I know you and your family will love them too! Protein: 50g per serving
14. Tofu Curry
Crispy pan-fried tofu is coated in a delicious curry sauce and served over rice with plenty of cilantro and lime juice. Even meat eaters will enjoy it! Protein: 36g per serving
15. Honey Soy Salmon
One of my family’s favorite ways to make salmon. Salmon is seared in a cast iron skillet, then coated in a salty-sweet honey soy sauce. Serve with a side of roasted veggies and you have a balanced meal! Protein: 31g per serving
16. French Onion Chicken
If you’re a fan of caramelized onions, you must try this recipe. Chicken thighs are cooked then topped with cheese and caramelized onion, and the flavor is out of this world. Protein: 39g per serving
17. Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
You can cook almost anything in the air fryer, including juicy turkey burgers. Seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce, and mayo, this recipe is easy + quick and perfect for meal prepping! Protein: 28g per serving
18. Ground Pork Stir Fry
Pork stir fry is a nice change of pace from the usual stir fry recipes, and a great way to use slightly less common vegetables, like bok choy and cabbage. Serve over rice or cauliflower rice to keep it paleo-friendly and veggie-forward. Protein: 30g per serving
19. Rigatoni Bolognese
Nothing screams comfort food quite like bolognese. This recipe uses both ground beef and ground pork, has a ton of flavor and makes a LOT, so you can eat some now and freeze some for later. Protein: 24g per serving
20. Coconut Curry Shrimp
This is exactly what it sounds like: Perfectly cooked shrimp coated in a tasty coconut curry sauce. Bonus: it only takes 20 minutes to prepare! Protein: 19g per serving
21. Chicken Sausage Soup
One of my favorite soup recipes on my site (yes really!). It’s filled with Italian chicken sausage and great northern beans (hello protein!), plus zucchini, kale and parmesan cheese. Protein: 36g per serving
22. Egg Roll in a Bowl
This is one of those quick and easy recipes that you’re going to want to make on a weekly basis. The whole thing comes together in just 15 minutes, and is made with ground chicken, vegetables and a 3-ingredient sauce. Protein: 22g per serving
23. Beef Enchilada Skillet
Think of these as deconstructed enchiladas. Seasoned ground beef combines with hatch green chiles and enchilada sauce, then is topped with sliced tortilla and plenty of cheese. A hearty casserole the whole family will love! Protein: 33g per serving
24. Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken
Just like classic sweet and sour chicken, but healthier because it’s made with less sugar. Serve it over rice, and you could even add some roasted broccoli or carrots if you want to up the vegetables. Protein: 32g per serving
25. Chicken Lentil Soup
When I hear “lentil soup” I think meh, but guys, this is a good one I promise! Not only is it high in both protein and fiber (important), it has tons of flavor, and the lentils are just the right texture (not too mushy). It’s healthy cozy comfort food, and therefore perfect in the fall and winter. Protein: 40g per serving
26. Coconut Lime Chicken
You don’t need many ingredients to prep this high-protein chicken recipe. Chicken is coated in flour, then pan-seared and coated in a creamy coconut lime and cilantro sauce. There’s a reason why it’s a reader favorite! Protein: 51g per serving
Teriyaki Shrimp Sushi Bowl
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If you haven’t already, cook the rice and quinoa, then set aside.
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Add oil and shrimp to a large skillet and cook until the shrimp is pink, then add the garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Make the teriyaki sauce: whisk all ingredients together in a bowl or glass measuring cup, then pour into the skillet with the shrimp and stir until the sauce thickens and the shrimp is coated. Remove from the heat, then sprinkle with sesame seeds.
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Assemble the bowls: add some rice/quinoa to a bowl, then top with the shrimp, cucumber and avocado. Last, stir the mayo and sriracha together, then drizzle overtop. Enjoy!
*Calories are per serving and are an estimation
Calories: 914kcal | Carbohydrates: 119g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 188mg | Sodium: 1671mg | Potassium: 1324mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 202IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 195mg | Iron: 5mg
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