10+ High Protein Dinner Recipes to Fuel Your Evening Meals
Dinner time is a great opportunity to refuel your body with delicious and nutritious meals. High-protein dinner recipes are perfect for keeping you satisfied and energized throughout the day.
These meals can help support muscle growth and maintain a healthy weight. They also keep you feeling full.
You can easily prepare a variety of dishes that feature good sources of protein. These recipes are tasty and simple enough for a busy schedule.
Get ready to explore satisfying options that will make your evenings enjoyable and nutritious!
1) Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Breast
Grilled lemon herb chicken breast is a tasty and healthy option for dinner. This dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
The bright taste of lemon combined with herbs makes it a favorite. You will need chicken breasts, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and a mix of your favorite dried herbs.
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors mix. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C).
Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s fully cooked. Use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Serve it with a side of vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- ÂĽ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried herbs (like thyme and oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Combine lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to 400°F (200°C).
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side.
- Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally before serving.
2) Beef Taco Skillet
The Beef Taco Skillet is a delicious and quick meal for busy weeknights. It’s packed with protein and loaded with flavor.
You can use ground beef, beans, and a mix of your favorite veggies. This dish is easy to make in one pan.
Serve it with rice, tortillas, or enjoy it on its own. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying dinner ready for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 cup (150 g) cooked rice
- 1 cup (150 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (150 g) corn (frozen or fresh)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese (optional)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn.
- Add the cooked rice and mix well.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Top with cheese and let it melt.
- Garnish with cilantro if desired.
3) Creamy Marry Me Chicken
Creamy Marry Me Chicken is a delicious dish you can make easily. It features tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce full of flavor.
This recipe is perfect for a comforting dinner. You will need chicken breasts, heavy cream, garlic, and some Italian seasonings.
These ingredients combine to create a delightful meal.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet, cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning.
- Let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
4) Lentil Meatballs
Lentil meatballs are a tasty and healthy option for dinner. They are packed with protein and easy to prepare.
These meatballs are great for a meatless meal and can be enjoyed with pasta or in a sandwich. You’ll need cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, and your favorite herbs.
You can also add some cheese for extra flavor. These meatballs bake nicely for a delicious dinner without much fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, and spices.
- Form the mixture into small balls.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
5) Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter
Pan-seared salmon with garlic butter is a delicious and simple dish for dinner. This recipe highlights the rich flavor of salmon and provides a high-protein meal.
Gather fresh salmon fillets, butter, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The garlic butter adds a nice touch to the salmon.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the salmon skin-side down and cook for about 4-5 minutes.
Carefully flip the salmon. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan.
Baste the salmon with the melted butter for 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan on medium-high.
- Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Flip the salmon and add butter and garlic.
- Baste with butter and cook for 2-3 minutes until done.
6) Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry
Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry is a tasty and high-protein dinner option. It’s quick to prepare and packed with colorful vegetables.
You’ll enjoy the crunchy cashews paired with tender chicken and fresh veggies. For this dish, gather chicken breast, bell peppers, scallions, and cashews.
Add low sodium soy sauce and garlic for flavor. This recipe is satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup scallions, chopped
- 1 cup cashews
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F or 190°C).
- Add chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in bell peppers and scallions, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and soy sauce; stir well.
- Toss in cashews before serving.
7) Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Stuffed zucchini boats are a tasty and healthy dinner option. They are simple to make and can be filled with different ingredients to suit your taste.
You can use ground turkey, quinoa, or even buffalo chicken for a fun twist. For a cheesy and nutritious meal, try making them with taco-seasoned ground turkey.
These flavorful boats are packed with protein and cook quickly. You can also get creative by adding vegetables or spices you enjoy.
The combination of fresh zucchini and tasty filling makes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 pound (450 g) ground turkey
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides.
- In a skillet, cook the ground turkey until browned. Add the taco seasoning.
- Mix in cooked quinoa and half of the cheese.
- Fill each zucchini half with the mixture.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until zucchinis are tender.
8) Chickpea Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Chickpea Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a tasty and high-protein dinner option. This dish combines the flavors of a classic cheesesteak with the health benefits of chickpeas.
You’ll enjoy the creamy sauce and savory veggies in just 30 minutes. Use chickpea pasta for extra protein and fiber.
Add bell peppers and onions for a fresh crunch. This dish is filling and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 box (8 oz) chickpea pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the chickpea pasta in boiling water according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add bell peppers, onion, and mushrooms. Sauté until soft.
- Combine cooked pasta with the veggies in the pan.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted.
9) African Peanut Stew
African Peanut Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that offers a good amount of protein. This stew is easy to prepare and is perfect for a healthy dinner.
It combines peanut butter with vegetables and spices for a rich taste. The use of chickpeas or other legumes makes it a high-protein vegetarian option.
You can cook this stew in a pot, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chickpeas, cooked
- 1 large sweet potato, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
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In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
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Add sweet potato and ginger. Cook for 5 minutes.
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Stir in curry powder, chickpeas, and coconut milk.
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Add vegetable broth and peanut butter. Mix well.
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Simmer for 20 minutes until sweet potato becomes tender.
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Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy warm!
10) High-Protein Peruvian Chicken with Pinto Beans
This dish offers a flavorful way to enjoy a high-protein meal. The chicken is spiced and marinated for extra taste.
Each serving has about 66 grams of protein. Pinto beans add more protein and fiber.
Serve with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can of pinto beans (15 oz)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Cooking Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Mix olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Rub the mixture onto the chicken breasts.
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Place the chicken in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
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Heat pinto beans in a pan until warm.
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Serve the chicken with pinto beans. Garnish with cilantro.