10+ Protein Dinner Recipes That Are Easy and Delicious

Eating a well-balanced dinner is essential for your health. Adding protein to your meals can make a big difference.

Protein dinner recipes are not only satisfying, but they also provide the energy you need to finish your day strong. Whether you want meat-based dishes or plant-based options, you can explore a wide variety of high-protein meals.

When you make protein a star ingredient in your dinners, you can enjoy tasty recipes that help keep you full and nourished. From flavorful chicken and beef to delicious vegetarian dishes, you have endless possibilities for meals that fit your lifestyle and taste.

1) High-Protein Marry Me Chicken

High-Protein Marry Me Chicken is a creamy and delicious recipe perfect for dinner. With rich flavors and protein-packed ingredients, it helps you meet your health goals.

This dish features chicken simmered in a blend of heavy cream, bone broth, and cottage cheese. Sun-dried tomatoes add a tasty twist.

You can make this meal quickly, making it great for busy nights. Serve it over pasta or with vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup chicken bone broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup whole milk cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• Chicken breast (about 1.5 lbs)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, combine chicken broth, heavy cream, and cottage cheese.
3. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir well.
4. Add chicken breast to the skillet and cook until golden.
5. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until cooked through.

2) BBQ Tempeh Sandwiches

BBQ tempeh sandwiches are a tasty and healthy option for dinner. Tempeh is packed with protein and makes a great meat substitute.

This dish offers a smoky flavor that everyone will enjoy. You can make it spicy or keep it mild, depending on your taste.

To make these sandwiches, you will need soft buns and a flavorful BBQ sauce. Top with crunchy slaw for added texture.

Ingredients

• 1 block of tempeh
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• Soft sandwich buns
• 1 cup coleslaw (cabbage, carrots, etc.)
• Optional toppings (pickles, onions)

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the tempeh into even pieces.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the tempeh and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour BBQ sauce over tempeh and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Assemble the sandwich with BBQ tempeh and slaw on the bun.

3) Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers are a tasty twist on the classic sandwich. They offer a low-carb option with great flavor.

You will need bell peppers, thinly sliced steak, onions, and cheese. The peppers are filled with a savory mixture that resembles your favorite cheesesteak.

Cook these in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until the peppers are tender. It usually takes about 25-30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 pound thinly sliced steak
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup cheese (your choice)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
3. In a skillet, sauté the onions until soft.
4. Add the steak and cook until browned.
5. Stuff the peppers with the mixture and top with cheese.
6. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

4) Air Fryer Fish Taco Bowls

Air fryer fish taco bowls are a delicious and healthy option for dinner. They are quick to prepare and packed with protein.

You can have them ready in under 20 minutes. For this recipe, you will need fresh fish, tortillas, and a variety of toppings.

Customize your bowl with slaw, avocado, and salsa.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh fish (like tilapia or cod)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
• 2 cups shredded slaw
• 1 cup cooked rice
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ avocado, diced
• Fresh lime juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Coat the fish with olive oil and sprinkle taco seasoning.
3. Air fry the fish for 6-8 minutes until cooked through.
4. Prepare your bowls by layering rice, slaw, cherry tomatoes, fish, and avocado.
5. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top.

5) Grilled Chicken Caprese

Grilled Chicken Caprese is a tasty and healthy dinner option. You can prepare this dish in about 15 minutes.

It features grilled chicken breast with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. This meal is high in protein and packed with flavor.

A drizzle of balsamic reduction adds a wonderful touch. Serve it on a bed of greens or with crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons balsamic reduction

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 190°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Top each piece of chicken with mozzarella and tomatoes.
5. Cook for 1-2 more minutes until cheese melts.
6. Remove from grill and garnish with fresh basil and balsamic reduction.

6) Beef Taco Skillet

The Beef Taco Skillet is a quick and tasty meal. This dish combines lean ground beef, beans, and colorful veggies for a nutritious dinner.

It’s a one-pan recipe, making cleanup easy. You can customize it with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh avocado.

Serve it with rice or tortillas to complete the meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat (about 350°F / 180°C) until browned.
2. Add the onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning.
4. Mix in the cooked rice and let it heat through.
5. Top with cheese if desired and let it melt.

7) Cottage Cheese Wrap Pinwheels

Cottage cheese wrap pinwheels are a tasty and healthy choice for dinner. They are easy to make and packed with protein.

You can enjoy them as a light meal or snack. Blend cottage cheese, eggs, and herbs for a delicious filling.

Feel free to customize your pinwheels with your favorite fillings like vegetables or meats. These wraps are gluten-free and easy to roll up for eating.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon chopped herbs (like parsley or chives)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortillas or spinach wraps

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, blend cottage cheese, eggs, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture onto a tortilla or spinach wrap.
4. Roll the wrap tightly and slice into pinwheels.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until set.

8) Pressure-Cooker Penne with Meat Sauce

Pressure-cooker penne with meat sauce is a quick and tasty dinner option. This dish is perfect for a busy night.

You’ll need penne pasta, ground beef, crushed tomatoes, and a few seasonings. The Instant Pot cooks everything in one pot, saving you time on cleanup.

Brown the ground beef in the pot first. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, seasoning, and uncooked penne.

Cook it all under pressure for about 5 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 2 cups (480ml) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups (200g) penne pasta
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in the pressure cooker on sauté mode.
2. Drain excess fat.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in the penne pasta and mix well.
5. Add 2 cups of water, stirring again.
6. Secure the lid and set to high pressure for 5 minutes.
7. Release pressure manually and serve hot.

9) Vegan Meatballs

Vegan meatballs are a tasty and healthy option for dinner. You can make them using different plant-based ingredients for a great source of protein.

Enjoy them with pasta, in a sub, or on their own. Use ingredients like textured vegetable protein (TVP), lentils, or mushrooms.

They are easy to prepare and full of flavor. Serve them with your favorite sauce or add them to a salad.

You can cook them in the oven or on a skillet.

Ingredients

• 1 cup textured vegetable protein (TVP)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Hydrate the TVP in warm water for 10 minutes.
3. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
4. Form the mixture into balls.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

10) Mighty Nice Curried Chicken

Mighty Nice Curried Chicken is a tasty dish packed with protein. It’s a great choice for a fulfilling dinner.

The blend of spices and tender chicken makes it a family favorite. To make this dish, you need a cut-up broiler or fryer chicken.

Apples add a nice sweetness that goes well with the curry flavor. You can prepare this dish easily, and it takes about an hour to cook.

Serve it with rice to absorb all the delicious sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 4 pounds), cut up
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 medium tart apples, peeled and sliced

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

4. Add the chicken. Brown it on all sides.

5. Stir in the apples.

6. Add the curry powder.

7. Transfer everything to a baking dish. Cover the dish.

8. Bake for 30-40 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).