These are my favorite high-protein dinner ideas that make my weeknights effortless! They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and naturally pack in 30 to 50 grams of protein.
Photo: Gayle McLeod
Over the years, I’ve found that when my dinners are centered around a solid source of protein, I stay fuller longer, have more energy, and can actually reap the benefits from working out. It also makes it easier to avoid the after-dinner dessert cravings (my worst enemy!). And the good news is that a high-protein diet doesn’t just mean bodybuilder food. Similar to my high protein breakfasts and high protein salads that I often enjoy for lunch, my goal with dinner is to build sustainable meals around ingredients that I already love cooking with, such as salmon, chicken breast, or ground beef. Then, with the addition of veggies, seasonings, and sauces, I find it’s easy to create flavorful, satisfying meals that make sticking to my daily protein goals as easy as possible!
1
This chili is one I come back to time and again for a comforting, high-protein dinner. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd! (37g of protein per serving)
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2
This pot roast is a protein powerhouse! I just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work. By the end of the day, I can enjoy a deeply satisfying dinner with over 50 grams of protein. (55g of protein per serving)
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3
With shrimp, chicken, and sausage in the mix, this jambalaya is packed with protein and the best Cajun flavors. (32g of protein per serving)
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4
Teriyaki chicken is a weeknight classic in my kitchen. It’s sweet, savory, and makes it easy to build a protein-packed bowl with rice and veggies. (35g of protein per serving)
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5
This is one of my staple high-protein dinners. A quick bake in the oven and I have a nourishing meal that pairs well with almost any side, especially roasted asparagus! (34g of protein per serving)
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6
This is my lighter take on a childhood favorite! It’s loaded with protein (thanks to white beans instead of pasta), which makes it perfect for busy weeknights when I want something filling that still supports my goals. (44g of protein per serving)
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7
I love how these pork chops make it easy to build a protein-focused plate. Pair them with your favorite roasted veggies, such as roasted potatoes and other greens! (30g of protein per serving)
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8
I make this chicken curry every month, it’s that good! It’s creamy and full of bold flavor, yet still delivers plenty of protein. I love serving it over rice or veggies for a balanced, cozy dinner. (44g of protein per serving)
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9
Building a miso salmon bowl with my ginger rice and Asian cucumber salad is one of my favorite weeknight dinners. The flavor combination is incredible! And of course, salmon is such a great source of protein. (37g of protein per serving)
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10
I consider this roast chicken my secret meal prep ingredient for building high-protein meals throughout the week. Add it to bowls, soups, casseroles, and more! (34g of protein per serving)
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11
I love making a big batch of this white chicken chili and enjoying leftovers throughout the week. It’s hearty, healthy, and loaded with plenty of protein. (36g of protein per serving)
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12
This butter chicken is rich, cozy, and surprisingly protein-packed. I love that I get all that creamy, spiced flavor while still hitting over 40 grams of protein in one satisfying bowl. (41g of protein per serving)
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13
This healthy skillet meal comes together fast and always hits the spot, especially during peak basil season. I love how it delivers big flavor with my basil pesto sauce and 40 grams of protein in one easy pan. (40g of protein per serving)
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14
On busy weeknights, it’s always good to remember that shrimp fajitas cook quickly and pack in over 40 grams of protein! I love piling them into tortillas or serving them over lettuce for a lighter option. (41g of protein per serving)
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15
This chicken stir fry is perfect when I want something fast and veggie-packed. Serve this over rice or cauliflower rice for the perfect high-protein chicken dinner. (29g of protein per serving)
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16
This cozy beef stew is always on my winter menu. Beef stew meat is always a great source of protein, but I also love all the hearty vegetables that come with this meal. (39g of protein per serving)
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17
The sauce alone is what makes these high-protein turkey meatballs so delicious! Pair it with roasted veggies or even a hearty salad to complete a fall-inspired meal. (30g of protein per serving)
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18
When it’s butternut squash season, this is a must-make! The sausage adds protein and flavor, and the squash makes it feel wholesome and satisfying. (31g of protein per serving)
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19
Paired with my fresh tzatziki and a Greek salad, this chicken souvlaki is the best high-protein Mediterranean dinner to keep in rotation. Plus, I love using my indoor grill to make this year-round! (36g of protein per serving)
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20
Here’s a nudge to grab pork tenderloin for a high-protein dinner! It’s so easy to make and easily pairs with fresh, simple sides for the best dinner at home. (33g of protein per serving)
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21
I always keep a pack of ground turkey on hand for this leaner, high-protein chili. It’s flavorful, comforting, and perfect for freezer meal prep. (42g of protein per serving)
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22
Another way I love flavoring pork chops are with apples and sage! It’s perfect for a fall-inspired dinner, but I’ll honestly make this any time of the year to switch it up from my usual baked pork chops above.(36g of protein per serving)
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23
This is one of those all-in-one meals I always make whenever I feel lazy for the week. The flavor combo is unbeatable, and I’ll happily enjoy it for several nights in a row. (36g of protein per serving)
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24
In addition to baked salmon, I keep this baked cod in rotation when I want to add white fish into my weekly meal plan. This recipe is foolproof and cooks up flaky fish every time! (31g of protein per serving)
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25
Taco soup is one of those meals I come back to often, especially when I’m craving a cozier, Mexican-inspired dish. It’s hearty, protein-rich, and perfect for customizing with toppings. (36g of protein per serving)
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26
Look at all of the positive reviews on this Tuscan chicken! The chicken is seasoned with Italian spices and simmered in a cream sauce layered with Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, onions, and plenty of spinach. (48g of protein per serving)
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27
This pozole feels like a special occasion meal, but it is packed with the most deliciously spiced and shredded pork, that’s weeknight friendly. I love topping it with fresh cabbage and lime to keep it fresh and authentic. (34g of protein per serving)
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28
I always find myself grilling this salmon dish for a high-protein summer dinner. It’s really simple and the fruity mango salsa takes it over the top! (36g of protein per serving)
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29
Steaming cod with Mediterranean veggies on top is one of my signature dinners for when I’m craving something light and healthy. (33g of protein per serving)
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30
If you love my Tuscan chicken, you’ll love this Cajun version that’s packed with rich, bold flavor thanks to my homemade Cajun seasoning. (47g of protein per serving)
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31
When I want something extra comforting, I make these braised short ribs served over mashed potatoes. The best combo for a sensational dinner! The short ribs are rich, tender, and filling in the best way possible. (48g of protein per serving)
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32
This may sound fancy, but it’s actually super easy and one of my favorite ways to cook trout! The almondine topping gives it a fresh, French flair, which I love. And yes, trout is a great source of protein! (39g of protein per serving)
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33
This stew is a nod to my childhood! My family loves lamb as a high-protein option to incorporate into our meals. And this stew is perfectly fitting for a cozy night in. (36g of protein per serving)
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34
I love the crunch the pistachios add to this salmon. It feels a little elevated while still delivering a solid protein boost for dinner. (33g of protein per serving)
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35
The curry-like turmeric flavors are the star of this all-in-one meal! And if you want to add veggies, I recommend a quick garlic sautéed spinach. (31g of protein per serving)
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36
Don’t forget about halibut for a high-protein white fish! It cooks easily in the oven, and the herb mayo spread I put on top tastes oh, so good! (32g of protein per serving)
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37
This casserole is one of my favorite comfort meals. It’s creamy, filling, and packed with protein, which makes it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. It’s also dairy-free! (42g of protein per serving)
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38
The orange glaze adds a little sweetness that pairs perfectly with the salmon. It feels fresh and balanced while staying protein-focused! (35g of protein per serving)
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39
I love that poke bowls deliver over 30 grams of protein without feeling heavy. You can pair the tuna with rice and microgreens, or you can pair it with my Asian cucumber salad or pickled ginger! (31g of protein per serving)
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40
The chili lime combo keeps this trout bright and fresh, and I love serving this with cilantro lime rice! It’s a great way to enjoy a lighter protein-forward meal. (30g of protein per serving)
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More High-Protein Ideas
If you make any of these high-protein dinner recipes, let me know how they turn out in the comments below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re looking for more healthy food inspiration, join my free newsletter here.
