17 Easy and Delicious High-Protein Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

High-Protein Dinner Recipes are my answer to that hungry moment when the clock slides past six and your brain is just done. You want something fast, tasty, and filling, but you also want to feel good about what you’re eating. That’s when I lean on a few go-to dinners that pack serious protein without a lot of fuss. I’m talking easy, minimal dishes that bring the flavor and keep cleanup sane. Think hot skillets, cozy sheet pans, and one-pot meals. Let’s get into the five recipes I make on repeat when I need a solid dinner that actually satisfies.

Sheet Pan Chicken Bacon Ranch

What you’ll need

This one is everything you love about ranch chicken plus crispy bacon and roasted veggies all on a single pan. It’s quick to prep, ridiculously good, and the leftovers are perfect for lunch. I use boneless skinless chicken thighs because they’re juicy and forgiving.

• Protein: chicken thighs, about 1.5 pounds
• Veggies: broccoli florets and diced baby potatoes
• Flavor: ranch seasoning, garlic powder, a little olive oil
• Crunch: 3 to 4 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon

Directions

Heat your oven to 425 F. Toss the potatoes with oil and half the ranch seasoning. Spread on a baking sheet and roast 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cut chicken into larger bite-size pieces and season with the rest of the ranch and garlic powder. Pull the sheet out, scoot the potatoes to one side, add the chicken and broccoli, toss with a little more oil, and roast another 18 to 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through at 165 F and the potatoes are tender. Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top and give everything a squeeze of lemon.

Serve it as-is or add a side salad. If you’re stocking up on weeknight inspo, take a peek at my dinners archive here: all my easy dinners. It’s the kind of meal I’d add straight to my list of High-Protein Dinner Recipes because it’s balanced, satisfying, and simple to scale for a crowd.

“This is the first chicken sheet pan dinner my kids ask for seconds. The bacon gets them, the ranch keeps them at the table, and I love the minimal cleanup.”

Tip: cut your potatoes small so they roast quickly and evenly.

One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli

Fast, clean, and full of garlicky goodness. Shrimp cooks in minutes, which makes it my favorite when I’ve got 20 minutes tops to get dinner on the table. Bonus: you get a nice hit of protein and veggies in one pan.

Ingredients and quick steps

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and lemon

Heat a large skillet on medium-high. Add oil and broccoli with a pinch of salt, sauté 3 to 4 minutes. Push broccoli to the edges, melt butter in the center, and stir in the garlic for 30 seconds. Add shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Finish with lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or just eat it straight from the bowl. For another seafood favorite, this is my go-to when I want variety: simple salmon dinner.

Why it works: shrimp delivers about 20 grams of protein per 3 ounces, and broccoli adds fiber that makes the meal more filling.

Marry Me Chicken

The name is dramatic, but honestly, this creamy skillet chicken really is that good. Golden seared chicken in a light sun-dried tomato cream sauce sounds indulgent, but you can keep it balanced by using evaporated milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream and by serving it with a veggie or a high-protein pasta.

Season chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear them in a slick of olive oil on medium-high until browned on both sides, then remove to a plate. Lower the heat, add minced garlic, a spoon of tomato paste, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Deglaze with chicken broth, then stir in a splash of half-and-half. Simmer a few minutes to thicken, then nestle the chicken back in and cook until it reaches 165 F. Finish with grated Parmesan and chopped basil. The sauce becomes this silky, tangy, savory blanket that clings to every bite.

I like to spoon it over steamed green beans or spoon it onto a bowl of high-protein pasta. If you’re in a creamy-pasta mood, you might also love this pick for a fast macro-friendly dinner: high-protein cottage cheese pasta. It sits right next to this chicken on my rotating list of High-Protein Dinner Recipes.

Cook’s note: sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add deeper flavor. If you use dry-packed, add a bit more olive oil to the pan.

Teriyaki Chicken Skillet Casserole with Broccoli

Think weeknight casserole but cooked right on the stovetop. You’ll get the comfort of a saucy chicken and broccoli bake without turning on the oven. I keep the teriyaki sauce simple with low-sodium soy sauce, a little honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a cornstarch slurry to thicken.

Dice chicken breasts into small cubes and season with a pinch of salt. Sear in a deep skillet with a little oil until just cooked. Stir in broccoli florets and a splash of water, cover 2 to 3 minutes to steam. Pour in your teriyaki mix and let it bubble until glossy. Toss with a cup of cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice to make it casserole-ish, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions. Each bowl is cozy and delivers a nice balance of lean protein, fiber, and satisfying sauce.

Serving idea: spoon into bowls and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess or a fried egg if you want extra protein. If you love quick solutions like this, my other lifesaver for busy nights is right here: the 5-minute dinner I make again and again.

Healthy Turkey Chili

This pot of chili is hearty and bold with just enough kick to wake up your taste buds. Ground turkey keeps it lean while beans add more protein and fiber. It’s meal prep gold, freezes well, and tastes even better the next day.

Brown one pound of lean ground turkey with diced onion and bell pepper in a heavy pot. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. Add minced garlic, a can of crushed tomatoes, a can of drained black beans, and a can of drained kidney beans. Pour in a cup of chicken broth, bring to a gentle boil, then drop to a simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Season to taste with salt and a splash of lime juice. If you want more heat, add jalapeño or chipotle.

Toppings you will love

Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and avocado make it extra good. Each bowl clocks in with a solid protein hit, and it’s a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.

On nights I want a cozy bowl plus a creamy side, I’ll whip up a lighter mac using this idea that sneaks in extra protein: high-protein cottage cheese mac and cheese. It’s a friendly sidekick to chili and keeps the meal squarely in the High-Protein Dinner Recipes lane.

Common Questions

How much protein should I aim for at dinner?
Most people feel satisfied with around 25 to 40 grams at dinner. That range supports muscle maintenance and helps keep you full. It’s fine to go higher if it fits your daily needs.

What counts as High-Protein Dinner Recipes?
Meals that deliver at least 25 grams of protein per serving, ideally paired with fiber and healthy fats. The five options above hit that mark and keep prep simple.

Can I swap ingredients if I’m dairy-free or gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, dairy-free yogurt or coconut milk in creamy sauces, and a gluten-free thickener when needed. For more gluten-free kitchen wins, I love these easy ideas for baking and breakfast too.

How do I keep chicken from drying out?
Don’t overcook. Use an instant-read thermometer and pull chicken when it hits 165 F. Also, let it rest a few minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute.

Are these meals good for leftovers?
Yes. The sheet pan chicken, teriyaki skillet, and chili all reheat well. Shrimp is best fresh, but you can rewarm it gently on low heat to avoid rubbery texture.

A quick wrap-up you can cook tonight

When you’ve got a plan, dinner is easier and way more fun. These five easy plates are my reliable rotation for flavor, speed, and nutrition, and they’re exactly the kind of High-Protein Dinner Recipes that keep me happy and energized. If you want even more ideas, check out the well-tested roundup from The Real Food Dietitians here: 38 High-Protein Dinners – The Real Food Dietitians. And I always love seeing what’s trending at EatingWell too: Our 20 Most-Saved High-Protein Dinners – EatingWell. Pick one recipe and cook it tonight. You’ve got this, and your future self will be thrilled with a warm, protein-packed plate waiting in the fridge tomorrow.

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