29 high-protein dinners we never get tired of making

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These 29 high-protein dinners are delicious, straightforward to prepare, and ideal for making on busy days. These are easy to make and great for quick family meals or solo dining. With these meal ideas on hand, you can quickly put together a simple and nutritious dinner.

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice combines ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms, all in one pan for a high-protein meal. It’s easy to make and remains a favorite for regular dinners, providing both nutrition and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken, with chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy sauce, is a high-protein meal that can be prepared in 40 minutes. It’s a great choice for a nutritious dinner, especially on busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a quick and flavorful high-protein meal. This dish showcases shrimp with garlic sauce, grape tomatoes, and spinach, perfect for a nutritious dinner. It comes together in just one pan — all in 30 minutes,
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy spinach chicken bake in a glass baking dish.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Spinach Chicken Bake is a nourishing high-protein meal, perfect for dinner. It combines chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach, offering a simple yet hearty option for a regular meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a high-protein dinner that you can cook in just 30 minutes. This dish features chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for those evenings when you want a quick yet protein-rich meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a protein-rich and straightforward meal, the Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a great choice. Combining roasted sausages and vegetables, this 30-minute dish is perfect for a quick and hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe for Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a refreshing twist for dinner. It’s a protein-rich salad with the bold flavors of jalapeño poppers that is a great choice for a light yet filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Sausage Curry

Garnished sausage curry with a wooden spoon.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try Sausage Curry for a high-protein family dinner. It’s a blend of sausages, vegetables, and a rich, creamy curry sauce, all cooked in one pan. This recipe packs a flavorful punch and is great for a nourishing meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy this Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach, a perfect combination for a high-protein dinner. This 30-minute meal brings together ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese for a hearty and nutritious dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is a creative, protein-packed dinner choice. It takes the familiar flavors of jalapeño poppers and turns them into a fulfilling casserole, great for a high-protein meal.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs on top of cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs are a flavorful dinner option, ready in just 30 minutes. Made with ground turkey and curry spices, this dish is perfect for a protein-rich meal.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garnished creamy garlic chicken over cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken, a simple yet balanced dish, is perfect for a high-protein dinner. Cooked in one pan and served with cauliflower or regular rice, it’s a great option for a nutritious and quick meal that is made in only half an hour.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great high-protein dinner option. It features Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream, creating a rich and hearty soup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage is a mouthwatering, protein-packed dish ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a great option for a quick and hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun dried tomato chicken served on a plate.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken features boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a luscious sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s a high-protein meal that’s both hearty and quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Bowl of instant pot butter chicken atop cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Instant Pot Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced,

Instant Pot Butter Chicken is an effortlessly prepared, Indian-inspired dish. In under 40 minutes, you can enjoy tender chicken thighs in a flavorful sauce, a perfect choice for a high-protein dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Hands scooping up a serving of bacon cheeseburger salad from a bowl.
Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad brings the essence of a classic burger in a bowl form. It’s a convenient, protein-packed option that requires minimal preparation, perfect for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A bowl of crock pot taco soup topped with sour cream and cilantro.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Crock Pot Taco Soup combines ground beef with pantry staples for a hearty, high-protein meal. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an excellent choice for a warm and filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Quick and easy, Canned Chicken Patties are ready in just 20 minutes. Ideal for a high-protein meal, these patties are great on their own or in a sandwich, making them a versatile dinner choice.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Shawarma Kebabs are flavorful and easy to bake. They make a great high-protein meal for weeknight dinner. Serve them on their own or with a dipping sauce and a side salad.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Mini spicy canned salmon patties in a serving bowl.
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties, ready in 30 minutes, feature canned salmon with a hint of jalapeño and cayenne pepper. Topped with lemon dill aioli, they’re a great high-protein choice.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Pan of creamy dijon chicken with a spatula.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken is a quick, one-pan meal perfect for a high-protein dinner. It features seared chicken with a Dijon mustard sauce, spinach, and bacon, combining nutrition with great taste.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Lemon Garlic Scallops, ready in less than 30 minutes, is a high-protein seafood option that’s impressively flavorful. This dish is perfect for a quick and nutrient-dense dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A serving of Philly cheese steak casserole being pulled up from a pan.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole combines thinly sliced steak, peppers, onions, and mushrooms, topped with provolone cheese. It’s a protein-rich meal that’s great for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fajita Baked Chicken is a flavorful dinner with seasoned chicken breasts, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and melted mozzarella. It’s a high-protein dish that’s delicious and comes together in only 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Curry salmon with coconut milk and bok choy in a bowl with a fork.
Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy, a nutritious and protein-packed dish. Made with homemade curry paste and creamy coconut milk, it’s a great option for a flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a one-pot recipe that’s hearty and creamy. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this comforting meal is perfect for family dinner and ready in 1 hour, providing a great high-protein option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Pollo Asado

Pollo asado on a white plate with lime wedges.
Pollo Asado. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Pollo Asado features marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection. Whether grilled or baked, this dish is a fantastic high-protein choice for a flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts blend spices and a luscious sauce for a wonderful high-protein meal. This dish is a great choice for those looking for a hearty and nutritious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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