Protein-packed plates: 25 recipes to keep you fueled and focused

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This collection of protein-packed recipes is designed to fuel your body and satisfy your taste buds! From grilled steak to marinated chicken to savory salmon, these recipes are here to help you stay fueled and focused.

Cast Iron Chicken thighs in a cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Carne Asada

Carne asada on a blue plate surrounded by cilantro, halved oranges, limes, and beer.
Carne Asada. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Carne asada is the best protein-packed, flavor-filled summer meal. This recipe is bursting with authentic Mexican flavors! It’s smoky, citrusy, savory, and grilled to perfection.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada

Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Hot honey lemon pepper chicken wings on a dark blue plate.
Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These hot honey lemon pepper wings are crispy, sweet, savory, and tangy perfection. With a healthy serving of protein, you won’t feel guilty making these delicious wings any night of the week!
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Italian Chicken Cutlets

Italian chicken cutlets on a black plate with slices of lemon.
Italian Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These Italian Chicken Cutlets may be exactly the salty, crispy, savory treat you need! They’re packed with protein and so easy to make!
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Cutlets

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken slow cooker enchiladas in a baking dish with two copper forks.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These Chicken Slow Cooker Enchiladas are tangy, cheesy, delicious, and protein-packed. Tender chicken, bold enchilada sauce, chewy tortillas, and rich, melty cheese combine to make a dish perfect for a weeknight meal!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Grilled, sliced chicken on a white plate with cilantro crema.
Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Crema. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Elevate your summer meals with this grilled chicken accompanied by a zesty cilantro crema—a protein-filled dream! The combination of juicy marinated and grilled chicken breast with a creamy, tangy cilantro crema creates a tantalizing and flavorful pairing that’s ideal for weeknights or summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Honey Glazed Ham Steak

Air fryer ham steak on a white plate with asparagus and mashed potatoes.
Air Fryer Ham Steak. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This quick and easy air fryer ham steak recipe is packed with the protein you need! It’s a time-saving alternative to oven-baked ham that guarantees a delicious, savory, and sweet result.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Ham Steak

Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs

Tuna salad on piece of iceberg lettuce topped with red onion.
Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This flavorful and healthy tuna salad is a protein powerhouse. Instead of mayo, it features a delicious combination of dijon mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil. You can opt for Greek yogurt or keep it dairy-free—the choice is yours!
Get the Recipe: Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs

Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

Grilled and sliced chile lime chicken on a white plate.
Grilled Chile Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Savor the taste of summer with this protein-packed Chile Lime Grilled Chicken. This dish harmoniously blends the flavors of lime, chile, and sea salt with juicy, flavorful grilled chicken. It’s the perfect solution for a delightful summer dinner!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

Ranchera Steak

Ranchera meat on a slate serving dish.
Ranchera Meat. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Discover the magic of this flavorful and protein rich ranchera steak. It’s an economical cut perfect for marinating and grilling over high heat until it’s perfectly juicy and delicious!
Get the Recipe: Ranchera Steak

Soy Garlic Wings

Soy garlic wings on a blue plate.
Soy Garlic Wings. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These soy garlic chicken wings are crispy, juicy, sweet, and savory. With one simple trick, you’ll have consistently crispy wings loaded with protein any night of the week!
Get the Recipe: Soy Garlic Wings

Grinder Sandwich

Overhead shot of a grinder sandwich on a marble serving plate.
Grinder Sandwich. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this Italian Grinder Sandwich recipe packed with the protein you’re looking for. It brings together savory deli meats, creamy provolone, crisp lettuce, onions, pepperoncini, and a vibrant vinaigrette on a crusty Italian loaf. Perfect for gatherings or sharing with friends and family at home!
Get the Recipe: Grinder Sandwich

Furikake Salmon

Furikake topped salmon on a white plate surrounded by sliced limes.
Furikake Salmon. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Furikake Salmon is a baked salmon marinated in a delicious blend of soy, ginger, and garlic. It’s a delicious, rich, savory, sweet, and protein-packed weeknight dinner your family will love!
Get the Recipe: Furikake Salmon

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Air fryer turkey burger on a blue plate.
Air Fryer Turkey Burger. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These easy air fryer turkey burgers have a juicy and moist, perfectly seasoned turkey patty, a crispy toasted bun, and all of your favorite toppings! This is a quick, easy, protein-filled, and flavorful recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Salmon Mango Salad

Salmon mango salad on a white plate.
Salmon Mango Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This salmon mango salad recipe features juicy, ripe mango, pan-seared, protein-packed salmon, tart pickled onions, and a tangy, citrusy jalapeño honey lime dressing you’re going to love!
Get the Recipe: Salmon Mango Salad

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Cast Iron Chicken thighs in a cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Ready in under 30 minutes, this Cast Iron Chicken has a wonderfully crisp, savory, salty exterior with a tender, juicy interior that can’t be matched. It has all the protein you need with tons of delicious flavor you’ll love!
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Salmon, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and roasted fingerling potatoes on a blue sheet tray.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies is an easy, protein-packed, and delicious dinner recipe pairing Dijon, brown sugar, and chipotle-rubbed baked salmon with roasted fingerling potatoes, sweet burst cherry tomatoes, savory asparagus, and thyme. It’s a perfect sheet pan recipe for a weeknight!
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

German Pork Loin

German pork loin on a white plate.

German Pork Loin. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Hearty, moist, juicy, and so tender, this slow-cooked favorite is a must-try. With incredible gravy and amazing flavor, everyone loves this easy dish!
Get the Recipe: German Pork Loin

Grilled Hanger Steak with Chimichurri

Sliced Grilled Hanger Steak with Chimichurri on a white plate.
Grilled Hanger Steak with Chimichurri. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Second only to filet mignon in tenderness, hanger steaks are the little-known steak with big flavor! Quick to grill and always delish, top it with chimichurri for even more flavor!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hanger Steak with Chimichurri

Lemon-Oregano Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Kabobs with a dipping sauce.
Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Marinated in lemon and oregano to give each bite the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean, these easy kabobs are fun to make and eat!
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Oregano Chicken Kabobs

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

a basket of glazed chicken wings with a glass bowl of ranch sauce.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Cook chicken wings from frozen right in your air fryer. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces and veggie snacks for a delicious party snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Grilled Steak Kabobs

steak kabobs with peppers and onions on a cutting board with sauce and plates in the background.
Steak Kabobs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Grilled Steak Kabobs are loaded with marinated steak, colorful vegetables, and a burst of smoky flavors. Whether you have a backyard grill or a portable grill pan, you can easily achieve juicy and tender steak kabobs without needing a stove or oven.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Kabobs

Spicy Grilled Salmon

Grilled salmon with zucchini noodles and lime.
Spicy Grilled Salmon. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Spicy Grilled Salmon combines the freshest ingredients with bold flavors. Marinated in a fiery blend of spices, the salmon fillets are then grilled to perfection, resulting in a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture. With the grill as your cooking companion, you can enjoy this spicy and succulent salmon without turning on a stove or oven.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Grilled Salmon

Roast Chicken with Orange Butter

Roast chicken with orange butter on a white platter with thyme, sage, rosemary, and halved oranges.
Roast Chicken with Orange Butter. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This roast chicken recipe has crispy skin dusted with warm spices, a fragrant orange butter, and juicy, tender meat. It’s packed with protein and bound to impress the whole family!
Get the Recipe: Roast Chicken with Orange Butter

Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Lemons, sweet peppers, thyme, and cherry tomatoes with baked chicken thighs on a sheet tray.
Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This lemon chicken sheet pan dinner has crispy, savory, protein-packed chicken thighs, fresh thyme, roasted sweet peppers, burst cherry tomatoes, and bright lemon for an incredibly flavorful dish that’ll keep you full and fueled!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Pasta Bolognese

Linguine bolognese on a white plate.
Linguine Bolognese. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Your traditional pasta dishes could stand a healthy upgrade to make you feel good serving it to your friends or family on a weeknight. This Linguine Bolognese offers you the comfort of a rich pasta dish with lots of protein and vegetables!

Get the Recipe: Pasta Bolognese

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