65 High Protein Dinners
Published Feb 23, 2025
This list of 65 high protein dinner recipes covers all protein type: chicken, beef, seafood, vegetarian, beans, grains - literally them all!
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Below you’ll find a list of 65 high protein dinner recipes I’ve put together from my site. I created this collection to help you meal plan more easily, especially when you’re focused on getting enough protein during those hectic weeknights.

Jump to Section
- Tips for Cooking High Protein Dinners
- High Protein Dinner Basics
- 65 High Protein Dinner Recipes
- Easy High Protein Dinner Recipes
- High Protein Dinner Recipes for Family
- Grilled High Protein Dinners
- High Protein Dinner Recipes with Chicken
- High Protein Meal Ideas with Beef
- High Protein Dinner Ideas with Seafood
- Vegetarian High Protein Dinner Recipes
- Frequently Asked Questions
This list of high protein dinners is part of my strategy to get more protein throughout the day, along with incorporating high-protein breakfasts, high-protein soups, and even high-protein snacks (yes, snacks!).
Tips for Cooking High Protein Dinners
- Prep ahead. Chop veggies like mirepoix, marinate proteins (you’ll love my favorite steak marinade and chicken marinade recipes), or even cook grains in advance to save time when you’re ready to make dinner.
- Use instant pot or pressure cooker. On busy nights when I’ll be out most of the day, I love using my Instant Pot – set it and forget it! It makes dinner so much easier and helps me avoid take out when I know there’s a hot meal ready for us at home.
- Batch cook proteins. As part of my meal prep routine, I would often double or triple the proteins at the beginning of the week, so I have it ready to go for meals throughout the busy week ahead.
- Stock up on canned protein. While I always enjoy having fresh ingredients on hand, it’s all about balance for me. I make sure to keep cans of tuna, salmon, and beans in my pantry for those times when I need a quick and easy protein option.
- Add protein to sides. Include high-protein sides like quinoa, beans, or edamame to boost the overall protein in your meal. I also like to have options like lentils, chickpeas, and tempeh for variety.
- Simple is best. Don’t overthink high protein meal ideas. Sometimes, grilled chicken thighs with a side of feta pasta or garden salad is all you need for a balanced dinner at the end of a long day.
High Protein Dinner Basics
- Chicken: A classic source of lean protein, with options like oven-baked chicken breasts or air fryer chicken thighs provides about 25 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. And I love having shredded chicken on hand for easy meals – throw it in wraps or on top of salads. For more chicken recipe ideas, be sure to check out my roundup of the best chicken recipes.
- Beef: Beef is one of my favorite versatile protein sources for high-protein dinner ideas. Once I nailed down browning ground beef and cooking frozen beef (lost count how many times I’ve forgotten to thaw the meat, again!), it became so easy. For more ideas, check out my roundup on the best ground beef recipes. But I also love cooking steak in the oven in advance, so I’ve got a protein-packed option for multiple meals throughout the week.
- Seafood: Salmon, tuna, shrimp, and cod are excellent sources of protein. You can enjoy seafood grilled, baked, or in quick stir-frys. Forgot to pull the fish out of the freezer? No worries, learn how to cook frozen fish and get that protein on the table!
- Tofu: While I usually reach for lean meats, I like mixing things up with tofu every now and then. Learning how to press tofu makes all the difference, and a batch of baked tofu is great to have on hand for power bowls, salads, and more.
- Grains: Quinoa, farro, and barley are underrated protein-packed foods, IMO. I love adding them to salads, soups, or bowls, for nutrition, taste, and texture.
- Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and beans are always good to have on hand. They’re not just a solid source of protein – they’re packed with fiber, too, which helps keep me full longer. A cup of cooked lentils has around 18 grams of protein! Plus, they add a hearty texture and natural creaminess to soups and stews.
- Dairy: You know my motto – when in doubt, add cheese! But seriously, don’t overlook cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and cheeses like feta, mozzarella, and cheddar for an easy protein boost. I love swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt on soups and chilis, and a sprinkle of cheese can take any meal up a notch.
65 High Protein Dinner Recipes
From quick and easy meals that come together in 30 minutes, to kid-friendly options that everyone will love, I’ve got you covered in this collection. I’ve included everything from grilled high-protein meal ideas where the grill does all the heavy lifting, to tasty chicken, beef, and seafood dishes.
Easy High Protein Dinner Recipes
reI love these easy high-protein dinner recipes that get a healthy meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Simple, quick meals that are full of flavor and …you guessed it….protein!
Ground Beef and Broccoli
Poached Salmon
Homemade Mac & Cheese
Air Fryer Breaded Chicken
Lemon Ricotta Pasta
BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Baked Chicken Taco Recipe
Chicken Parm Sandwich
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Sheet Pan Nachos
High Protein Dinner Recipes for Family
These high-protein dinner recipes are my go-to for feeding the whole family without the stress. They’re quick, easy, and satisfy everyone’s hunger, including the picky eaters!
Shrimp Lo Mein
Lasagna with Cottage Cheese
Chicken Noodle Soup
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Easy White Chicken Chili
Pesto Pasta with Chicken
Taco Pasta
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Grilled High Protein Dinners
Grilled foods are my secret weapon when I need a tasty meal without much effort. I just let the grill do all the work – no mess, no fuss.
Pesto Grilled Chicken
Homemade Beef Hamburger Recipe
Salmon Kabobs
Grilled Flank Steak
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
West African Beef Kabobs (Suya)
Grilled Shrimp Taco Recipe
Grilled Turkey Burger Recipe
Juicy Grilled Chicken Burger
High Protein Dinner Recipes with Chicken
Chicken has always been one of my favorites! It’s my go-to when I need a high-protein dinner that’s quick, easy, and versatile. It just never disappoints.
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Skillet Chicken with Couscous
Chicken Barley Soup
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Cashew Chicken
Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Green Thai Curry
Easy Butter Chicken
Chicken Shawarma Pita Pizza
Chicken Vegetable Soup
High Protein Meal Ideas with Beef
When it comes to beef, I’m all about that rich, savory flavor and the protein boost it gives me (3 ounces provides around 22 grams of protein!). But what I love the most about beef is its versatility – I can go from grilling a steak one night to cooking up a batch of ground beef for a taco night the next.
Beef Barley Soup
Turkish Pasta Recipe
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Beef Chili
Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry
Street Tacos
Ground Beef Casserole
Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas
Unstuffed Peppers
High Protein Dinner Ideas with Seafood
Seafood is my go-to for those nights when I need something flavorful and satisfying but don’t have a lot of time on my hands.
Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Shrimp Soup
Salmon Burger Recipe
Grilled Fish Taco Recipe
Shrimp Pesto Pasta
Samke Harra (Spicy Fish)
Scallop Pasta
Red Shrimp Coconut Curry
Shrimp Fried Rice
Panko Crusted Salmon
Vegetarian High Protein Dinner Recipes
Even as someone who loves meat, I’ve found that vegetarian high protein dinner ideas can be just as filling and satisfying. Packed with plant-based protein sources like lentils, quinoa, and beans, these meals are quick to whip up and can take on so many different flavors.
Black Bean Soup
Spaghetti Squash Alfredo
Sweet Potato Chili
Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
Vegetable Lasagna
Eggplant Pasta Casserole
White Bean Soup
Vegetarian Pad Thai
Frequently Asked Questions
Like most things, it depends on your personal goals and lifestyle. Most experts suggest aiming for 20-30 grams of protein per meal, but your ideal amount will vary based on factors like your activity level, overall diet, and individual needs.
I love adding simple, protein-rich ingredients like grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, hard-boiled eggs, or cottage cheese. I also like to sprinkle some hemp or chia seeds on top for an extra nutritious boost. Every little bit helps towards my overall daily protein goal.
After cooking proteins, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, I freeze them in individual portions to have protein ready whenever I need it.
For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: High Protein Breakfast Ideas, High Protein Soup Recipes, Best Recipes Using Protein Powder, and High Protein Snacks.
If you found this recipe roundup for High Protein Dinner Recipes helpful or if you try any recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipes! It helps others who are thinking of trying out this tutorial and we would love to hear about your experience. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!
Are these high protein dinner recipes in your Mediterranean cookbook? Or in a different cookbook?
Great question, Natalie! Most of the recipes in this list are not included in my Feel Good Foodie Cookbook but I’m hoping to put together a high-protein recipe ebook in the near future.