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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.

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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!