12 easy, high protein dinner recipes featuring my favorite lean protein source: chicken! Each serving has an estimated 30 grams of protein or more to help you reach a higher overall protein intake and assist with meal satiety and satisfaction.
These are all dietitian-created dinners with moms in mind – ideas that can help us all prioritize well-balanced meals high in protein while also managing to even cook dinner in the first place.
Even further, most of these recipes use tricks to increase the protein content without just eating a larger portion of chicken, like adding nuts, beans or legumes, or a Greek yogurt / cottage cheese sauce.
The Recipes
Let’s just say you’re trying to consume at least 1.4 grams of protein per kilogram per day. This is an ‘ideal’ amount to build lean muscle and to ensure that your meals are very filling. So, for someone that is 135 pounds, this comes to about 86 grams of protein.
Split between three meals, that is about 30 grams of protein per meal! Or, at the very least, at dinner time – since it is hard to prioritize that much protein at all meals! Most days, we are just happy if we eat two well-balanced meals in the first place.
Therefore, these high protein dinner recipes are great for reaching a higher protein consumption – save some leftovers for a healthy lunch the next day, too!
1. Buffalo Chicken Casserole with Quinoa
Is there anything better than a one pan casserole where the entire meal cooks in just one dish!This buffalo chicken casserole is comfort food meets nutrition. With 34 grams of protein per serving plus the superfood quinoa, this is a delicious and nutritious dinner idea. It is one of my favorites to make on busy nights! The leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day.
2. Greek Chicken and Rice High Protein Bowls
A high protein yet super simple Greek-inspired bowl that can be customized! Sort of like a bowl you get from Chipotle but Mediterranean-inspired. Most of these ingredients come right out of a can or package. There are 50 grams of protein per serving due to the combination of chicken + chickpeas + garlic infused Greek yogurt! Very filling and meal prep friendly, too.
3. Customizable Chicken Fajita Bowl
Here is another easy, customizable bowl but with Mexican-inspired flavors! This recipe utilizes cooked and cooled rice which increases the resistant starch content. This not only makes throwing this dinner option together a lot easier but makes the rice healthier: more gut friendly and lower on the glycemic index. I list endless variations so you never get bored – this one can be on your meal rotation each week!
4. Mediterranean Cucumber, Chicken & Tomato Salad
This is another one of those meals that uses shortcuts and a combination of canned and fresh foods! There are tomatoes, cucumbers, chickpeas, feta cheese, already cooked chicken and even a store-bought dressing. Just drizzle with Olive Garden Italian Dressing or your preferred dressing and this is feels fresh yet is so simple.
5. Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash
A lower carb, healthier chicken Alfredo with spaghetti squash and chicken thighs! The creamy sauce is made with cottage cheese instead of cream – so this meal comes to a whopping 40 grams of protein per serving. Spaghetti squash might seem daunting but this recipe is actually pretty easy.
6. Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
This is a buffalo chicken crockpot pasta that also utilizes cottage cheese for the creamy sauce! This is a mostly hands-off recipe that can cook on low all day long. Another very high protein dinner that feels like a comforting bowl of pasta but is actually pretty healthy – all with the ease of a slow cooker! This is a great option after a long day at work or for busy nights.
7. Butternut Squash Harvest Bowl
This cozy harvest bowl features butternut squash (or sub with sweet potato), Brussel sprouts, goat cheese and chicken served over farro with a tahini and maple drizzle! This is a power bowl where all the ingredients come together for the perfect bite.
8. Coconut Chicken and Rice Casserole
A deliciously creamy coconut chicken and rice casserole! Like my buffalo chicken casserole, this one is minimal prep time with just a few simple ingredients in just one pan. The perfect combination of sweet and spicy plus it’s gluten-free and dairy-free! It is suprisingly so delicious and comforting!
9. Butternut Squash and Bacon Quinoa Bowl
A sweet and salty quinoa bowl that features parmesan cheese, bacon, chopped pecans, and the sweet butternut squash (or sweet potatoes). Drizzle with a little bit of honey (or even hot honey) for the perfect bite. 39 grams of protein per serving! You could even use frozen butternut squash for convenience,
10. Healthy Chicken Enchiladas (Haute & Healthy Living)
Healthier chicken enchiladas that your whole family will love! Another nutritious comfort meal with healthy tweaks from a dietitian. It is very filling with 32 grams of protein per serving. Ready to serve in just 30 minutes! This recipe works well for meal prepping and is freezer-friendly, too!
11. Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma (Summer Yule)
If you have a Trader Joe’s nearby, you will want to try this super easy Trader Joe’s shawarma. It can be eaten in a bowl or as a wrap! Plus, everything can be cooked in the air fryer so this is a minimal prep and cleanup dinner. It’s serves with a tahini lemon sauce. 37 grams of protein per serving!
12. Three Bean Chicken Chili (craving Something Healthy)
A chicken chili featuring three different types of beans! This one comes together easily and quickly but it’s all about the toppings – add in some fresh tomatoes and avocados for freshness and extra nutrition. Even Greek yogurt could be a tasty option for even more protein! Chili always makes great leftovers.