Eating high-protein meals is a great way to keep yourself staying full because it takes longer to digest compared to carbohydrates.
According to WebMD, “your body uses protein to build and repair tissues. You also use protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.”
Albert Matheny of ProMix Nutrition and Soho Strength Lab told BuzzFeed Health that 15 grams of protein should be eaten at dinner for someone with a moderately active lifestyle. Keep in mind, however, that individual needs will vary.
A protein-packed dinner doesn’t need to be just chicken and veggies. We found 30 super tasty recipes with 15 grams of protein or more.
Seriously, these are super tasty.
1. One-Pan Caprese Pesto Quinoa Skillet
Do you like cheese? Of course you do! This recipe is so delicious, you won’t even realize how many healthy things you’ve eaten. Find out how to make it here.
2. Protein Power Lentils and Amaranth Patties
Amaranth is a gluten-free ancient grain, and it’s an awesome source of protein. This recipe makes 15 patties, and it’s a great option for a grab-and-go lunch. Find the recipe at Gourmandelle.
3. BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls
This is the perfect meal if you’re looking to trick your brain into thinking you’re eating something naughty. It’s packed with both flavor and protein. The easy to make recipe can be found here.
4. Taco Bowl With Crispy Chipotle Chickpeas
Want a ton of protein without any meat? Look no further. You’d be surprised at how tasty (and healthy!) this recipe is. Killing Thyme has the recipe here.
5. Cinnamon-Sugar Roasted Chickpeas
Okay, so it’s not a full meal, but this delicious treat makes a healthy snack or high-protein dessert. They’re super easy to make too! Find out how here.
6. One Skillet Pork Medallion Tenderloins
Five ingredients. Twenty-five minutes. One pan. Does it get any better than that? Check out Kim’s Cravings for the full recipe.
7. Creamy Vodka Steak Pasta
This recipe only needs four ingredients. Swap the noodles with zoodles, and you have a low-carb, high-protein meal that also satisfies your taste buds. Here’s the full recipe.
8. Cottage Cheese Bowl
It really doesn’t get any simpler than this. Cottage cheese is extremely high in protein and can be mixed with anything. Add almonds, tomatoes, and avocado with Sriracha for a savory meal, or add fruit and honey for a sweet dessert. The Skinny Fork has more great ideas.
9. Parmesan Pesto Tilapia
This gorgeous dish is far easier to make than it looks. In fact, it only has five ingredients and uses one pan. Don’t believe us? Check out the full recipe at Pinch of Yum.
10. Low Carb Market Chicken Skillet
Fill up on nutritious veggies and protein-packed chicken with this deliciously healthy skillet meal. Find out how to season this yummy dinner by finding the full recipe here.
11. Steak and Bean Burrito Bowl
Who doesn’t love a burrito bowl? It’s all the flavor of a burrito, without all of the carbohydrates. Plus, it’s jam-packed with protein. The Gimme Delicious recipe claims that it’s better than Chipotle.
12. Chicken Chorizo “No Potato” Hash
If you have leftover chicken, this is the perfect recipe for you. Not to mention it takes just a few minutes to make. Check out the full recipe here.
13. Sun-dried Tomato, Spinach, and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Despite being decadent and flavorful, this recipe is actually quite healthy. The chicken has tons of protein, while the sun-dried tomatoes have potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. The entire recipe can be found here.
14. Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce
Pair these chicken skewers with a side of vegetables and quinoa, and you’ll have a perfectly balanced meal. Plus, who doesn’t love peanut sauce? Find out how to make them here.
15. Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Miso Dressing
If you’re craving something packed with flavor and super satisfying but low in calories, this is the perfect recipe. Shrimp is a great lean protein too! Find the whole recipe here.
16. Asian Turkey Lettuce Cups
This crunchy, fresh, and satisfying isn’t just delicious, but it’s fun to eat too! Recipe Runner has the super easy recipe for your dinner plans tonight.
17. Zucchini and Corn Fritters
Not only is this recipe packed with protein, but it’s also packed with veggies. Oh, and it’s vegan too! The tasty recipe can be found here.
18. Shrimp, Sausage, and Lentil Jambalaya
When you sub out the rice for lentils instead, you eliminate starchy carbohydrates for digestion-aiding fiber. The full recipe is here, and it’s easier than you think.
19. Spicy Black Bean Burgers
How good could a black bean burger possibly be, right? REAL GOOD. That is the answer when it comes to The Glowing Fridge’s recipe. Ridiculously delicious with a little bit of heat.
20. Turkey and Bean Chili
Instead of sour cream, put a dollop of plain Greek yogurt on top for an extra dose of protein. The spices in this recipe are great for revving up your metabolism as well. Find out how to make it here.
21. Chicken Fajita Skillet
Here’s another high-protein dinner that requires only five ingredients and one skillet. Use corn or whole wheat tortillas to eliminate extra simple carbohydrates.
22. Blackened Salmon with Strawberry Avocado Salsa
The creaminess of the avocado balances out the spices of the blackened salmon. The strawberries add brightness and freshness for a well-rounded meal. Kim’s Cravings has the full recipe.
23. Flank Steak with Chimichurri
Who doesn’t crave a steak every now and again? Red meat is a wonderful source of protein, although it shouldn’t be consumed in excess. This delicious flank steak recipe can be found here.
24. Zoodles With Chicken and Spicy Almond Butter Sauce
This spicy almond butter sauce is absolutely to die for. Plus, it only takes 25 minutes to make and serves four people. The Lean Green Bean has the full recipe.
25. Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce
The tartness of the tzatziki sauce pairs wonderfully with the Greek-marinated chicken. It’s a low-cal, low-carb, and low-sodium delicious meal. Find the full recipe here.
26. Veggie Loaded Egg Bake
A bake or a casserole is the perfect dish that will provide leftovers for the entire week. This egg bake is packed with flavor and lots of protein. It’s a meal that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Find the entire recipe here.
27. One-Skillet Apple & Onion Pork Chops
Don’t worry; we didn’t forget about pork! Pork is another great source of protein and apples provide fiber. Both of these things will keep you feeling full for a long time. This cold-weather recipe can be found here.
28. Tuscan White Bean Stew
On cold winter nights, nothing is better than curling up with a bowl of hot and hearty stew. Keep it on the healthier side with this protein-filled recipe. Here’s the full recipe.
29. Quick Chicken Tikka Masala
If you’re craving Indian food but also something high in protein, this is the perfect recipe for dinner this evening. It serves four and makes for great leftovers. Cooking Classy has the full recipe.
30. Pizza Frittata
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We saved the best for last because, well, everyone loves pizza! This recipe is so delicious, you won’t even miss the crust. Find out how to make it here.
