25 High Protein Dinner Recipes That Help Me Stay On Track

ByMandy Applegate

Sticking to a routine can feel like herding cats, but the 25 high protein dinner recipes that help me stay on track make it less chaotic. Each meal packs enough fuel to keep late-night fridge raids in check. Think of it as backup power for when energy starts crashing. Staying on track gets easier when the plate is already doing half the work for you.

Fork lifting a serving of cheesy cheeseburger casserole garnished with parsley.
The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Grilled Pork Chops

A grilled pork chop garnished with chopped parsley is served on a plate.
Grilled Pork Chops. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Quick dinners can still be full of protein when plates are stacked high. Slices of Grilled Pork Chops keep hunger away for hours. Kids dip their bites for more flavor. Friends ask about grill tips. Pork is a solid way to fill up fast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops

Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

A colorful salad with shredded carrots, zucchini, chicken, orange slices, and sesame seeds on a brown plate, garnished with fresh herbs.
Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sharp flavors wake up dinners that need a protein punch. Bowls of Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken get eaten clean every time. Kids are surprised by the tang. Friends pack up leftovers for lunch. Easy meals like this help anyone stay on track.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

Spinach Pizza

Rectangular slices of pizza topped with spinach, artichoke hearts, melted cheese, and a golden crust on parchment paper.
Spinach Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Lean options work for busy nights without losing any protein. Pieces of Spinach Pizza make it simple to feed picky eaters. Kids try to steal the cheesiest slice. Friends load on extra toppings. Pizza night stays high in protein with smart tweaks.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Pizza

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

A bowl of Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings garnished with chopped parsley.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Comfort food doesn’t have to mean less protein. Bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings stick to your ribs. Kids get second helpings. Friends want to bring it to potlucks. Classic dinners often help you meet your goals.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Red Lentil Soup

A bowl of lentil curry garnished with chopped cilantro and a swirl of cream, with a spoon in the bowl.
Red Lentil Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Warm bowls make dinner easy for staying on track after a full day. Spoons dip into Red Lentil Soup until there is nothing left. Kids like the smooth texture. Friends ask about plant-based swaps. Soup nights get everyone fed and ready for anything.
Get the Recipe: Red Lentil Soup

Blackened Chicken Clubs

A grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, bacon, and mayonnaise on toasted bread, served with potato chips on a white plate.
Blackened Chicken Clubs. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Sandwiches can pack a healthy punch while keeping things fun at dinner. You’ll find Blackened Chicken Clubs gone before anyone even sits. Kids ask what makes it so crispy. Friends want extra slices inside. Clubs are easy to prep and easy to share.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Clubs

Shrimp and Grits

A bowl of creamy grits topped with shrimp in a tomato-based sauce and garnished with fresh parsley.
Shrimp and Grits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Filling dinner plates should not take all night after a long day. Bowls of Shrimp and Grits load up everyone with solid protein. Kids enjoy the creamy base. Friends like the quick cook time. Shrimp can help anyone stick with meal plans.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

Huevos Rancheros

A plate of huevos rancheros with sunny-side-up eggs, avocado slices, refried beans, tomato sauce, crumbled cheese, and garnished with green onions and cilantro.
Huevos Rancheros. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Breakfast-for-dinner nights fit well with goals for more protein. Stacks of Huevos Rancheros disappear before anyone says a word. Kids top theirs with sauce. Friends ask what keeps it so filling. Simple meals bring big results.
Get the Recipe: Huevos Rancheros

Marry Me Chicken Orzo

A skillet with creamy chicken pasta featuring spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and grated cheese, stirred with a wooden spoon.
Marry Me Chicken Orzo. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Creamy one-pan dishes pack protein in each bite without fuss. Bowls of Marry Me Chicken Orzo fill up plates in no time. Kids enjoy every forkful. Friends grab leftovers for tomorrow. One-pan dinners keep things quick and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Big Mac Crunchwrap

Close-up of a stack of folded tortillas filled with beef, melted cheese, lettuce, and onions on a white plate.
Big Mac Crunchwrap. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fast food cravings can still fit in a healthy meal plan. Everything you want in a Big Mac Crunchwrap shows up in one easy bite. Kids grab their favorite sauces. Friends build theirs with extra crunch. Wraps help you keep things on track without missing out.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Crunchwrap

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

A close-up of a savory meatloaf slice topped with a glossy sauce. The hearty meatloaf reveals visible chunks of vegetables like carrots and celery.
Easy Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Classic meat dinners are still one of the best ways to get high protein on busy nights. Slices from Easy Meatloaf Recipe leave plates empty. Kids add ketchup right away. Friends say it feels just like home. Meatloaf solves a lot of dinner problems.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Healthy Chicken Salad

Close-up of a salad with grilled chicken, strawberries, blueberries, pecans, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing on a bed of leafy greens.
Healthy Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Cold meals are just what you need after a day with little prep time. Scoops of Healthy Chicken Salad make an easy high protein lunch or dinner. Kids love it stuffed in wraps. Friends want the recipe for office lunches. Salads help keep goals in check.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Lamb Chops

Grilled lamb chops garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs.
Lamb Chops. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Rich proteins work fast when simple dinners are key. Cuts of Lamb Chops, please anyone who sits down with you. Kids try their first bite with some doubt. Friends want to grill next time. Lamb helps dinner feel special any night.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Chops

Cobb Salad

A close-up of a Cobb salad featuring sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, boiled eggs, red onion, bacon bits, and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of lettuce.
Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bowls filled with bigger bites hit the spot after a busy day. Cobb Salad covers protein needs in one quick meal. Kids scoop out their favorites. Friends look for new dressings each week. Salads do the trick for hungry families.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail with peeled shrimp arranged on the rim of a glass filled with cocktail sauce, garnished with parsley.
Shrimp Cocktail. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Quick bites help when you need something packed with protein but light. Trays hold Shrimp Cocktail all night as crowds snack through dinner. Kids fight over dipping sauce. Friends ask where you bought it. Shrimp brings something different to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

Marry Me Chicken Soup

A creamy pasta dish with spinach, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and shell pasta, garnished with herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Soup can be loaded with protein when you are short on time. Bowls of Marry Me Chicken Soup get passed out at busy tables. Kids ask for bread to dip. Friends ask for the recipe to bring home. Creamy soup works for both dinner and late snacks.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

Breakfast Casserole

A close-up of a spoon lifting a portion of a baked breakfast casserole dish containing vegetables, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust and garnished with a parsley leaf.
Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Baking once for the whole week saves time and sticks to your meal plan. Every square of Breakfast Casserole gets eaten before breakfast is over. Kids like to pour on hot sauce. Friends eat it for dinner too. Simple casseroles keep everyone fed.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Casserole

Kung Pao Chicken

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fast meals with big flavor prove healthy dinners can be any night of the week. Kung Pao Chicken get cleared every time you make them. Kids add extra crunchy bits. Friends want a second serving. Stir fry wins points for being quick and filling.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Leg of Lamb

Two roasted lamb shanks on a plate with rosemary and caramelized onions, with stacked plates in the background.
Leg of Lamb. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Big roasts come out for special nights or main meals with friends. Thick slices of Leg of Lamb do not last long on the buffet. Kids dip theirs in sauce. Friends carve extra for sandwiches. Lamb makes even regular nights feel big.
Get the Recipe: Leg of Lamb

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

A dish of ravioli with bacon and parsley that can be found at Olive Garden.
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Restaurant favorites can help meet protein needs at the dinner table. Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara get wiped clean in minutes. Kids find the creamy filling a bonus. Friends want to grab a fork right away. Pasta stays a favorite for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Beef Chili

Two bowls of chili with kidney beans, meat, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and cilantro. A black spoon in one bowl. Additional chili flakes in a small dish nearby.
Beef Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Warm bowls on cold nights fill everyone up with protein. Scoops of Beef Chili get loaded with all kinds of toppings. Kids eat it up with bread. Friends call dibs on leftovers. Chili works for lunch or dinner and always keeps you focused on your goals.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili

Chicken Tempura

Plate of batter-fried fritters with a bowl of red dipping sauce on a white plate, viewed from above.
Chicken Tempura. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crunchy fried options can still deliver lots of protein on rushed nights. Golden pieces of Chicken Tempura hit the table and disappear fast. Kids dip each piece twice. Friends bring extra sauce for sharing. Fried bites keep families happy and full.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tempura

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Close-up of four ham and cheese sliders on sesame seed buns, arranged in two stacks. The cheese is melting and oozing out of the sides, making these Ham and Cheese Sliders irresistible.
Ham and Cheese Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mini sandwiches make dinner simple but packed with protein when everyone’s in a hurry. Ham and Cheese Sliders will disappear by the time you look away. Kids like the melted layers. Friends say small bites fit busy weeknights. Leftovers rarely show up.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders

Firecracker Meatballs

A plate of meatballs topped with sauce, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions on a bed of white rice.
Firecracker Meatballs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Spicy options shake things up while bringing extra protein into dinner. Trays of Firecracker Meatballs draw interest every time. Kids only grab mild ones. Friends look for extra heat. Meatballs are a dinner fix for every day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Firecracker Meatballs

The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Fork lifting a serving of cheesy cheeseburger casserole garnished with parsley.
The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Casseroles keep protein and comfort high when meals need to work for everyone. Forks scrape the pan for The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole as soon as it hits the table. Kids love the cheesy topping. Friends pack some home. Beef dishes stick to your plan without fuss.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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