I Needed A Reset And Started With 29 High Protein Recipes

Energy slumps don’t stand a chance when the plate is packed with protein. These 29 picks are proof you can enjoy food while still giving your body what it actually needs. They keep you going whether you’re working, wrangling kids, or avoiding that laundry pile. Consider it the edible version of a power nap.

A close-up of fettuccine pasta with creamy sauce, reminiscent of Beef Stroganoff, paired with sliced beef, mushrooms, and sprigs of rosemary.
Creamy Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sesame Chicken

A close-up of glazed chicken pieces with sesame seeds and chopped scallions on a bed of rice.
Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crispy bites coated in a balanced, flavorful sauce make any meal feel complete. Sesame Chicken offers a great mix of textures with a bold glaze that stands out. It’s a reliable choice when you want something that pairs well with rice or veggies. Everyone keeps going back for seconds with this dish.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Grilled Pork Chops

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

A perfectly cooked piece of meat is hard to pass up. Grilled Pork Chops bring a smoky flavor to the table and are packed with enough protein to keep you full longer. They pair easily with simple sides but are just as good on their own. This is the kind of dish that works as both dinner or meal prep for the week.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops

Blackened Salmon Tacos

Tacos with grilled salmon, purple cabbage, corn, jalapeño slices, cilantro, and drizzled with white sauce on tortillas.
Blackened Salmon Tacos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bringing seafood to tacos always feels like a good idea. Blackened Salmon Tacos balance light, seasoned fish with soft shells to create a quick, high-protein meal. They’re easy to customize with other toppings but can hold their own flavor-wise. It’s the type of meal that feels fresh and filling at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Salmon Tacos

Amish Breakfast Casserole

A close-up of a serving of savory bread pudding with bacon and herbs being lifted from a white baking dish.
Amish Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Egg-based casseroles are perfect for packing in protein and flavor. Amish Breakfast Casserole layers simple ingredients in a baked form that’s easy to portion out. It works great for a group breakfast but can also serve as a make-ahead meal during the week. A go-to dish when you don’t want to compromise on flavor or fullness.
Get the Recipe: Amish Breakfast Casserole

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Two pieces of fried chicken on a gray plate, garnished with small bits of green herbs.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crispy textures on the outside with tender insides make this a classic favorite. Buttermilk Fried Chicken brings out bold, tasty bites that stand well on their own or as part of a bigger spread. It’s a perfect dish for gatherings or when you want something hearty. People always come back for more when it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

French Onion Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust and garnished with fresh herbs.
French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Warm, cheesy dishes always hit the spot. French Onion Casserole brings hearty flavors topped with a golden layer that gets everyone excited. It’s filling enough to stand on its own while still working as a side for more complete meals. This one’s a crowd pleaser that doesn’t last long on the table.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Steak Fajita Nachos

A tray of loaded nachos topped with sliced beef, red and green peppers, jalapeños, guacamole, sour cream, and lime wedges on the side.
Steak Fajita Nachos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A mix of crispy, cheesy, and savory always makes for an irresistible dish. Steak Fajita Nachos take loaded nachos to the next level with tender steak slices in every bite. They’re great for serving a group since everyone can grab what they want. Plates are usually empty faster than expected with this option.
Get the Recipe: Steak Fajita Nachos

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 made with bold seasoning are hard to beat. Blackened Chicken Clubs combine tender, spiced chicken with fresh layers of soft bread. They’re perfect for lunch or even a light dinner when something simple is needed. These always pack plenty of protein while still feeling casual and relaxed.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Clubs

Shrimp Burrito Bowls

A bowl of seasoned shrimp, avocado, corn, black beans, rice, and a dollop of sour cream, garnished with cilantro.
Shrimp Burrito Bowls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bowls filled with protein and grains are both convenient and filling. Shrimp Burrito Bowls mix tender shrimp with a base that balances flavor and nutrition. They’re easy to tweak with additional toppings or keep plain for a straightforward meal. A reliable option for quick servings during busy days.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

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.

Salads featuring protein don’t have to feel repetitive. Healthy Chicken Salad mixes fresh ingredients with lightly seasoned chicken for a balanced, high-protein option. It’s great for stuffing into wraps or eating on its own for a simple meal. This dish keeps things light but filling enough to hold you over.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

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.

Hearty, warm meals are always a dependable choice. Beef Chili packs rich flavors in every spoonful with a protein boost that keeps you full for hours. It works well for meal prepping or serving at gatherings as a simple, crowd-friendly dish. Filling bowls of this are usually the first to go on the table.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Baked rice casserole with melted cheese on top, garnished with chopped herbs.
Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Combining grains with protein in one dish makes for an easy, complete meal. Chicken and Rice Casserole layers tender chicken with a lightly seasoned rice base to keep things balanced. It’s a no-fuss recipe that’s easy to portion for the whole family or weekly lunches. This one always helps when you’re too busy to cook complicated meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Zucchini Fritters

A stack of zucchini fritters topped with sour cream, thinly sliced shallots, and a sprig of dill.
Zucchini Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Veggie-based snacks that still pack protein can surprise you. Zucchini Fritters balance crispy exteriors with soft, flavorful centers, making them a great side or stand-alone bite. They’re light but still leave you feeling full thanks to the added protein. These are always a hit when you want something healthy but not boring.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fritters

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Golden fried chicken pieces with a side of dipping sauce.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Often replicated, always enjoyed, simple chicken bites are winners at any table. Chick-fil-A Nuggets are tender, flavorful, and fit into nearly any meal plan for protein fans. Pair them with dips or have them plain—they’ll still keep things interesting. These are the kind of leftovers you’ll never have to worry about finishing.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sticky yet savory dishes are perfect for bringing balanced bites. Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe combines sweet-smoky caramelized sauce with tender, protein-packed chicken. It’s a great pick on its own but is also ideal as part of a larger spread. People usually ask for seconds of this one before the first serving is done.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich

Tuna burger with lettuce, tomato, and onion on a bun, served on a white plate.
Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Adding seafood protein to handheld meals is a smart move. Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich balances hearty tuna with crisp bread in a warm, satisfying option. Perfect for quick lunches or snacks, this is a reliable choice when you need something quick and healthy. Moves fast from the plate to the hand when everyone’s watching.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

A baked potato topped with shredded barbecue chicken, sour cream, and chopped herbs on a white plate.
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Meat-stuffed meals feel complete without anything extra. BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes load protein-filled chicken into soft, comforting potato bases for a filling experience. A balance of smoky flavors and tenderness makes these tasty without being heavy. It’s hard to have just one because every bite feels so well-rounded.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

Crunchwrap Supreme

Three folded tortillas filled with seasoned ground meat, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese.
Crunchwrap Supreme. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Folded wraps packed tight with protein and flavor are always fun to eat. Crunchwrap Supreme wraps fillings neatly to keep everything in one bite while being just as good as its name implies. You know exactly what you’re getting with no mess or frills, and the taste is reliable every single time. These never stop pleasing anyone who tries them.
Get the Recipe: Crunchwrap Supreme

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.

Warm, creamy soups with protein-packed bites don’t need anything on the side. Marry Me Chicken Soup gets bold flavors into every serving without going overboard on complexity. It’s filling enough to work as a full meal while still feeling comforting. You’ll probably run out of seconds as soon as you’re done serving the first.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

Best Tuna Casserole

Tuna casserole in a white baking dish.
Best Tuna Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Seafood casseroles balance hearty and healthy in a smart way. Best Tuna Casserole hits all the right notes with its consistency while being easy to plate for groups or leftovers. It’s a quick, fuss-free dish that still impresses for family dinners. Nothing too fancy but absolutely worth adding into your weekly meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Best Tuna Casserole

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.

Crispy coatings over tender proteins are a winning combo every time. Chicken Tempura turns simple chicken into an addictive snack that works whether you’re dipping or pairing with side dishes. Great for both kids and adults, these bites are a hit at meals or as snack plates. You won’t have leftovers because they’re just too hard to leave alone.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tempura

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.

Full meals baked into one dish create the best morning jumpstart. Breakfast Casserole combines proteins and grains for a high-energy serving all in one slice. Perfect for feeding a big group or prepping a week’s worth of breakfast, this one is hard to beat for simplicity. It’s guaranteed to disappear from the table before everything else.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Casserole

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Close-up of sweet and sour chicken with bell peppers and pineapple chunks in a thick sauce.
Sweet and Sour Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Balanced sauces like these make chicken exciting at every meal. Sweet and Sour Chicken coats crispy pieces with a tangy, flavorful glaze that keeps you reaching for extra servings. It works well on its own or over a simple side, bringing out enough flavor in every bite. This one stays popular because it combines savory and sweetness just right.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken

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.

Stacking familiar flavors into an all-in-one wrap always scores points. Big Mac Crunchwrap combines stacked ingredients into easy-to-eat configurations without being messy. It’s quick, works for handheld eating, and feels like a complete meal in one. A solid addition to any weekly routine when variety is needed.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Crunchwrap

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Close-up of a serving of chicken cordon bleu casserole with shredded chicken, ham, melted cheese, and breadcrumb topping, garnished with parsley.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Layers of protein-packed ingredients baked together make for a filling meal. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole takes a classic recipe and transforms it into an easy-to-serve dish. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, it’s rich without being overwhelming. People definitely go back for another scoop when this shows up.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Marry Me Tortellini

A bowl of creamy tortellini pasta with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and a basil garnish.
Marry Me Tortellini. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pasta dishes with protein are crowd-pleasers for obvious reasons. Marry Me Tortellini balances cheesy stuffed pasta with the right amount of sauce to keep things interesting. It feels hearty but doesn’t weigh you down; great for lunch or dinner alike. Trays of these don’t last long, especially when shared with family or friends.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Tortellini

The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

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

Cheeseburgers in casserole form bring comfort and convenience together. The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole layers all the best parts of a classic burger into a baked dish easy to scoop and serve. It’s a hit for quick dinners without much fuss while still delivering bold flavors. Expect clean plates and plenty of requests for more.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Fluffy Yogurt

A glass dish with creamy yogurt, pineapple chunks, chopped walnuts, and a sprig of mint on top.
Fluffy Yogurt. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

High-protein snacks that feel simple yet filling are always handy. Fluffy Yogurt combines light textures with just enough flavor to keep things interesting. Great for breakfasts or midday pick-me-ups, it keeps you full without feeling heavy. This is one of those recipes you can keep reinventing over and over again.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Yogurt

Creamy Beef Stroganoff

A close-up of fettuccine pasta with creamy sauce, reminiscent of Beef Stroganoff, paired with sliced beef, mushrooms, and sprigs of rosemary.
Creamy Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Layering proteins with creamy sauces turns simple meals into comfort food. Creamy Beef Stroganoff delivers rich flavors with tender bites of beef over a warm, filling base. It’s ideal for cold evenings or when you want something hearty without too much effort. This recipe stays on the list of favorites because of how reliable it is.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef Stroganoff

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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