25 High Protein Recipes My Family Actually Enjoys

There’s nothing worse than making food packed with nutrients only to watch it sit untouched. That’s why these 25 high-protein recipes work, they pass the “family actually eats them” test. They bring balance between healthy and familiar, so no one feels tricked into eating well.

Two tacos with beef, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro on a white plate.
Baked Beef Tacos. Photo credit: My Reliable 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.

Getting dinner on the table quickly matters for busy families. Serving Grilled Pork Chops gets everyone gathered faster. Plates never seem to stay full for long since kids and adults love this classic. Cleanup is simple with basic grilling. There’s little fuss after a meal that’s easy for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops

Marry Me Chicken Casserole

A casserole dish filled with baked pasta topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

High protein meals help keep energy strong for active schedules. Scooping out Marry Me Chicken Casserole fills up plates for family nights. Seconds are requested before anyone leaves the table. Everyone gets a good mix in one serving. Quick cleanup works with only one pan in play.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Ham and Swiss Sliders

Three ham and cheese sliders on seeded buns are placed on parchment paper. Bright green parsley is visible in the background.
Ham and Swiss Sliders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sliding foods bring smiles to busy weeknights. Friends and family reach for Ham and Swiss Sliders at any meal or gathering. Simple sandwiches keep snacking easy for all ages. Plates fill up fast and leftovers pack well for lunch. Hosts appreciate fast serving and light cleanup afterward.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Swiss Sliders

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.

Getting protein in meals feels simple with easy sandwiches. Hands grab for Blackened Chicken Clubs every time this hits the table. Kids eat without fuss and adults get a filling bite. Sandwiches go well with simple sides for quick meals. Leftovers are wrapped for lunches next day.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Clubs

Lamb Chops

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

Special meals fit right in for big protein needs without trouble. Pieces of Lamb Chops always get attention from hungry guests. No plate ever stays full with favorites like this around. Cleanup runs fast since portions are easy to serve. Everyone talks about wanting seconds each time.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Chops

Chicken Chow Mein

Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and chicken in a pan, featuring carrots, cabbage, and green onions.
Chicken Chow Mein. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Busy households look for combo meals with filling bites. Plates covered in Chicken Chow Mein show up quickly for weeknights. Fast serving means kids don’t need encouragement to dig in. Bowls go empty and leftovers make fast lunches. Cleanup is short with simple stir fry meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein

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.

Morning meals work best when protein is packed in each bite. Large pans of Amish Breakfast Casserole keep kids full longer. Families gather for quick helpings before busy days begin. No one argues about breakfast when this is served. Portions are packaged for easy heat up later.
Get the Recipe: Amish Breakfast Casserole

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.

Big bowls make dinner smooth for families needing protein focus. Filling up with Marry Me Chicken Orzo never leads to complaints. Simple flavors keep plates moving around the table. Extras are packed up fast for lunch or dinner next day. Bowls clean up quickly after meals.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Pizza Casserole

A close-up of a baked pasta dish with melted cheese, pepperoni slices, and herbs, showing a serving being lifted, revealing gooey cheese strands.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Fussy eaters tend to go quiet when their favorites show up for dinner. Pizza Casserole attracts hungry hands right away. The second portions make everyone happy before the night is done. Big pans are easy to serve and even easier to clean. Dining feels fun and stress-free with classic meals.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy!)

Air fryer chicken wings served with fresh tomatoes and herbs on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy!). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crisp food wins over crowds needing quick protein. Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy!) are a great option for game nights. Fingers go for seconds as long as they last. Kids and grown-ups eat together with no extra worries. Serving stays simple with air-fried favorites.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy!)

Mexican Casserole

A plated serving of cheesy casserole with ground meat, topped with sliced green onions and parsley, accompanied by a fork.
Mexican Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Weeknight dinners get easier with one dish feeding all. Each scoop of Mexican Casserole provides plenty for hungry families. No one argues about options since everything’s mixed in. Quick prep means leftovers for days. Gathering stays fun and cleanup is low stress.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Casserole

General Tso’s Chicken

Stir-fried chicken pieces in a spicy sauce, garnished with chopped green onions, served in a round metal dish on an orange placemat.
General Tso’s Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Classic takeout styles give big protein without leaving home. Plates fill up quickly with General Tso’s Chicken for dinner. Group meals run smoothly when simple servings are involved. Bowls get cleaned out fast with less fuss. Lunches pack easily for kids or adults the next day.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Rack of Lamb

Rack of lamb with a breadcrumb crust is garnished with rosemary on a wooden board. Sliced pieces reveal a pink, cooked interior.
Rack of Lamb. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Special occasions feel right with hearty servings. Cutting pieces of Rack of Lamb gets attention from anyone hungry for protein. Plates look full and guests comment on how easy servings are. No major cleanup is needed after carving. Families return for more after every celebration.
Get the Recipe: Rack of Lamb

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Glazed barbecued chicken drumsticks on a white plate.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fast hands reach for drumsticks when everyone wants protein. Cooking Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks goes fast for busy dinner nights. Pieces disappear quickly so no one worries about leftovers. Parties get lively with finger food servings. Cleanup is easy for game days and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

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.

Mixing up comfort food with proteins pleases crowds easily. Bowls of Shrimp and Grits fill up hungry family members in minutes. Guests ask for seconds after trying a simple helping. No hassles with extra sides since bowls are packed. Returning for more is common before clean up begins.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

A bowl of rice topped with broccoli, chicken, red peppers, green onions, and sesame seeds, with black chopsticks resting on the side.
Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Colorful bowls help everyone hit protein goals smoothly. Serving Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry brings plates back for seconds. Simple stir-fries pack plenty for hungry guests. Mess is kept low with quick cleanup after dinner. Everyone eats together when flavors stay familiar.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Korean Burgers

Close-up of a hamburger with a sesame seed bun, beef patty, green onions, and rich brown sauce.
Korean Burgers. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bold flavors and high protein work well for busy weeknights. Stacking Korean Burgers at parties or dinner gets everyone talking. Hands grab for extras as soon as serving starts. No leftovers remain with burgers built for filling up. Simple serving bowls make hosting easy.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

A serving of tater tot casserole on a spoon.
Easy Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Kids love food that feels fun while packing in protein. Big pans with Easy Tater Tot Casserole show up often for family meals. Pieces go quickly with no complaints at dinner time. Lunch and dinner are both easy with leftovers. Simple servings help hosts relax after meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken Salad Sandwich

A shredded chicken salad sandwich with lettuce, raisins, and a creamy dressing served in a brioche bun.
Chicken Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Classic sandwiches offer quick protein in busy households. Passing out Chicken Salad Sandwich helps lunchtime move faster. Adults and kids get filled up easily. Wraps can be packed up for future meals. Mealtime always feels easy-going with no complaints.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Sandwich

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.

Simple starters help everyone get a boost of protein. Plates of Shrimp Cocktail go fast at parties or family dinners. No one waits long for servings of chilled snacks. Cleanup takes no time with easy finger food. Leftovers are rare when favorites are involved.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

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.

Hearty portions keep families full for big events. Carving Leg of Lamb at the table means no one has to wait. Seconds are easy to serve up after the first round. Groups love gathering for filling foods with simple sides. After dinner cleanup moves quickly with one pan.
Get the Recipe: Leg of Lamb

Easy Chicken Casserole

A fork lifting a cheesy bite from a bowl of chicken casserole topped with bacon and breadcrumbs.
Easy Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Simple casseroles help parents feed kids without hassle. Trays of Easy Chicken Casserole fill plates for dinner and lunch. No extras needed for serving or packing leftovers. Kids take seconds with favorites like this. Hosts get more time to talk with low stress cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Pork Chops

Close-up of a cooked, seasoned pork chop topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley on a dark plate.
Pork Chops. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

No fuss meals serve plenty of protein with little mess. Grilling Pork Chops puts food on the table in minutes. Plates clean up with just one pan to wash. Kids eat quickly so meal time goes smoother. Seconds make everyone happy after busy days.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!)

Roasted air fryer whole chicken served on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Whole birds keep groups fed on tight schedules. Cutting up Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!) means enough servings for all. No need for extras with simple finger-food portions. Dinners run smoothly with air fryer options. Cleanup is finished fast as soon as eating ends.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!)

Baked Beef Tacos

Two tacos with beef, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro on a white plate.
Baked Beef Tacos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crunchy snacks pack in proteins for busy schedules. Serving up Baked Beef Tacos gets hands reaching for seconds before dinner’s over. Quick bites keep family meals moving quickly. Kids love building their own tacos for fun. Hosts like the simple packing and easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beef Tacos

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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