Protein Recipes

15+ Easy and Convenient High Protein Dinners for Weight Loss

High protein dinners for weight loss is a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eating high protein meals has many positive benefits such as building strong muscles as well as keeping your metabolism revved over the course of a day. It also helps to prevent those low protein symptoms from showing that make you feel sluggish and run down. 

But how much protein do you need throughout the day? It's a good question and one that depends on each individual. But we recommend consuming 1.25 to 1.75 grams of protein per kilogram daily (or 0.57 to 0.80 grams of protein per pound daily). This amount maximizes the benefits of protein consumption while still being manageable in a normal diet.

And luckily, there are creative ways to increase your protein intake on a daily basis in addition to the following high protein dinners below. And there are many key benefits of eating protein before bed

1. High Protein Lentil Soup

Now it might seem odd that the main source of protein is lentils in this recipe, but they actually serve as a good source of plant based protein and fiber. It's also loaded with vegetables and bone broth making it a healthy, high protein dinner alternative. Soups are also easy to make and require little to no effort. Simply dump it all into a pot and you're ready to go. 

Nourished by Nic's Ultimate Cozy High Protein Lentil Soup 

2. Lemon Brown Butter Salmon 

If you're a lover of fish, then salmon should be your go-to source of high protein. Not only does salmon have healthy omega-three fatty acids, but it's full of healthy protein and will keep you satisfied for longer periods of time. And this lemon brown butter salmon is delicious and will be in your weekly rotation of high protein dinner recipes. 

Delish's Lemon Brown Butter Salmon 

3. Chicken and Roasted Vegetables 

There's a reason this is on the list. It's a go-to high protein dish that's not only a crowd pleaser, but you can whip this dish up in a matter of minutes - fifteen to be exact. Chicken is a great source of protein and is a leaner cut of meat. Simply chop into small pieces and saute with an assortment of your favorite vegetables and you're set for a quick and high protein dinner. 

Gimme Delicious 15 Minute Healthy Roasted Chicken and Veggies 

4. Garlic Butter Steak Bites 

It's no secret we're big fans of beef. So these garlic butter steak bites are right up our alleys! Seasoned with garlic, butter, and fresh herbs, these bites will blow your mind. Plus it's a quick one skillet recipe that's easy and only takes minutes. Steak is also packed with quality, complete protein meaning it contains all the essential amino acids your body needs to build and repair muscles. 

All the Healthy Things Easy Garlic Butter Steak Bites 

5. Healthy High Protein Burrito 

For all our burrito fans out there, this one is for you. This burrito is made lower in calorie and higher in lean protein and fiber. It's a healthier take on a not so traditionally healthy meal option. Plus you can substitute the meat for lean ground turkey, ground chicken, or any other type of lean protein. It's a simple and fast way for a deliciously high protein dinner meal for weight loss. 

Skinny Fitalicious Healthy High Protein Burrito 

6. Beef Taco Skillet 

If you're craving a delicious Mexican meal that's also high protein, this beef taco skillet will be your next go to dinner recipe. It's hearty, full of flavor and protein, and will be a crowd pleaser for sure. Plus it only take 30ish minutes or less to whip on so it's a great dish to make on a busy day! 

The Pioneer Woman's Best Beef Taco Skillet 

7. High Protein Marry Me Chicken Pasta 

It may seem like a pasta dish can't be full of protein, but this one definitely does! In fact it packs 58g protein, which is huge! This recipe has savory chicken, a homemade creamy cottage cheese sauce, sun dried tomatoes and perfectly coated noodles. High protein doesn't mean you need to cut the carbs. 

Oh Snap Macros High Protein Marry Me Chicken Pasta 

8. High Protein Turkey Burgers 

Turkey burgers are a delicious high protein meal that's easy to prep and enjoy throughout the week. They're also quick and easy to make and pack 30g protein per burger! Made with lean ground turkey, these burgers are high protein and low fat and will keep you satisfied. 

My Protein Pantry's High Protein Turkey Burgers 

9. Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas 

This recipe is easy to make and only contains 4 simple ingredients. There's no chopping or dipping involved. The only thing you have to do is simply mix all the ingredients together, roll into tortillas, top with cheese and bake. Easy as that! And full of protein. 

Real Food Whole Life Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas 

10. Harira Moroccan Tomato, Lentil & Beef Soup 

If you haven't heard of harira before, it's a tomato based soup that's at the forefront of many Moroccan tables during the month of Ramadan. If you're looking for a hearty, high protein dinner, then you need to try this recipe. It's full of chickpeas, lentils, beef, and noodles all loaded into a tomato broth. It's easy to make and 100% satisfying. 

Eating Well Harira Soup 

11. One Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli 

Who doesn't love a one pot type of recipe? It usually means they're quick, easy, and a flavor explosion all wrapped in one pot. This shrimp and broccoli one pot recipe is super quick and easy and perfect for those busy weeknights. Plus, it's packed with protein. And if you're not a fan of shrimp, you can substitute it with any other type of protein like chicken or beef. 

Eating Well One Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli 

12. Sheet Pan Sausage & Peppers 

One sheet pan is really all you need to make this high protein, simple meal. It contains a ton of veggies and some already precooked sausage that will save you time. Adding a bunch of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini are a great way to add nutrient dense foods to your plate. With the addition of sausage, this makes for a great high protein meal throughout the week. 

Eating Well Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers 

13. Asian Chicken Meatballs 

If you're craving a dish with an Asian inspired flare, these chicken meatballs will fit the bill. They're made with ground chicken, ginger, and a ton of spices. The best part is that this meal requires minimal effort and can be a great meal prepped meal for the entire week. It's also high protein, dairy-free, and gluten-free. 

Skinny Taste Asian Chicken Meatballs 

14. High Protein Omelet 

I know what you're thinking, isn't this a breakfast recipe? But if you've never had brinner - "breakfast for dinner" then you're really missing out. Omelets are typically easy to make and can be loaded with lots of vegetables and cheese. Plus eggs are a great source of protein and usually an ingredient that's a kitchen staple. 

Skinny Taste High Protein Omelet 

15. Healthy Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs 

Kabobs are the perfect high protein meal especially during those summer months when grilling is ever so prevalent. This recipe has marinated chicken in a lemon, garlic olive oil mixture and fresh veggies that offer a great pop of flavor and nutrients. It makes for an easy meal that can be prepped beforehand. 

Haute and Healthy Living Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken Kabobs 

16. Sweet & Sour Tofu 

Sweet and sour sauce is a popular staple in many Chinese-American menus. It's the perfect combination of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors that's perfect with almost every type of protein - tofu included! If you can prep the tofu properly, this recipe will satisfy all those cravings. The tofu has a crispy exterior and is coated with that sweet and savory sauce. 

Delish Sweet & Sour Tofu 

If you're looking for other sources of protein besides animal protein, there are many other sources of protein that are both affordable and easy.  

And if you want a quick, high protein snack that contains 40g protein and is made with three simple ingredients, try our Naked Beef Jerky Crisps. 

Beef Jerky Crisps