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High-Protein Dinners

Easy high-protein dinner ideas with at least 30 grams of protein per serving, full macros, and most ready in 30 minutes or less.

20 recipes, sorted by protein per serving.

Pick by goal

The most protein per serving

Lightest, under 300 calories

Ready in 20 minutes or less

More high-protein dinners

Every dinner on this page has at least 30 grams of protein per serving, and most are on the table in 30 minutes. The macros sit right next to each recipe, so you can see exactly what you are eating.

How we build a high-protein dinner

We start with a lean main protein (chicken breast, 93% lean turkey, salmon or shrimp) and add a second protein source that also brings fiber: black beans in the turkey taco skillet, edamame with the miso glazed salmon, white beans in the lemon chicken soup. Sauces are built on Greek yogurt or miso instead of cream and butter.

Weeknight shortcuts

  • One pan or one pot. Fewer dishes means you will actually cook on a Tuesday.
  • Cook once, eat twice. Most of these keep for four days, so dinner becomes tomorrow’s lunch. See our Greek chicken bowls.
  • Rotisserie chicken counts. A store-bought chicken has about 100 grams of protein in its meat.

Questions people ask

How much protein should dinner have?

Many dietitians suggest spreading protein across meals, with roughly 25 to 40 grams per meal for most adults. Your own target depends on your body size, activity and health, so check with your doctor or dietitian.

What are the easiest high-protein dinner foods?

Chicken breast, lean ground turkey, salmon, shrimp, eggs, Greek yogurt sauces, beans and lentils. Combining an animal protein with beans or edamame is an easy way to push a dinner past 35 grams.

Are high-protein dinners good for weight loss?

Protein is the most filling macronutrient, so high-protein meals can make it easier to eat fewer calories without feeling hungry. Pair them with plenty of vegetables for fiber.