23 High Protein Dinners That Keep Hunger Out of Your Way

High protein dinners keep hunger from crashing your evening and make it easier to stay fueled until bedtime. These meals pack in protein without overcomplicating your kitchen time. They help you feel full, focused, and ready to tackle the rest of your day. Even simple ingredients can turn into satisfying plates that don't leave you reaching for snacks. With high protein dinners, you get energy, satisfaction, and minimal hassle all in one.

A bowl of rice topped with cubes of tofu in a tomato-based sauce, garnished with cilantro leaves and lime wedges. — Photo credit: Veggie Chopsticks.

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Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash

A bowl of cooked butternut squash and ground beef, garnished with herbs and diced red peppers. — Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This one-pan dish mixes sweet squash with seasoned turkey for a balanced meal. It cooks quickly and doesn't need many ingredients. It fits well into high protein dinners when you want something filling without heaviness. Serve it alone or with rice for a simple plate.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A blue bowl of cooked chicken breasts garnished with chopped herbs on a light fabric backdrop. — Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken thighs stay tender and juicy in the slow cooker with minimal prep. The flavor develops even with basic seasoning. You can pair them with vegetables, grains, or a salad. It's a hands-off option that works for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Marinated Lamb Chops

Grilled lamb chops with herbs on a plate, alongside asparagus, onions, and a lemon wedge. A fork holds a piece of meat above the plate. — Marinated Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Lamb chops sear quickly while staying tender inside. Simple seasoning is enough, and they pair well with roasted vegetables or potatoes. Prep takes little time, yet the meal feels complete. This is a reliable choice for an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Lamb Chops

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Close-up of a crispy air fried chicken drumstick on a white plate garnished with parsley, with hot sauce in the background. — Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken legs crisp on the outside and stay juicy inside when cooked in the air fryer. You can adjust the seasoning to taste. Cleanup is simple with just the air fryer tray. This is perfect for quick, no-fuss dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air Fried Ham with Keto Glaze

Sliced ham with a mustard glaze on a white plate, garnished with sprigs of fresh rosemary. — Air Fried Ham with Keto Glaze. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ham cooks evenly in the air fryer with a caramelized finish that isn't sticky. The glaze adds subtle flavor without overpowering the meat. Pair it with roasted vegetables or a simple salad. It works for both holidays and weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fried Ham with Keto Glaze

Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Close-up of a cooked pork chop garnished with rosemary and pepper, showing a thick slice resting on top of another piece on a white plate. — Pan-Fried Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Pork chops cook quickly in a hot skillet and stay juicy inside. Season lightly or boldly depending on preference. They pair easily with vegetables or potatoes. It's a practical choice for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Air-fried Cornish hen served on a bed of kale garnished with lemon wedges. — Air Fryer Cornish Hen. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This hen cooks straight from frozen and remains moist. The air fryer keeps prep minimal while crisping the skin. Roast vegetables on the side for a complete plate. It's an easy way to enjoy a slightly special meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

A plate of baked salmon garnished with herbs, served alongside asparagus, zucchini, onions, and bell peppers. — Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Everything roasts on one pan for minimal cleanup. The salmon stays moist and the vegetables cook evenly without getting mushy. You can season the whole pan at once. It's one of those simple high protein dinners that works during the week.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

Korean Beef and Broccoli

Beef cooks fast and stays tender while broccoli retains its bite. The sauce binds flavors without being heavy. Serve it over rice for a balanced meal. It's an excellent choice for quick high protein dinners.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Chicken Cacciatore

Plate of spaghetti topped with tomato sauce, mushrooms, and herbs, with a fork and spoon on the side. — Chicken Cacciatore. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken simmers with tomatoes and vegetables until the flavors blend naturally. It all cooks in one pot for easy cleanup. Pair it with pasta or rice for a complete meal. This is a steady pick for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Divan

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin. — Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce bake together with a light breadcrumb topping. Leftovers reheat without losing texture. It's easy to assemble for a quick, warm dinner. This dish works well for family nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Sliced meatloaf garnished with parsley on a white plate. — Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Meatloaf holds its shape and slices cleanly. It bakes evenly with common ingredients. Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a full plate. It's a reliable dinner for family-style meals.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Close-up of a golden, breaded pork chop cut into slices. — Breaded Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Panko coating keeps pork chops crunchy outside and juicy inside. They bake evenly and require minimal oil. Pair with salad or roasted vegetables. Leftovers maintain texture after reheating.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Plate of slow cooked pork chops served over white rice, garnished with green onions. — Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow cooking makes pork chops tender while locking in flavor. They work with rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables. Prep ahead for an easy dinner ready when you need it. Leftovers reheat well.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Chicken Nuggets

Hand dipping a chicken nugget into a bowl of ketchup, with a gray cloth background. — Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Nuggets crisp in the oven or air fryer while staying moist inside. Minimal prep and simple seasoning keep it easy. Kids and adults enjoy them alike. Serve with sauce or eat plain.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

A grilled chicken skewer on a white plate with barbecue sauce and fresh parsley, beside a plate of more chicken skewers. — Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Skewers cook quickly and stay juicy with very little prep. You can add vegetables for extra color and flavor. They feel fresh without heavy seasoning. This recipe is perfect for quick dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Yellow Tofu Curry with Coconut Milk

Tofu cubes coated in curry sauce with visible onions, served over fluffy rice and fresh herbs. — Yellow Tofu Curry with Coconut Milk. Photo credit: Veggie Chopsticks.

Tofu absorbs the coconut milk and spices while staying firm. It cooks quickly and pairs with rice for a full meal. Flavors are rich but not heavy. It's a simple, plant-based dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Tofu Curry with Coconut Milk

Chicken Fajita Casserole

A skillet filled with cheesy baked rice and vegetables next to a serving on a white plate. A red and white striped cloth is placed beside them. — Chicken Fajita Casserole. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Chicken, peppers, rice, and cheese bake together in one pan. The flavors blend naturally and the dish reheats well. No extra sides are needed for a complete meal. It's a convenient choice for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Casserole

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Quinoa cooks with beans, corn, and salsa in one pan for a colorful, filling meal. Prep and cleanup are simple. Leftovers stay good for lunch the next day. It's an easy, healthy dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Yellow Tempeh Curry

Tempeh soaks up coconut milk and spices while holding its shape. Serve with rice or quinoa for a full plate. It's hearty without feeling heavy. This is a practical plant-based dinner.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Tempeh Curry

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A basket containing fried chicken and french fries, wrapped in newspaper-style paper, is placed on a wooden table. — Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Chicken stays juicy from a buttermilk soak and crisps evenly when baked or fried. The coating keeps its crunch until the last piece. Pair with roasted vegetables or salad. It's ideal for weekend dinners.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Thai Shrimp Coconut Curry Soup

A bowl of shrimp and rice soup garnished with cilantro, accompanied by lime halves on the side. — Thai Shrimp Coconut Curry Soup. Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

Shrimp cooks fast in coconut milk with a touch of spice. It feels rich without weighing you down. Serve with rice or bread for a complete meal. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Thai Shrimp Coconut Curry Soup

Green Lentil Shepherd's Pie

Slice of lentil shepherd's pie on a white plate, topped with a sprig of thyme, with a fork beside it. — Green Lentil Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Lentils and vegetables form a hearty base under a smooth potato layer. It feels filling without being heavy. Uses common ingredients and reheats well for meal prep. It's a plant-based dinner that works for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Green Lentil Shepherd's Pie

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