28 High-Protein Dinners That Crush Late-Night Cravings

Late-night cravings can hit hard, and it's tempting to reach for snacks that don't do much for you. That's why I love having high-protein dinner ideas that keep me full and satisfied long after the meal is over. These recipes are hearty, easy to make, and perfect for ending the day on a strong note without those late-night trips to the kitchen.

A plate with roasted pork, sliced carrots, and potatoes on a woven mat, with a fork and knife beside the dish. A slow cooker is partially visible in the background. — Slow Cooker Pork Roast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Sliced ham with orange slices and grapes, garnished with parsley on a platter. — Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This sweet and tangy ham is quick to make and full of bold flavor. The orange glaze adds a fresh twist, making it a crowd-pleaser. With a high protein punch, it's a solid option to ward off late-night cravings. The air fryer cuts down cooking time without compromising on taste. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

A bowl of meat and green peppers with a spoon. — Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Juicy and packed with bold flavors, these garlic butter steak bites are a fantastic way to hit your protein goals. They're ready in minutes and perfect for those nights when you need a quick dinner fix. The rich, savory coating makes them hard to beat. Pair them with a simple vegetable side or serve over rice. Ideal for evenings when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate with a fork. — Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This meatloaf brings hearty comfort to the table with its rich, flavorful profile. It's loaded with protein, making it perfect for dinner when you need something filling. The straightforward prep makes it an easy weeknight go-to. Serve it with mashed potatoes or green beans for a balanced meal. It's a family favorite that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Steak Pizzaiola

Fried steak topped with a chunky tomato and basil sauce, served on a white plate. — Steak Pizzaiola. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Steak Pizzaiola brings bold Italian flavors to your plate with its rich tomato sauce and tender steak. This high-protein dinner is perfect when you're looking for something hearty and flavorful. The recipe is simple yet feels special enough for a weekend meal. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce or over pasta. It delivers big on both taste and satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Steak Pizzaiola

Slow Cooker Pork Roast

This pork roast is slow-cooked until tender and flavorful, making it a great protein-packed option for dinner. Perfect for days when you need a meal ready without constant attention. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with fall-apart meat. Serve it with potatoes or steamed vegetables for a hearty plate. It's the kind of meal that fills the house with comforting aromas.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Roast

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Plate of crispy chicken pieces with walnuts and green onions, served next to white rice on a patterned cloth with a fork. — Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dish combines crispy shrimp with a sweet honey glaze and crunchy walnuts for a satisfying bite. Packed with protein, it's great for keeping evening hunger in check. It's simple to prepare but looks and tastes impressive. Serve it over rice for a balanced plate. Perfect when you're craving something both savory and slightly sweet.
Get the Recipe: Honey Walnut Shrimp

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

This baked fish is light yet loaded with protein, making it an excellent dinner choice. The lemon butter sauce adds brightness without overpowering the dish. It's quick to prepare and bakes in no time, making it ideal for weeknights. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or rice. Perfect for when you want a wholesome meal without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Pork chops on a plate with rosemary sprigs. — Pan-Fried Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These pork chops are perfectly seared for a crispy outside and tender inside. High in protein, they're a great choice for dinner when you're looking for something hearty. Quick and straightforward, they come together in minutes on the stovetop. Serve with your favorite sides for a balanced plate. Great for busy evenings when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Pork 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 in the air fryer turn out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. They're packed with protein and perfect for a satisfying dinner. The air fryer cuts down on cooking time without sacrificing flavor. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and side dishes. Great for nights when you need something easy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

These pork chops are slow-cooked to tender perfection, making them a great protein-packed dinner choice. Ideal for busy days, they practically cook themselves. The slow cooker ensures rich flavor without much effort. Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed veggies for a hearty plate. A dependable dinner option for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

A plate with steak, tomatoes and cucumbers on it. — Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Tender steak meets earthy mushrooms and a tangy balsamic sauce in this satisfying dinner option. Loaded with protein, it's perfect for nights when you need something filling. The bold flavors come together beautifully for a dish that feels fancy without the effort. Serve it over mashed potatoes or with a simple side salad. Perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

Oven Baked Pork Steaks

Oven baked pork steak on a plate with green beans and a fork on the side. — Oven Baked Pork Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These pork steaks bake to perfection, offering a hearty and protein-packed dinner option. The oven does all the work, making this recipe easy to handle. Serve with your favorite side dishes for a balanced plate. Perfect for when you're craving something filling but simple. Great for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Pork Steaks

Slow Cooker Beef Tips

A spoon holding chunks of beef in a rich, brown stew garnished with small pieces of green herbs. — Slow Cooker Beef Tips. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Beef tips slow-cooked until tender make for a comforting and protein-rich meal. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want dinner waiting for you. The slow cooking process brings out rich, hearty flavors. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice for a classic combination. A reliable dinner option that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

A piece of air fried chicken thigh on a fork, with a caramelized exterior and garnished with a small leaf, in focus against a blurred background of more chicken pieces. — Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These boneless chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and packed with protein. The air fryer makes cooking quick and hassle-free. Serve them with a side of veggies or rice for a well-rounded dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something simple and satisfying. A great choice to crush evening hunger without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

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.

These slow-cooked chicken thighs are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Packed with protein, they're great for keeping dinner hearty and filling. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, leaving you with a fuss-free meal. Serve with rice or vegetables for a complete dinner. Ideal for nights when you want comfort without the work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these air fryer chicken tenders are a quick and protein-packed dinner option. The air fryer keeps things simple and cuts down on cooking time. They're perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces. Serve with a side of fries or a fresh salad for a balanced plate. Great for weeknights when you need something fast but filling.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Korean Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry over rice. — Korean Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This beef and broccoli dish brings bold flavors and plenty of protein to the table. Ready in a snap, it's ideal for dinner when you're short on time. The savory sauce pairs perfectly with tender beef and crisp broccoli. Serve it over rice for a satisfying meal. A dependable choice for keeping evening cravings at bay.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Pouring savory sauce over a bowl of rice topped with beef and bell peppers. — Slow Cooker Pepper Steak. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Tender strips of beef and vibrant peppers come together in this high-protein slow cooker meal. The long cooking time ensures bold, rich flavors with minimal effort. It's a great option for busy days when you want dinner to cook itself. Serve over rice or noodles for a filling meal. Perfect for those nights when you're craving something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Cream Cheese Chicken

A plate with chicken and green beans on it. — Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This creamy chicken dish is loaded with protein, making it a fantastic dinner option. The rich sauce keeps it comforting without being overly complicated. It's easy to prepare and pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it over rice or pasta for a complete meal. Great for nights when you need a hearty, satisfying plate without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Ground Pork Stir Fry

A plate with ground pork and vegetables on top of cauliflower rice. — Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This stir fry is packed with protein and plenty of vibrant flavors. It's quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings. The mix of vegetables and seasoned pork offers a balanced and hearty meal. Serve over rice or noodles for a filling dinner. A great way to keep cravings in check with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

A bowl of rice and chicken in front of a crockpot. — Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This crockpot chicken combines savory and sweet flavors for a protein-rich dinner that's easy to prepare. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, making it a perfect choice for busy days. The flavors are bold without being overpowering. Serve it over rice or with a side of vegetables for a balanced plate. A dependable dinner that keeps hunger in check.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

Stuffed steak pinwheels sliced on platter. — Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These steak pinwheels are packed with protein and make dinner feel special. The flavorful stuffing adds a delicious twist without being overly complicated. They bake up beautifully, making them great for both weeknights and gatherings. Serve with roasted vegetables or a side salad for a complete plate. A hearty option for when you need something substantial.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

A skillet containing a stir-fried mix of ground meat, sliced bell peppers, leafy greens, and white sesame seeds, with a wooden spoon resting on the side. Plates with flatbreads are in the background. — Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This one-pan meal offers plenty of protein and hearty flavors. The combination of seasoned beef and cabbage makes for a balanced and filling dinner. It's quick to prepare and keeps cleanup minimal. Serve it as is or pair with a light side. Great for nights when you need something fast but filling.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Vegetarian French Platter

A colorful and hearty mix of protein-rich plant-based ingredients makes this platter a satisfying dinner option. It's versatile and easy to customize based on your preferences. Perfect for when you're looking for something lighter but still substantial. Pair it with bread or crackers for a complete meal. Ideal for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian French Platter

Kala Chana Chaat

This hearty chaat is packed with plant-based protein and bold flavors. It's easy to prepare and makes for a unique dinner option when you're craving something different. The combination of spices and ingredients keeps it exciting without being overly complicated. Serve it as a main dish or alongside grilled proteins. A filling meal that keeps you energized.
Get the Recipe: Kala Chana Chaat

Veggie Salad with Broccoli & Cauliflower

This veggie-packed salad offers plenty of crunch and protein for a light yet filling dinner option. The combination of broccoli and cauliflower keeps things hearty without feeling heavy. It's quick to toss together and pairs well with grilled proteins. Serve as a main or side dish depending on your appetite. A great way to keep things fresh while staying full.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Salad with Broccoli & Cauliflower

Tequila Lime Chicken

This flavorful chicken packs a punch and delivers plenty of protein for dinner. The marinade brings bold, tangy flavors that keep things exciting. It's quick to prepare and grills beautifully. Serve with rice or a simple salad for a balanced plate. Perfect for warm evenings or backyard dinners.
Get the Recipe: Tequila Lime Chicken

Orange Chicken

Sweet, tangy, and packed with protein, this orange chicken is a great option for dinner. It's quick to make and pairs well with rice or noodles. The bold sauce adds plenty of flavor without overwhelming the dish. Serve it with steamed veggies for a balanced plate. A dependable dinner choice when you need something hearty but not complicated.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken