21 Protein-Packed Dinners to Keep You Feeling Fuller, Longer

Protein is the key to staying full and keeping your energy up throughout the day, and these dinners make that easy. With each of these recipes, you’re not just getting a tasty meal, you’re making sure you won’t be reaching for a snack an hour later. From hearty meats to flavorful seafood, these dishes pack in the protein you need to keep going strong.

Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

A one-pan cashew chicken meal that’s ready in minutes. The fresh basil and savory-sweet sauce make it an easy go-to for a protein-packed dinner that’s flavorful and fast.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

Elk Burgers

Ground elk meat, combined with simple spices, makes for a juicy and flavorful burger. This high-protein option is great for grilling and brings a bit of variety to your typical burger night.
Get the Recipe: Elk Burgers

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Marinated in garlic and ginger, these air fryer salmon bites come out tender and flavorful. The marinade doubles as a dipping sauce, making this an easy and protein-packed meal for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Cod Piccata

A seafood twist on the classic piccata, this cod dish is pan-fried and topped with capers and lemon juice. It’s a simple yet high-protein dinner that’s perfect when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

These chicken leg quarters roast in the air fryer in under 25 minutes. With crispy skin and juicy meat, this high-protein meal is quick and easy for a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Sweet & Spicy Indian Chicken

Yogurt-marinated chicken finished with a sweet maple syrup glaze. This protein-rich chicken dinner is a burst of flavor and will easily become a weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Indian Chicken

Ground Beef Stir Fry

A quick, one-pan ground beef stir fry with fresh vegetables and a homemade garlic ginger sauce. It’s a protein-packed meal that’s healthier and faster than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Baked Sablefish

Honey lime sablefish, also called black cod, is paired with a spicy jalapeño and corn salsa. It’s an easy and protein-rich dish that’s simple to prepare but doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sablefish

Sheet Pan Roasted Peri Peri Chicken

This peri peri chicken is loaded with spices and cooked flat on one sheet pan for easy preparation. Ready in just 35 minutes, this high-protein option simplifies dinner without compromising on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Peri Peri Chicken

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Grilled chicken stuffed with ham, pineapple, and smoked cheese, then glazed with teriyaki sauce. This protein-rich meal delivers plenty of flavor with minimal prep, perfect for switching things up.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Air Fryer Skirt Steak

Skirt steak is juicy and cooked in minutes when made in the air fryer. It’s a great solution for enjoying steak when grilling isn’t an option. A protein-packed meal without much hassle, and it’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Skirt Steak

Venison Meatballs

These tender venison meatballs, baked to perfection, pair well with your favorite pasta for a hearty, high-protein dinner. No gamey taste here, just pure comfort on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Venison Meatballs

Instant Pot Coconut Pork

This coconut pork, cooked with spices like turmeric and ginger, is rich in flavor and incredibly tender. The Instant Pot cuts down on cooking time, making it a convenient, protein-packed dinner when served over turmeric ginger rice.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Pork

Air Fryer Ribeye

Ribeye steak cooked in the air fryer brings tender, juicy meat with minimal effort. A high-protein steak dinner that comes together fast, with simple seasonings to let the flavor shine.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye

Sticky Thai Chicken

These sticky Thai chicken thighs are ready in just 30 minutes and full of flavor. An easy, high-protein dinner option that’s great for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Thai Chicken

Sheet Pan Turmeric Salmon

A simple sheet pan recipe featuring turmeric salmon with a quick garlic cherry sauce and roasted broccoli. It’s an easy-to-make, protein-rich meal that also happens to be wholesome and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Turmeric Salmon

Pecan Crusted Chicken

Pecan-crusted chicken with a honey dijon yogurt sauce. Crunchy, packed with flavor, and loaded with protein, this quick dinner is sure to be a hit at the table.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken

Cream Cheese Chicken

This cream cheese chicken, seasoned with five spices, is perfect for a rich and savory weeknight meal. A hearty protein-packed option to mix things up from the usual dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Air Fryer Scallops

These air fryer scallops cook up in just minutes with a tender bite and a lightly seared exterior. The chive, garlic, and lemon butter sauce adds a nice balance, giving you a restaurant-quality meal at home that’s quick and easy. Perfect for a high-protein option that doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Scallops

Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

This one-skillet turmeric chicken paired with chickpeas is a filling, protein-packed dinner you can have ready in under 30 minutes. Serve it over rice for a complete meal that’s both convenient and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Blackened Cod

Using simple seasonings and a quick pan-sear, this blackened cod recipe brings flavorful fish to your table with minimal prep. It’s a high-protein choice that works for any busy night.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod