When you’re hungry and need something that actually fills you up, high-protein meals are where it’s at. These recipes aren’t just quick; they’re packed with the kind of protein that keeps you feeling full and satisfied without making you regret what you ate. Whether it’s chicken, shrimp, or beef, these dishes bring all the flavor and help avoid the dreaded post-dinner snack attack. In 30 minutes or less, you’ll have a meal that fuels your evening and tastes great.
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
One-skillet turmeric chicken with chickpeas is a fast way to pack in protein and flavor. Serve it over rice for a quick, satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
Cream Cheese Chicken
Cream cheese chicken is anything but boring. With five spices and a creamy sauce, it’s a high-protein dinner that’ll make you forget it’s a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken
Greek Shrimp Skillet
Shrimp, tomatoes, spinach, and feta come together in this protein-loaded skillet. It’s ready in 30 minutes and packed with bold Mediterranean flavors.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
Crispy skin and juicy meat in under 25 minutes? These air fryer chicken leg quarters are high in protein and super easy to whip up any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
Sweet & Spicy Indian Chicken
This sweet and spicy Indian chicken with yogurt and maple glaze is quick, full of flavor, and rich in protein. It’s a go-to for a fast, no-fuss chicken dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Indian Chicken
Blackened Mahi Mahi
With a homemade seasoning and a few minutes under the broiler, this blackened mahi mahi is a perfect way to get a high-protein dinner without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Mahi Mahi
Dijon Almond Crusted Tilapia
This pan-fried tilapia is a protein-packed meal ready in just 10 minutes. The almond crust adds crunch without extra hassle, making it a great go-to for quick dinners.
Get the Recipe: Dijon Almond Crusted Tilapia
Asian Turkey Burger Salad
Juicy turkey burgers on a salad with creamy peanut dressing make for a high-protein, flavor-packed meal. A perfect choice for a fresh, quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Asian Turkey Burger Salad
Ground Beef Stir Fry
This ground beef stir fry is a one-pan dinner loaded with veggies and protein. With a quick garlic-ginger sauce, it’s a faster, healthier take on takeout.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry
Gochujang Chicken
This 30-minute gochujang chicken brings bold flavors and a protein punch. It’s a great option when you’re craving something quick and satisfying with a spicy kick.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken
Bacon Wrapped Salmon
Need something quick but fancy? Bacon-wrapped salmon is perfect for a high-protein dinner that looks impressive without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon
Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
No need to thaw! Toss frozen salmon in the air fryer, add a maple mustard sauce, and you’ve got a quick, protein-packed meal that’s ready in a snap.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Blackened Cod
This blackened cod uses simple spices and a quick sear, giving you a high-protein meal in minutes. It’s great for when you want something fast but packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod
Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet
This Thai-inspired chicken skillet combines cashews and basil for a one-pan, protein-packed dinner that’s great for weeknights when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet
Jalapeño Chicken
Bite-sized chicken pieces cooked with jalapeños in a sweet and salty sauce make this dish a spicy, protein-rich option perfect for a fast weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Chicken
Reuben Strip Steak
All the best parts of a Reuben sandwich on a juicy strip steak. Pile on Swiss, Russian dressing, and sauerkraut for a dinner that’s packed with protein and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Strip Steak
Grilled Ham Steak
Grilled ham steak is a simple but protein-loaded meal. A quick glaze of rosemary, maple, and Dijon gives it a perfect flavor boost with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ham Steak
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Thinly sliced beef and broccoli make this stir-fry a quick, protein-rich option that’s faster than takeout. Plus, it’s way tastier.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet
This 4-ingredient buffalo turkey skillet is loaded with protein and flavor. It’s a great weeknight meal and makes an easy meal-prep option, too.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Taco seasoning and ground beef come together for a simple, high-protein skillet meal. It’s a 30-minute dinner you can throw together with pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Pecan Crusted Chicken
Crunchy pecans and a honey dijon sauce take this chicken to the next level. Packed with protein, this is a dinner that’s easy to make and hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
