35 EASY, HIGH-PROTEIN WEEKNIGHT DINNER RECIPES
on Mar 31, 2025
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Finding simple, high-protein recipes that the whole family will love that can be whipped up quickly without sacrificing flavor is a job in and of itself. Weeknights can get busy, and spending hours in the kitchen just isn’t always realistic.
These 35 recipes are perfect for those hectic evenings when you need something that comes together in no time but still leaves everyone satisfied.
From hearty stir-fries and protein-packed bowls, these dishes are all about simplicity and nourishing ingredients.
Healthy, High-Protein Dinner Recipes For Weeknights
What I love about these recipes is that they’re super versatile and they’re all high in protein. These recipes are designed to be low-fuss, with minimal prep and clean-up. And I have a full category of high-protein recipes if you need even more inspo!
I hope these easy, high-protein weeknight meals make your evenings a little less stressful and a lot more delicious!
Let me know which ones you end up trying and which ones are your family’s favorites – I’d love to hear your feedback!
SPICY SALMON SUSHI BOWLS
Marinated spicy salmon is served over tender sushi rice with pickled, crispy cucumbers, then topped with edamame, nori strips, sesame seeds, and spicy mayo for a crave-worthy bowl!
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ONE SKILLET SAUCY BEEF AND BROCCOLI
This one-skillet saucy beef and broccoli comes together in just 15 minutes and delivers the perfect balance of sticky, slightly sweet, and tangy flavors!
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VIRAL CHUCK ROAST
My most popular recipe to date, this chuck roast recipe is 3 ingredients (salt, pepper, and meat), and is cooked low and slow then crisped to perfection for the last 30 minutes of baking time. If you haven't tried this one yet, here's your sign!
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VIRAL CHUCK ROAST TACOS
My second most popular recipe to date turns my most popular recipe into tacos! The same simple cooking method from my Viral Chuck Roast is used here, then served alongside a full taco bar… What more could the family want?!
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CHICKEN POWER BOWLS WITH LEMON TAHINI SAUCE
This meal comes together easily with oven-baked chicken and roasted sweet potatoes cooked on the same sheet pan. Served over massaged kale and riced cauliflower, all topped with a lemony tahini dressing!
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EASY SHEET PAN CHICKEN FAJITAS
Chicken thighs, peppers, and red onion are tossed in a smoky, savory spice rub and roasted together on a single sheet pan, and dinner's ready in under 30 minutes!
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MUSTARD SALMON WITH LEMONY QUINOA AND BURST CHERRY TOMATOES
Roasted salmon fillets cook alongside cherry tomatoes and lemon quarters and are served over quinoa and arugula for a well-balanced, tangy, nutritious meal!
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LOADED VEGGIE SALSA VERDE WHITE BEAN CHICKEN CHILI
This one-pot chicken chili is hearty, warming, and packed with protein, making it the ultimate comfort food. It’s a simple yet super flavorful recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat for weeknights!
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GLUTEN-FREE DAIRY-FREE CHICKEN PICCATA
Lightly seared chicken breasts are served with a creamy dairy-free lemon sauce with capers for a simple flavorful weeknight meal!
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DAIRY-FREE MARRY ME CHICKEN
This dairy-free take on Marry Me Chicken features pan-seared chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that’s just as delicious as the classic!
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SAUCY SOY-FREE TERIYAKI CHICKEN THIGHS
This saucy, sweet, and tangy soy-free teriyaki sauce transforms chicken thighs into a flavor-packed meal with very little effort and no need to marinate ahead of time!
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SKILLET CHICKEN THIGHS WITH MUSHROOM GRAVY
This was my most popular recipe of 2023 and for good reason! Pan-seared chicken simmers in a rich, savory mushroom gravy made with onions, chicken broth, and tamari for a truly irresistible saucy dish.
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8-MINUTE ZESTY GARLIC BROILED SALMON WITH CAPERS
This recipe is all about minimal effort with maximum flavor! A bright, savory sauce made with garlic, Dijon, honey, capers, and lemon keeps the salmon moist and delicious, while broiling gives it a perfect restaurant-style sear – no skillet required!
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20-MINUTE ROTISSERIE CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP
This hearty chicken tortilla soup is packed with bold Mexican flavors and over 36 grams of protein per serving. Thanks to a rotisserie chicken, it’s a super easy, satisfying meal that makes prioritizing protein both delicious and effortless!
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FRENCH ONION CHICKEN
This one-pan dish delivers rich, savory flavors with seared chicken thighs, caramelized onions, thyme, and garlic. Instead of heavy cream, coconut milk and bone broth create a luscious, dairy-free sauce that’s so indulgent, you won’t even miss the classic French onion cheese pull!
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STICKY GLAZED CHICKEN GINGER MEATBALLS
Meatballs are an easy, no-fuss weeknight meal. Just mix the ingredients, roll them into balls, bake, and whip up a quick pan sauce for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner! This sticky, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce comes together in minutes and is delicious soaked into some jasmine rice.
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GROUND BEEF TACO SKILLET
Inspired by a love of tacos and the need for a one-pan meal, this Ground Chicken Taco Skillet is all the familiar flavors and completely customizable. Simply cook your protein, add Mexican spices, salsa, beans, and veggies, then top with shredded lettuce and avocado for a healthy, hearty meal that’s ready in no time!
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EASY DAIRY-FREE GROUND BEEF STROGANOFF
This Easy Dairy-Free Ground Beef Stroganoff simplifies the classic comfort food with ground beef for a cozy, weeknight-friendly meal. It’s a recipe passed down from my mother-in-law and we hope it becomes one you deem worthy of passing down!
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20 MINUTE ORANGE PORK STIR FRY
This Asian-inspired stir fry hits all the right notes, with crispy pork and colorful veggies creating a well-rounded dish. As the sauce bubbles and soaks into the protein and veggies, every bite becomes more delicious!
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SHEET PAN BAKED HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN THIGHS
Weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring, and these Sheet Pan Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs prove it! With a quick marinade in a sticky honey garlic sauce and minimal effort, you’ll have a flavorful, protein-packed meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
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ONE PAN SAUCY SKIRT STEAK STIR FRY
A stir fry is always a reliable go-to weeknight meal and this one is no exception! It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for using up leftover veggies. Skirt steak cooks quickly and stays juicy, soaking up the flavorful stir fry sauce.
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20-mINUTE GROUND TURKEY TERIYAKI STIR FRY
Ground meat doesn’t have to be boring, especially when it’s turned into a flavorful, protein-packed meal like this stir fry! Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for those days when dinner needs to be quick but delicious!
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THAI RED CURRY WITH CHICKEN
This gluten-free Thai Red Curry with Chicken is packed with protein and veggies, and it beats any takeout thanks to a secret from an authentic Thai chef. The curry paste blooms in creamy coconut milk, letting the flavors really shine as bite-sized chicken pieces cook in the rich sauce before you add in the crisp veggies.
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SAUCY SIMPLE PINEAPPLE CHICKEN
This Saucy Simple Pineapple Chicken is a healthier and tastier take on Chinese takeout, with a sweet and tangy sauce made with fresh pineapple juice, coconut aminos, honey, hot sauce, and ground ginger, coating crispy chicken and juicy pineapple cubes for a flavorful, satisfying meal.
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CHILI MAPLE GLAZED SALMON
Savory, smoky, and sweet, this Spicy Maple Salmon is a flavor-packed meal thanks to a super easy marinade, where smoked paprika and chili powder are balanced perfectly by maple syrup for a deliciously caramelized finish over warm rice.
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CHUCK ROAST CHILI
Smoky, savory, and ultra-hearty, this Chuck Roast Chili is comfort food at its best. Instead of ground beef, chuck roast slowly cooks down into tender, flavorful bites, making it the perfect cozy meal for a cozy night!
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SKILLET CHICKEN AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Seared chicken thighs, tender butternut squash, and hearty kale come together in this quick and simple one-skillet meal. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner – packed with flavor from fresh herbs, is easy to make, and best of all, has minimal cleanup!
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SHEET PAN BALSAMIC CHICKEN AND ROOT VEGETABLES
Crispy chicken thighs and roasted seasonal veggies make this easy sheet pan meal a cozy, hearty dinner – perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and just one pan, it’s so easy, delicious, and customizable!
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CHIMICHURRI CHICKEN THIGHS
Seared chicken thighs are tossed in a fresh, vibrant chimichurri sauce made with parsley, lemon, garlic, and shallots. This easy, flavor-packed dish is perfect for a summer meal with minimal effort!
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WEEKNIGHT STOEVTOP MEATBALLS
Tender, flavorful meatballs simmer in a bright, garlicky marinara sauce for the ultimate spaghetti and meatballs! This dairy-free, gluten-free version swaps breadcrumbs for oats and gets a dairy-free cheesy boost from nutritional yeast!
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HEALTHIER SLOPPY JOES
This Healthier Sloppy Joes Bowl is a childhood classic with a nutritious twist – packed with hidden veggies, protein-rich ground beef, and a low-sugar, ketchup-based sauce. It’s a simple, gluten-free, and dairy-free meal that’s just as comforting as you remember!
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BRAISED PORK WITH SAUERKRAUT AND APPLES
This slow-braised pork roast with onions, apples, and sauerkraut cooks low and slow ensuring tender, juicy meat with a delicious balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
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STICKY PORK LETTUCE WRAPS
These Sticky Saucy Pork Lettuce Wraps are a quick, flavor-packed handheld meal with a sweet and slightly spicy Asian-inspired sauce. Ground pork, bell peppers, carrots, and onions soak up a saucy glaze of bone broth, tamari, fresh ginger, and sriracha for the perfect bite!
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BROILED HONEY SRIRACHA SALMON
This Broiled Honey Sriracha Salmon is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with the sriracha adding a kick to the rich salmon flavor. It only takes eight minutes under the broiler, making it a quick, healthy, and satisfying weeknight meal, especially when paired with precooked frozen rice for an effortless dinner in no time!
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SAUCY BRAISED GINGER CHICKEN THIGHS AND BROCCOLI
This Saucy Braised Ginger Chicken Thighs and Broccoli is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner option. The ginger-garlic marinade, packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric and honey, creates a sticky, savory sauce that brings out the best in the chicken and broccoli.
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