18 High-Protein Dinners the Whole Family Will Love

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts

This simple yet delicious recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a zesty lemon herb marinade for a refreshing and protein-packed dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 lemons, juiced and zested
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, mix lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate chicken breasts in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.

Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers

Packed with protein and fiber, these stuffed peppers are a colorful, healthy, and satisfying meal option for the entire family.

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
3. In a bowl, combine quinoa, black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff peppers with the mixture and place in a baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.

Balsamic Glazed Salmon

This balsamic glazed salmon is a quick and healthy dinner that's full of flavor and sure to please seafood lovers.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush fillets with balsamic mixture.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon is cooked through and glaze is caramelized.

Chickpea and Spinach Curry

A creamy chickpea and spinach curry that's rich in plant-based protein and ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large pan, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
2. Add curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in chickpeas, spinach, and coconut milk.
4. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the curry is thickened.
5. Serve hot over rice or quinoa.

Honey Mustard Pork Chops

These tender pork chops are coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, making them an irresistible dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 4 pork chops
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix honey, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Place pork chops in a baking dish and pour sauce over them.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until pork is cooked through and golden brown.

Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

This hearty vegetarian shepherd’s pie swaps traditional meat for protein-rich lentils and comforting sweet potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils, cooked
• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Sauté onion and carrots until softened.
3. Mix in lentils, broth, tomato paste, salt, and pepper; simmer until thickened.
4. Spread mixture in a baking dish and top with mashed sweet potatoes.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Garlic Herb Shrimp Skewers

These easy-to-make shrimp skewers are infused with garlic and herbs, making them a delightful protein-rich option for family gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Mix olive oil, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Toss shrimp in the marinade and let sit for 15 minutes.
3. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
4. Grill on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp is opaque.
5. Serve immediately.

Turkey and Vegetable Stir-Fry

This colorful stir-fry is loaded with lean turkey and vibrant vegetables, offering a quick and nutritious dinner solution.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Cooking method:

1. In a large pan, heat sesame oil and cook garlic and ginger until fragrant.
2. Add turkey and cook until browned.
3. Stir in vegetables and soy sauce, cooking until veggies are tender-crisp.
4. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto Chicken

A light and flavorful dish that combines zucchini noodles with pesto-coated chicken for a high-protein, low-carb dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis, spiralized
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper and sauté in olive oil until cooked through.
2. Remove chicken and toss zucchini noodles in the same pan for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Slice chicken and mix with pesto sauce.
4. Serve chicken over zucchini noodles.

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This classic dish features tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce, perfect for a quick and tasty protein boost.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef sirloin, sliced thin
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Cooking method:

1. Toss beef with soy sauce and cornstarch.
2. Stir-fry beef and garlic in a hot pan until browned.
3. Add broccoli and oyster sauce, cooking until veggies are bright green and tender.
4. Serve immediately over rice.