Sometimes it can be challenging to come up with delicious protein-packed recipes, especially when you’re super busy. You need them to be quick, simple and to taste good. Well, this is exactly what we’ve got here. 21 mouthwatering ultra easy high-protein meals that will fuel your body and keep you healthy and satisfied.
We’ve all heard that protein is essential for maintaining a healthy body and reaching our fitness goals, whether it’s losing weight or gaining muscle.
This micronutrient, however, is so much more than that! Proteins build and repair the tissues in our bodies; they also work as enzymes and hormones, which are essential for metabolic processes; and as antibodies, they are a part of our immune system.
Protein also serves as a critical component for muscle gain and maintenance by providing the amino acids needed for muscle protein synthesis and helping optimal muscle recovery. Which is important to get super fit, but also helps us stay healthy when we get older.
So if you want to get more protein into your diet, here are some easy healthy meals to start with!
High-Protein Chicken Recipes
Let’s start with the obvious protein source – chicken!
1. Protein-Packed Chicken and Chickpea Soup
Kcal: 284 | Protein: 26g per serving
The ingredients for the soup include shredded chicken, canned chickpeas, shredded veggies, and noodles (optional).
2. Spicy Roasted Veg Chicken Bowls
Kcal: 445 | Protein: 43g per serving
These will become a favorite addition to your high-protein diet. Packed with flavor and easy-to-make, these bowls are perfect for meal prepping and clean eating.
3. Cauliflower Chicken Fried Rice
Kcal: 483 | Protein: 43g per serving
This one is a healthier homemade alternative to takeout fried rice. The cauliflower and chicken make this gluten- and dairy-free dinner a great source of protein.
4. Leftover Chicken Gyro Bowls
Kcal: 592 | Protein: 40g per serving
If you are in the mood for a high-protein Mediterranean dish, you should totally go for these leftover chicken gyros bowls! They’re quick, easy, and delicious.
5. One-Pan Chicken, Rice and Spinach
Kcal: 319 | Protein: 35g per serving
This meal is basically the definition of comfort food and it’s packed with protein and other healthy things like chickpeas and spinach.
6. Creamy Chicken and Vegetables
Kcal: 573 | Protein: 52g per serving
This is a one-pan low-carb dinner idea that is full of protein, veggies and flavor.
7. Shredded Chicken Tacos
Kcal: 536 | Protein: 41g per serving
You can make these healthier baked shredded chicken tacos with any type of leftover chicken, even rotisserie will work! It’s a healthy satisfying meal.
8. Super Healthy Cobb Salad
Kcal: 634 | Protein: 54g per serving
This high-protein Cobb salad is a must-try for everyone who wants a healthy, satisfying lunch that won’t put them in sleep mode! Rich in fiber and antioxidants, the recipe is paleo, low carb, gluten-, nut-, dairy-, grain-, and sugar-free.
9. Chicken Barley Soup
Kcal: 396 | Protein: 46g per serving
Homemae chicken soup is classic comfort food! But did you know it’s also scientifically proven to be good for you, especially when you are sick? Just one more reason to make this tasty protein-packed meal for the week ahead!
High-Protein Recipes With Ground Meat
Lean ground meat like beef or ground turkey is a great source of protein! Here are some suggestions, including easy one-pot meals and meatballs!
10. Healthy Ground Beef and Mushrooms
Kcal: 375 | Protein: 35g per serving
This 15-minute ground beef and mushrooms recipe is one of the easiest high-protein meals EVER and it’s perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll love how tasty and easy it is to make such a nutrient-dense dish.
11. Ground Turkey Meatballs
Kcal: 328 | Protein: 30g per serving
Healthy turkey meatballs recipe without breadcrumbs! These are made with ground turkey, garlic, basil, pesto, zucchini, and mozzarella cheese!
12. Easy Chili Con Carne
Kcal: 568 | Protein: 42g per serving
You can make this absolutely delicious high-protein chili con carn in just 30 minutes and use as a meal prep. The one-pot recipe incorporates canned white and black beans, ground beef, tomatoes, onion, garlic, spices, and corn.
13. Anti-Inflammatory Ground Turkey Mushroom Soup
Kcal: 310 | Protein: 32g per serving
This healing ground turkey and mushroom soup is a great protein-packed meal for any day of the week. Made with anti-inflammatory ingredients, it is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and is delicious!
High-Protein Seafood Recipes
If you love shrimp or fish, these meals will be a great choice to get more protein from your diet!
14. Shrimp and Zucchini in Tomato Garlic Sauce
Kcal: 289 | Protein: 36g per serving
This easy and delicious shrimp and zucchini in garlic tomato sauce recipe is another one-pan dish that only takes 15 minutes to cook, with minimal clean-up. It is a naturally low-carb, paleo, gluten-, and dairy-free!
15. Spicy Shrimp and Chickpea Salad
Kcal: 383 | Protein: 36g per serving
Make your own spicy shrimp and chickpea salad in no time with this easy recipe. It is a nutritious high-protein lunch option!
16. Clean Eating Salmon Lettuce Wraps
Kcal: 466 | Protein: 43g per serving
These fresh salmon lettuce wraps make an easy light, protein-packed dinner or lunch! Perfect if you’re also looking for anti-inflammatory meals!
17. 5-Minute Easy Tuna Salad
Kcal: 125 | Protein: 10g per serving
Make this super easy tuna salad with five affordable ingredients in just five minutes. It is one of the fastest high-protein meals you can prep for lunch, and it’s creamy, savory and just SO tasty!
Vegetarian High-Protein Meals
These high-protein vegetarian recipes are perfect for healthy breakfasts or quick dinners! The main sources of protein are legumes like tofu or beans, hemp seeds as well as eggs!
18. Cabbage Tofu Stir-Fry
Kcal: 476 | Protein: 29g per serving
Make this healthy dinner recipe with tofu and veggies in just 15 minutes using simple ingredients!
19. Eggs And Cauliflower
Kcal: 339 | Protein: 17g per serving
This super easy breakfast idea might sound like a weird combo, but it is satisfying and packed with essential nutrients!
20. High-Protein Breakfast Smoothie
Kcal: 245 | Protein: 12g per serving
Combine the power of protein with the power of greens and you’ve got an amazing healthy smoothie! No protein powder required – this one is made with whole foods only!
21. High-Protein Vegan Breakfast Toasts
Kcal: 127 | Protein: 7g per serving
Combine high-protein foods like chickpeas, spinach and hemp seeds to make these amazing vegan toasts for breakfast! A great option if you’re plant-based or can’t have eggs.