10+ Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes Healthy High Protein for Busy Nights

Busy weeknights can make it hard to prepare healthy meals, but quick and easy dinner recipes can help you stay on track. These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy delicious meals without spending too much time in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up filling dishes that nourish your body.

When you’re short on time, nutritious meals might seem challenging to create. Fortunately, there are plenty of tasty options that can be ready in 30 minutes or less. These quick recipes not only help you meet your protein needs, but they also provide energy for your busy lifestyle.

1) Grilled Chicken with Edamame Salad

Grilled Chicken with Edamame Salad is a simple and healthy dinner option. This dish is packed with protein and vibrant flavors. You’ll enjoy the crunch of fresh vegetables paired with tender grilled chicken.

For the salad, combine cooked edamame, diced red bell peppers, and shredded carrots. Toss everything together for a colorful mix. You can add a light dressing made from olive oil and lemon juice to enhance the taste.

The grilled chicken completes this meal with lean protein. Season the chicken with your choice of spices and grill until cooked through.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup cooked edamame
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375°F/190°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
4. In a bowl, mix the cooked edamame, red bell pepper, and shredded carrots.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then toss to combine.
6. Slice the grilled chicken and serve it on top of the salad. Enjoy!

2) One-Pan Beef & Broccoli Skillet

This One-Pan Beef & Broccoli Skillet is a quick and healthy dinner option. It’s packed with protein and takes just 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll love the mix of tender beef and crisp broccoli.

Start by cooking lean beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and soy sauce for flavor. Toss in fresh broccoli until it’s bright green and tender.

Serve it right from the skillet for a simple meal. You can enjoy this dish alone or pair it with rice for extra carbs.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) of lean beef
• 2 cups (150 g) broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned.
3. Stir in garlic and soy sauce, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Add broccoli and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.

3) Eggs with Cottage Cheese Scramble

This dish is simple and packed with protein. You’ll combine scrambled eggs and cottage cheese for a fluffy, creamy meal. It’s perfect for a quick dinner.

To start, crack a few eggs into a bowl. Add a scoop of cottage cheese for extra protein and creaminess. Whisk them together until well mixed.

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Pour in your egg mixture and let it sit for a moment before gently stirring. Continue cooking until the eggs are fluffy and fully cooked.

Serve your eggs warm. You can add some herbs or veggies for extra flavor if you like.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: herbs or veggies

Cooking Instructions

1. Crack eggs into a bowl.
2. Mix in cottage cheese.
3. Heat skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
4. Pour in the egg mixture.
5. Stir gently until fully cooked.
6. Serve warm.

4) Baked Chicken Enchiladas

Baked chicken enchiladas are a quick and tasty dinner option. You can make them with simple ingredients, and they are packed with protein. These enchiladas are perfect for busy weeknights.

To make them, start with shredded chicken, corn tortillas, and your favorite cheese. You can add veggies for extra nutrition. A homemade enchilada sauce brings everything together.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 1 cup black beans (optional)
• Chopped bell peppers (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a baking dish, spread a little enchilada sauce on the bottom.
3. Fill each tortilla with chicken, cheese, and beans.
4. Roll them up and place them seam-side down in the dish.
5. Pour the remaining sauce on top and sprinkle with more cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly. Enjoy!

5) Protein-Packed Grain Bowls

Protein-packed grain bowls are a great way to create a healthy and balanced dinner. You can mix grains with proteins and fresh veggies for a filling meal. They are also very easy to prepare.

Start with a base of whole grains like quinoa or brown rice. Then, add a protein source such as grilled chicken, chickpeas, or black beans.

Next, throw in colorful vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and spinach. You can top it all with your favorite dressing for extra flavor.

These bowls are not only nutritious but also versatile. Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa (or brown rice)
• 1 cup protein (grilled chicken, chickpeas, or black beans)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, cucumbers, spinach)
• Dressing of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions.
2. Grill or prepare your protein source.
3. Chop the vegetables.
4. Combine everything in a bowl and add dressing.

6) Quick Greek Yogurt Parfait

A Quick Greek Yogurt Parfait is a delicious and healthy option for dinner. It combines creamy Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, and crunchy granola in a simple recipe. You can customize it with your favorite fruits for a special touch.

Start by layering Greek yogurt in a bowl or cup. Next, add a layer of your choice of fruit, like berries or bananas. Top it off with some granola for crunch.

This parfait is not only tasty but also packed with protein, making it a great way to end your day on a healthy note.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup fresh fruit (berries, banana, etc.)
• 1/4 cup granola
• Honey or maple syrup (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl or cup, add Greek yogurt as the first layer.
2. Add your chosen fruit on top of the yogurt.
3. Sprinkle granola over the fruit.
4. Drizzle honey or maple syrup if desired.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

7) Slow Cooker Chicken Tenders

Slow cooker chicken tenders are a fantastic option for a quick and easy dinner. They are tender, juicy, and packed with protein. Plus, they require minimal effort to prepare.

To make them, start with chicken tenders, some seasoning, and your favorite sauce. You can use items like garlic, salt, and pepper for flavor.

Set your slow cooker on low for about 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken will be ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds of chicken tenders
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup of your favorite sauce (like BBQ or teriyaki)

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the chicken tenders in the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
3. Pour the sauce on top.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
5. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

8) Homemade Hamburger Helper

You can create a tasty and healthy version of Hamburger Helper right at home. This dish is quick to make and packed with protein. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights.

Start with lean ground beef or turkey to keep it light. You’ll also add macaroni, cheese, and some veggies for extra nutrition. This meal can be ready in about 20 minutes!

You can customize it with your favorite spices and ingredients. Try adding diced tomatoes or spinach for more flavor and nutrients.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
• 2 cups macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned.
2. Add the macaroni and beef broth. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
4. Stir in the cheese, diced tomatoes, and spinach. Cook until cheese melts.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

9) 20-Minute BBQ Chicken Slaw

This quick recipe combines shredded rotisserie chicken with delicious BBQ flavors. It is perfect for busy nights when you want something healthy and tasty.

Start with cooked rotisserie chicken. Mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce to add a burst of flavor. For crunch, toss in some fresh coleslaw mix, which can include cabbage and carrots.

To add creaminess, use low-calorie Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. This keeps it high in protein and light. Finally, garnish with pickles for an extra zing.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 cups coleslaw mix
• 1/4 cup low-calorie Greek yogurt
• Pickles, to taste

10) Macro-Friendly Baked Tacos

Macro-friendly baked tacos are a quick and easy dinner option. You can use lean ground chicken or beef to keep the protein high and fat lower. These tacos are hearty and satisfying.

Start with corn tortillas for a healthier base. Layer them with your choice of protein, cheese, and veggies. Top with homemade seasoning for extra flavor. Then, bake them until crispy and delicious.

Not only are these tacos tasty, but they’re also perfect for meal prep. You can make them in batches and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken or lean ground beef
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 packet taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
• Chopped onions and peppers (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brown the ground chicken or beef in a skillet.
3. Add taco seasoning and a little water. Then, cook until well mixed.
4. Assemble the tacos in a baking dish with tortillas, filling, and cheese.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly. Enjoy!