If you’re like me and upping your protein intake, a meal can either make your day or break it. I mean, at some point, eating all of that protein is not that simple; it’s a challenge.

This summer I’m keeping my protein goals and been looking for some of my favorite recipes to add to the meal plan. These are the 40G+ protein meals I’m making.

1. Pineapple BBQ Chicken with Bacon

This is a perfect recipe to make if you’re really not much of a cook or just feeling extra lazy. All made just in one pan with minimal prep time.

For me, personally, pineapple and meat is my favorite combination for a dish, so if you’re like me, you’re absolutely going to love this no matter how good or bad of a cook you are!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 465
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 45g
• Carbs: 36g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Sugar: 28g

2. Baked Caesar Chicken

Let’s get cooking with a dish that combines comfort and elegance in every bite. It’s a tasty treat of tender, juicy chicken breast topped with tangy Caesar dressing, gooey parmesan, and a crispy crouton crust.

Best of all, it’s a lazy-to-make dish all in one casserole, so it won’t require a whole lot of cleaning.

My baked Caesar chicken is great on its own, but even better served with a side of roasted veggies, avocado salad, or garlic breadsticks.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 471
• Fats: 25g
• Protein: 51g
• Carbs: 6.6g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 1.1g

3. Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

Making a bold and zesty meal may sound like too much work when you’re feeling lazy. That’s when my buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl comes to the rescue.

It’s a filling, hearty dish of tender chicken, delicious Buffalo flavor, and creamy cottage cheese.

It’s so easy to make and is also great for meal prep, so make a batch and have meals on demand for the busy week ahead.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 483
• Fats: 23g
• Protein: 56g
• Carbs: 9.9g
• Fiber: 1.4g
• Sugar: 6.5g

4. Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice and Tomatoes

Are you dreaming of a getaway to an exotic Greek island? While the trip might not be on the calendar just yet, my fabulous Greek chicken with lemon rice and tomatoes brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right into your kitchen.

This dish combines juicy, seasoned chicken, zesty lemon-infused rice, fresh vegetables, and creamy feta cheese.

It’s a flavorful escape, perfect for a midweek meal when everyone needs a boost.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 660
• Fats: 29g
• Protein: 53g
• Carbs: 48g
• Fiber: 7.7g
• Sugar: 3.8g

5. Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Experience the bold, savory flavors of the Middle East in this easy slow-cooked meal. This high-protein, gluten-free bowl is the perfect, delicious, and healthy meal prep recipe.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 485
• Fats: 17.1g
• Protein: 48.9g
• Carbs: 37.2g
• Fiber: 3.4g
• Sugar: 6.4g

6. Crockpot Pesto Chicken

Who knew healthy and hearty could be this hands-off? My crockpot pesto chicken is simple, flavorful and uses only 8 ingredients (including salt and pepper).

Think – a delicious combo of tender chicken breasts, Roma tomatoes, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and of course – pesto! Serve it with brown rice, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 622
• Fats: 37g
• Protein: 60g
• Carbs: 11g
• Fiber: 2.7g
• Sugar: 5.5g

7. Fajita Chicken Casserole

Tired of the same dinner options? I get you!

When I need something quick and delicious, I rely on this fajita chicken casserole.

Tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and gooey mozzarella make this a household favorite. It’s gluten-free, low-carb, and easily modified for dietary needs.

Minimal prep, one dish, maximum flavor.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 363
• Fats: 13g
• Protein: 49g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fiber: 2.5g

8. One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

Complex, rich, aromatic flavors, simple steps, and a plate that’s always empty. If you don’t feel like cooking but want a delicious upmarket meal, try my one pan Balsamic chicken.

Imagine biting into a tender chicken breast that’s infused with the rich, tangy flavor of balsamic vinegar, topped with mozzarella and juicy grape tomatoes. Add even more fine-dining appeal with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or steamed asparagus.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 608
• Fats: 30g
• Protein: 63g
• Carbs: 19g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Sugar: 14g

9. Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

This dinner serves as a mini vacation when the fam needs a pick-me-up midweek.

Juicy chicken is baked with sweet pineapple, peppers, and onions, all tossed in a sticky-savory BBQ sauce that makes the kitchen smell amazing.

It’s colorful, packed with protein, and cleanup is a breeze since everything roasts in one sheet pan.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 399
• Fats: 11.7g
• Protein: 43g
• Carbs: 24g
• Fiber: 4.2g
• Sugar: 18g

10. Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

When the family craves pizza, I make this all-healthy cottage cheese pizza bowl that tastes just like a pepperoni pizza, without getting greasy and costly takeout.

It’s cheesy, creamy, tangy, and loaded with herbs and spices. To make it extra tempting – switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese topping.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 462
• Fats: 22g
• Protein: 43g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fiber: 6.1g
• Sugar: 14g

11. Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

This one-pan skillet meal features tender chicken and hearty, crispy roasted potatoes in a savory, buttery, garlic herb sauce, all made in one skillet.

It’s a super smart recipe for days when you have ‘no time’ but want to serve up a scrumptious, wholesome, comforting meal. 

Per Serving:

• Calories: 504
• Fats: 21g
• Protein: 43g
• Carbs: 37g
• Fiber: 4.6g
• Sugar: 5.2g

12. Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake

If you love Mexican flavors but want the protein and not the carbs, this is it. This salsa fresca chicken is so delicious, bold, flavorful yet has only 377 kcal per serving and 58g of protein.

It’s super easy to make and absolutely packed with a ton of protein! If you want to hit those macros and feel fuller with fewer calories, this is the meal to make.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 377
• Fats: 11g
• Protein: 58g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fiber: 2.2g
• Sugar: 4g

13. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

If you’re a lover of pasta evenings, this chicken orzo dinner is truly something special. It’s creamy, intense with sun-dried tomato flavors and so filling.

You can make it in just one pan, with very little chopping or preparation. A bowl of this (around 13oz) has a whopping 40g of protein, so make sure you’re using those chicken breast tenderloins; that’s where the protein is.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 618
• Fats: 27g
• Protein: 40g
• Carbs: 54g
• Fiber: 4.6g
• Sugar: 9.4g

14. Baked Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs

Perfectly seasoned shrimp and tender broccoli cooked together in convenient foil packets. High-protein, Paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free for easy weeknight meals.

My go-to solution for busy days when I need quick meal prep options! These baked foil packets require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor – ideal for hectic weeknights or relaxed weekends.

Each serving combines perfectly cooked broccoli with expertly seasoned shrimp, enhanced by aromatic garlic, bright lemon, and carefully balanced spices that create a restaurant-quality experience with zero cleanup hassle.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 385
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 40g
• Carbs: 27g
• Fiber: 8.9g
• Sugar: 5.8g

15. Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

This crockpot Tuscan chicken features classic Italian flavors. The ingredients you use will also form the color of the Italian flag!

Slow-cooking your chicken in the sauce produces a flavorful sauce and tender thigh meat. The base of your sauce is made from cream and chicken stock. 

Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and sundried tomatoes flavor your sauce. You’ll add your earthy green spinach at the end!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 446
• Fats: 28g
• Protein: 44g
• Carbs: 7.3g
• Fiber: 1.2g
• Sugar: 3g

16. Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

If there’s anything I know from years of seeking healthy, lazy meals, it’s that ovens are your friend. This simple mozzarella bake is a great way to prepare some lean chicken breasts!

Best of all, the pesto helps turn this into an Italian treasure.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 549
• Fats: 31g
• Protein: 57g
• Carbs: 9.1g
• Fiber: 2.2g
• Sugar: 3.7g

17. Cajun Chicken With Sweet Peppers

If you want something that’s very simple to make, we’re talking when you don’t even have the cooking skills, this is it. The one-pan meal punches with flavor yet requires minimal prep.

Made in one pan and simply requires an oven. Now, that’s the kind of dinner I can eat over and over again. Especially when I’m busy.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 521
• Fats: 30g
• Protein: 51g
• Carbs: 11g
• Fiber: 2.1g
• Sugar: 5.5g

18. Chicken Mozzarella Bake

First thing’s first, let’s address one of the finer things in life: mozzarella. A good old-fashioned mozzarella and chicken bake is our first stop on the list. Why? Because it’s comfort in a dish.

Cheesy, rich with tomatoes, and packed with lean protein, there’s really nothing better than this on a lazy night in.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 395
• Fats: 18g
• Protein: 50g
• Carbs: 6.2g
• Fiber: 1.3g
• Sugar: 2.1g

19. One Pan Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken

My Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken is a spicy, creamy delight, combining tender chicken breast with melty cheese and a kick of heat from fresh jalapenos.

It’s the perfect balance of bold flavor and high-protein goodness, all while keeping it low carb!

Notice the whopping 52g of protein and 31g of fat to keep your energy levels up! Every reason to ask for seconds.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 521
• Fats: 31g
• Protein: 52g
• Net Carbs:  5.2g

20. Sheet Pan Chicken and Cauliflower

Try this sheet pan chicken and cauliflower recipe for an easy and nutritious meal. Tender chicken thighs and roasted cauliflower are seasoned with a blend of savory spices.

With minimal prep and cleanup, this recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 583
• Fats: 39g
• Protein: 47g
• Carbs: 14g
• Fiber: 4.7g
• Sugar: 4.1g

21. High Protein Chicken Taco Soup

Bring the fun of taco night to your soup bowl with this high-protein chicken taco soup. It has everything you love about tacos: seasoned chicken, beans, and corn.

And, it gives you a whopping 47 grams of protein per serving and 14 grams of fiber. This powerful combo is going to help you stay full for a long time.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 463
• Fats: 9.8g
• Protein: 47g
• Carbs: 52g
• Fiber: 14g
• Sugar: 10g