Eating a high-protein diet is easier when you have recipes that your family can enjoy, too! The best family-friendly high-protein recipes are easy, delicious, and don’t create many dishes.
So, to help you out, I’ve gathered some of the best into this list. Stick around as we tour thirty-one family-friendly high-protein recipes you’ve got to try.
1. Salmon Bowl
Source: allnutritious.com
The secret to family-friendly eating is to make healthy food look irresistible. And with this salmon bowl? You’ll be right on the money.
Drizzled in a delicious sauce and packed to the brim with vegetables, this is the ultimate weeknight meal.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 906
• Fats: 41g
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 105g
• Fiber: 13g
• Sugar: 13g
2. Chicken Mozzarella Bake
Source: allnutritious.com
Nothing like a little cheese to make a simple chicken bake extra delicious! This is an easy take on chicken parmesan, transporting you back to Naples on a busy weeknight.
Cheesy, Italian, and comfort-filled. There’s nothing like it.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 395
• Fats: 18g
• Protein: 50g
• Carbs: 6.2g
• Fiber: 1.3g
• Sugar: 2.1g
3. Crispy Baked Chicken Cutlets
Source: allnutritious.com
Like the thought of baked chicken? It’s easy, which makes it an ideal choice for a weeknight family meal. If mozzarella isn’t calling your name, then maybe these baked crispy cutlets are!
These are super crunchy and deliciously golden. Every inch is packed with flavor from the spiced breadcrumb mixture.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 291
• Fats: 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 23g
• Fiber: 2.3g
• Sugar: 2.2g
4. Air Fryer Salmon
Source: allnutritious.com
If you have an air fryer, then I don’t need to tell you how convenient it is to use one! Air fryer salmon is delicious, moist, and glazed to perfection. Not to mention, it’s a breeze to make.
Pair this air fryer salmon with anything that takes your fancy. I recommend a side of salted greens!
Per Serving:
• Calories: 287
• Fats: 17g
• Protein: 26g
• Carbs: 7.2g
• Fiber: 0.6g
• Sugar: 4.5g
5. Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast with Pesto
Source: allnutritious.com
Mozzarella is a super versatile ingredient, and opens the door to so many delicious meals. The best part? It doesn’t bring any extra carbs to the table.
This stuffed chicken breast is a great family-friendly option. High in protein and packed with flavor, the family will come running as soon as the smell of this meal hits the air.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 619
• Fats: 29g
• Protein: 70g
• Carbs: 14g
• Fiber: 1.2g
• Sugar: 9.7g
6. Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast
Source: allnutritious.com
Cooking with cast iron should be your new secret weapon! The pan is naturally seasoned, adding an extra layer of flavor to your protein.
This is a great way to cook chicken breast if you want to keep your meal simple and easy. Serve with a side of salad, and you’re ready!
Per Serving:
• Calories: 185
• Fats: 9.8g
• Protein: 22g
• Carbs: 1.5g
• Fiber: 0.4g
• Sugar: 0.1g
7. Salmon Stir Fry
Source: allnutritious.com
Stir fry is one of the best family-friendly go-to dishes in any home cook’s arsenal. The combination of saucy vegetables, tasty protein, and fluffy white rice is unbeatable.
This particular stir fry spotlights salmon. Crumbly, flaky, and moist, it’s the perfect protein for this tasty dish.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 488
• Fats: 29g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 31g
• Fiber: 4.6g
• Sugar: 19g
8. Herb Crusted Salmon
Source: allnutritious.com
If you’re anything like me, then you love a good sheet pan meal. They’re delicious, easy to clean up, and come together in no time. In other words, they’re ideal for weeknights with the family.
Strapped for time and need something tasty to eat? This high protein herb-crusted salmon is healthy and delicious.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 333
• Fats: 20g
• Protein: 27g
• Carbs: 11g
• Fiber: 2.7g
• Sugar: 6.2g
9. Keto Zucchini Boats
Source: allnutritious.com
Zucchini boats are a great go-to dish if you’re craving something healthy! They add a little bit of fun to the dinner table, helping the kids to get on board with eating their greens.
These boats are topped with a healthy dose of mozzarella to make sure they’re tasty and give you some extra energy.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 317
• Fats: 23g
• Protein: 21g
• Carbs: 7.6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4.3g
10. Ground Pork Stir Fry
Source: allnutritious.com
Ground pork is a great protein to have in the fridge for when you need a last-minute dish. Case in point, this delicious ground pork stir fry! It’s low in fat and high in protein.
Plus, it soaks up flavor like a sponge. Paired with some noodles or fluffy white rice, this is a comforting mid-week option.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 374
• Fats: 28g
• Protein: 21g
• Carbs: 9.4g
• Fiber: 0.6g
• Sugar: 4.7g
11. Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner with Veggies
Source: allnutritious.com
Next up, here’s another sheet pan variation that’ll save on dishes and currency. If you feel like you don’t have time to make dinner, then this is the recipe for you.
This high protein sheet pan comes together in an hour’s time, but most of that is baking time. It’s just you, the sheet pan, and twenty-five minutes of easy prep time.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 455
• Fats: 23g
• Protein: 21g
• Carbs: 44g
• Fiber: 4.5g
• Sugar: 25g
12. Sheet Pan Chicken and Cauliflower
Source: allnutritious.com
Chicken and cauliflower are an unbeatable combination. The chicken is a lean protein to anchor the meal, and the cauliflower is a high-fiber cruciferous vegetable that’s great for your gut.
Rich in Indian spices, this is a flavorsome dinner that only takes twenty minutes of prep time.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 583
• Fats: 39g
• Protein: 47g
• Carbs: 14g
• Fiber: 4.7g
• Sugar: 4.1g
13. Sheet Pan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Brussels Sprouts
Source: allnutritious.com
Here’s another easy dinner ready for some family-friendly weeknights! This dish features a unique combination of roasted vegetables and a dose of sweetness from some roast apple.
Altogether, it’s a wonderful dish for fall. Play around with the spice or vegetable mix and make it your own!
Per Serving:
• Calories: 471
• Fats: 16g
• Protein: 48g
• Carbs: 37g
• Fiber: 8.4g
• Sugar: 16g
14. Sheet Pan Pork Chops and Vegetables
Source: allnutritious.com
This sheet pan pork chops recipe is one of my favorites when there’s a long week stretching ahead. Pork chops are so affordable, but they taste absolutely delicious.
Combined with the moist asparagus and roasted peppers, this is a great mid-week dish.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 390
• Fats: 28g
• Protein: 22g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fiber: 4.3g
• Sugar: 7.9g
15. Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner
Source: allnutritious.com
For this next one, let’s take a page out of the Grecian recipe book. This Greek-inspired sheet pan dinner comes packed with olives, peppers, lean chicken, and a good dose of feta.
Pair that with the rich array of herbs, and this is a one-two punch of Greek flavor.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 284
• Fats: 12g
• Protein: 29g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fiber: 3.4g
• Sugar: 5.3g
16. Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Source: hollishomestead.com
Sometimes, a pasta dish is the perfect call when the whole family needs a taste of comfort. This is a weeknight-friendly dish that comes packed with protein and delicious vegetables.
All in all, you can whip this high protein pasta up in a measly 40 minutes, so you have the rest of the night to relax.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 459
• Fats: 23g
• Protein: 38g
• Carbs: 27g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 7g
17. Creamy Chicken Orzo
Source: hungryhealthyhappy.com
Looking for something vibrant, delicious, and high in protein? Then you’re looking for this dish. Creamy chicken orzo comes packed with plenty of protein, vegetables, and carbs.
As a leftovers dish, you can’t go wrong with this recipe. The spices get even more delicious the next day!
Per Serving:
• Calories: 726
• Fats: 24g
• Protein: 53g
• Carbs: 73g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 11g
18. Dutch Oven Pork Tenderloin
Source: quichemygrits.com
If you’re lucky enough to own a Dutch Oven, then it might be time to give it some exercise! This is a tasty pork tenderloin recipe that only requires you, some herbs, and some time in the oven.
While you can enjoy this on a weeknight, this is an expensive cut of meat that might be better suited to a special occasion.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 398
• Fats: 6g
• Protein: 34g
• Carbs: 53g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 19g
19. Ground Beef Quesadillas
Source: groundbeefrecipes.com
Nothing says ‘comfort’ quite like a delicious quesadilla. Rather than sticking with pure cheese, this recipe uses spiced ground beef that really changes the game.
If you need a meal prep-friendly dish, this might be the move. Keep the beef in the fridge or freezer, and thaw when needed!
Per Serving:
• Calories: 473
• Fats: 30g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 21g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
20. Classic Ground Bison Meatloaf with Oatmeal
Source: joytothefood.com
When the week calls for a high protein meal, what better place to turn to than a classic meatloaf? This is a family-friendly meal with a twist, using ground bison instead of beef.
That said, you can use any protein you happen to have lying around, and you’ll get the same effect.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 375
• Fats: 24g
• Protein: 24g
• Carbs: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 11g
21. Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Source: thefoodblog.net
Chili is one of the best recipes any home cook can have in their recipe book. Luckily, there are a few variations, and this cream cheese chicken version might be one of the best.
Like any chili, you can make it your own with any vegetables you have on hand.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 137
• Fats: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Carbs: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 0.3g
22. Chicken Soup
Source: theforkedspoon.com
If anyone in your family is feeling down in the dumps, nothing hits the spot quite like a bowl of warm chicken soup. Especially when it’s this loaded with vegetables!
Warm, enriching, and full of lean shredded chicken, this is the first and last word in healthy soups.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 153
• Fats: 6g
• Protein: 20g
• Carbs: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
23. Pizza Bowls
Source: thefoodblog.net
Pizza is one of the go-to takeout choices for a big family. It’s delicious, comforting, and easy for the whole family to enjoy together. But what if you want to have something healthier?
This is the ultimate craving-buster for a pizza-loving family. Just a few minutes and you can be enjoying a pizza bowl fit for the whole family.
Enjoy these other high protein lunch bowls next!
Per Serving:
• Calories: 362
• Fats: 27g
• Protein: 22g
• Carbs: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g
24. Shredded Beef Tacos
Source: meganvskitchen.com
It’s time to break out the crockpot! These shredded beef tacos are rich in spice and super moist, making them a great choice for a family barbecue night.
These take a minute to whip up, so they might be a good choice for a chill Sunday.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 280
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 22g
• Carbs: 17g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
25. Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake
Source: carmyy.com
When lasagna is too complicated, but you still want to enjoy the best of what Italian pasta bakes have to offer, this is the recipe you need. Cottage cheese pasta bake!
This is Italian goodness with a side of convenience. It comes together with minimal prep, and the tasty cottage cheese ensures everyone gets their protein for the day.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 442
• Fats: 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 63g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 10g
26. Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup
Source: cravingsomethinghealthy.com
When things are cold, and your family needs a touch of comfort, soup is one of the best things you can reach for.
This soup is packed to the brim with vegetables, lean turkey, and tons of spices.
This is the ultimate leftover-friendly soup. Seriously, a big batch of this will keep your family fed all winter long.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 263
• Fats: 4g
• Protein: 24g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 8g
27. Turkey Chili with Veggies
Source: feastingnotfasting.com
When the question is ‘What’s for dinner?’, the answer is always ‘chili’. Rich in vegetables, protein, and sumptuous spices, this chili is one for the history books.
Make this for your family, and they’ll come running before the pot even hits the dinner table.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 249
• Fats: 6g
• Protein: 23g
• Carbs: 29g
• Fiber: 9g
• Sugar: 11g
28. Pistachio Crusted Salmon
Source: cravingsomethinghealthy.com
Rather than leaning on breadcrumbs, one of the best ways to make a crusted salmon healthier is to lean on the nut side of the family. In this case, we’re calling in the pistachios.
Rich, nutty, and great for summer, this pistachio-crusted salmon is great for dinner parties and mid-week meals alike.
Enjoy these other high protein fish recipes as well!
Per Serving:
• Calories: 409
• Fats: 26g
• Protein: 33g
• Carbs: 13g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g
29. Greek Chicken Meatballs
Source: savaskitchen.com
Why haven’t we talked about meatballs yet? It’s time to remedy the situation. This is a fresh take on meatballs, using chicken and Greek herbs instead of the usual beef.
This is a light and aromatic take on this classically hearty dish. Perfect for summer nights with the family.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 195
• Fats: 10.8g
• Protein: 17.1g
• Carbs: 6g
30. Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms
Source: cravingsomethinghealthy.com
We’ve all heard of beef stroganoff, but sometimes beef isn’t in the cards. Instead, enjoy something just as rich and hearty with a leaner protein as the anchor.
This chicken, spinach, and mushroom dish is creamy, comforting, and super easy to prepare.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 313
• Fats: 11g
• Protein: 38g
• Carbs: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
31. Honey Butter Chicken
Source: easyanddelish.com
Finally, I had to include this recipe. It’s just so insanely good. Honey, butter, and delicately glazed chicken all result in the perfect mid-week family treat.
This is best done with a cast iron pan or Dutch oven, but a baking dish will also work. Seriously, just give this a try. You can thank me later.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 456.2
• Fats: 35.6g
• Protein: 25.2g
• Carbs: 9.9g
• Fiber: 1.6g
• Sugar: 4.5g
And with that, we’re done! That’s only thirty-one of many family-friendly high-protein meals, and there are so many more out there to find.
Let me know in the comments which one was your favorite or if you have any go-to dishes that aren’t in the list. Happy cooking for the week ahead, and I’ll see you in the next one!
Follow up your meal with one of these yummy high protein desserts!