27 Lazy Summer High Protein Dinners

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This summer I’m eating a high protein diet. The truth is, it’s pretty hard to keep it up unless you’re setting up yourself for success with easy meals.

So, I thought I’d assemble a list of high protein dinners that are so easy to make, you’ll just throw them together and the dinner will be ready.

Filled with flavors, delicious, and packing protein. All perfect for this summer season.

27 Lazy Summer High Protein Dinners

1. Baked Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs

Baked Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs

Foil pack dinners = instant stress relief.

These shrimp and broccoli packets come together in minutes, locking in juicy, garlicky flavor with almost no cleanup. Just pop them in the oven, and you’ve got a delish, protein-packed dinner ready to go.

Best part? The foil gets tossed out, so no piles of pans waiting to be cleaned.

Per Serving:

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

2. Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

Let me take you on a Hawaiian getaway with chunks of juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, sweet pineapple, and a hint of tangy Hawaiian BBQ sauce.

This is an easy-to-make, one-pan, delicious high-protein dish that’s the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and smoky.

To make it more exotic, you can use mango instead of pineapple, and add other veggies like  zucchini, snap peas, or broccoli.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 399
  • Fats: 11.7g
  • Protein: 43.05g
  • Carbs: 24g
  • Fiber: 4.2g
  • Sugar: 18g

3. Crockpot Chicken Tacos

crockpot chicken tacos

Making tacos may not sound like a lazy experience, but when you see ‘crockpot’, you’ll know that it will do all the hard work for you.

It’s healthy and delicious and doesn’t rely on frying and grilling like most taco recipes. Top your tacos with avocados, guacamole, sour cream, or Greek yogurt for that classic Tex-Mex flavor.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 201
  • Fats: 9.4g
  • Protein: 21g
  • Carbs: 15.5g
  • Fiber: 10.7g
  • Sugar: 2.6g

4. Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Crockpot Sesame Chicken

It’s easy to bring some of your favorite Asian flavors into your kitchen wth just a crockpot. This is a high protein dinner thaat packs 45g of protein in just 405 calories.

I personally love serving this sesame chicken with a nice salad or rice. Keep it low calorie and high-protein with delicious, light veggies. Yumm!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 405
  • Fats: 14.8g
  • Protein: 45.2g
  • Carbs: 20.6g
  • Fiber: 0.9g
  • Sugar: 16.4g

5. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

This recipe is like a good friend, creating calm out of chaos when time is short and dinner is nowhere to be seen.

In just 20 minutes, you’ll serve up a delish dish of juicy, tender chicken breasts with a crispy garlic parmesan topping, parsley, paprika, onion, and a spine-tingling hint of citrusy, tangy lemon.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 295
  • Fats: 19g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Carbs: 6g
  • Fiber: 1.1g
  • Sugar: 0.5g

6. Chicken Broccoli Bake

1-Chicken-Broccoli-Bake

My chicken broccoli bake is a fab lazy girl dish and a great way to add nutritious veggies to dinner – without the kids knowing.

Each bite is a tasty mouthful of tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breast, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheesy goodness. It’s so easy to make and a great choice when you’re low on energy and need a boost.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 354
  • Fats: 24g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Carbs: 8.9g
  • Fiber: 2.4g
  • Sugar: 2.8g

7. Mexican Cheesy Chicken Skillet

Bring all the Mexican flavors into your cuisine with this meal. A mix of savory, spice, and creamy – all in one pan. 

This keto Mexican skillet dinner is creamy, loaded with flavor, and with a spicy kick that is going to make you crave more. And what makes this meal even better is how easy it is to make.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 324
  • Fats: 22g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Net Carbs: 7.4g

8. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

If you have been here before, you’ll know how much I LUV fajitas but don’t want to spend the time and deal with the mess of cleaning up skillets and pans.

The solution – my sheet pan chicken fajitas, made in one pan, quick and easy, and designed to fill your kitchen with the tempting aromas of chili, cumin, and garlic.

Serve it scooped into corn shells and topped with sour cream, grated cheese, guacamole, or salsa.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 473
  • Fats: 14g
  • Protein: 44g
  • Carbs: 44g
  • Fiber: 7.1g
  • Sugar: 4.7g

9. Chicken Mozzarella Bake

chicken mozzarella bake

When you’re craving for cheesiness and Italian flavor without the carbs, this mozzarella chicken bake is just for that. So simple to make, yet so delicious.

Tomatoey, herby, cheesy, and full of protein. It will fill you up and keep you satisfied. I loved making it because it’s a one pan dinner, and there is nothing quite as satisfying as making a dinner that’s just that!

Per Serving:

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

10. Air Fryer Salmon

Air Fryer Salmon

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

11. Buttered Cod

Buttered Cod

This recipe ticks all the boxes for a lazy answer to a high-class meal. It’s fancy, easy to make, and always impresses guests.

The cod is soft, buttery, zesty, and garlicky, best served with a quick fresh salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. Everyone will think you spent hours in the kitchen!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 297
  • Fats: 19g
  • Protein: 31g
  • Carbs: 1.2g
  • Fiber: 0.3g
  • Sugar: 0.3g

12. Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

baked pesto mozzarella chicken

While a trip to the Italian Riviera may not be on the cards right now, you can bring all these tempting flavors into your kitchen with this baked chicken dish.

Using only three simple ingredients: chicken, pesto, and Mozzarella, you’ll be surprised at how rich, sophisticated, and delicious it is. Every lazy-bite features tender, juicy chicken, basil pesto, gooey mozzarella, and sweet, roasted cherry tomatoes. Yum!

Per Serving:

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

13. Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake

Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake

When you’re craving Mexican flavors, don’t settle for takeout. This lazy recipe will delight your taste buds with a fresh zing of salsa fresca, seasoned chicken, and gooey cheese.

It’s also high in protein, low in carbs, gluten-free, and low in calories. A great choice for a busy weeknight or a special occasion. And, it’s a one-pan meal!

Per Serving:

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

14. Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

Want a high protein meal that’s also bold and zesty? This dish combines delicious Buffalo flavor and the creaminess of cottage cheese with tender chicken breasts.

It’s great for meal prep Sundays, knowing you’ll have a hearty and healthy dish ready and waiting for the busy week ahead.

It’s also versatile – you can spice it up with chopped jalapeños or create a low-fat version using fat-free cottage cheese.

Per Serving:

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

15. Cottage Cheese Pasta

Cottage Cheese Pasta

Feeling lazy? Say goodbye to long cooking marathons, this dinner is fast, filling, and protein-rich.

Creamy and wholesome, this pasta recipe is going to become your next comfort food dish. The secret – a combo of rigatoni, savory chicken mince, and silky-textured, creamy marinara-cottage cheese.

Serve it solo, or pair it with oven-roasted zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or Brussels sprouts.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 368
  • Fats: 12g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Carbs: 42g
  • Fiber: 4.2g
  • Sugar: 8.8g

16. Baked Caesar Chicken

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

17. Creamy Pesto Chicken

Creamy Pesto Chicken

Creamy sauce, traditional pesto, and tender seasoned chicken – all made in a jiffy when you’re feeling lazy. My guests think I spent hours in the kitchen.

It’s a delicious, comforting meal that will have everyone coming back for more. It can also be easily adapted by adding mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or smoky bacon bits for a savory twist.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 425
  • Fats: 28g
  • Protein: 31g
  • Carbs: 15g
  • Fiber: 2.8g
  • Sugar: 4.3g

18. Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers

Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers

When you consider that Cajun is a mix of French, African, and Spanish flavors, it may sound like too much hard work to prepare a dish.

So, I’m jumping in with my delicious, bold, go-to, can’t-fail Cajun dish. It pairs succulent, spiced chicken breasts with the natural sweetness of long, sweet peppers, all topped with creamy cheese goodness.

Best of all, it only has 9g of carbs while offering a whopping 51g of protein.

Per Serving:

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

19. One Pan Balsamic Chicken

5. One Pan Balsamic Chicken

When life gets busy, this high-protein dinner makes nutritious eating a breeze. My balsamic chicken paired with tomatoes and basil is complex, rich, tangy, tart, aromatic, cheesy, and can be made in one pan.

It’s a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, making it ideal for family weeknight dinners and special occasions when you want to impress (without doing the time).

Per Serving:

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

20. Pineapple BBQ Chicken with Bacon

1. Pineapple BBQ Chicken with Bacon

Pineapple, BBQ, and bacon are an irresistible combo of sweet, savory, and yumminess.

Blend them in a dish with tender chicken breasts, and you’re a MasterChef.

A few tips to make this perfect:

– Use thinner chicken breasts for more even cooking

– Pre-cook the bacon to keep it crisp and flavorful

– Don’t overcook the chicken

– Serve, sit back, and relax

Per Serving:

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

21. Crockpot Mississippi Chicken

Crockpot Mississippi Chicken

Crockpot = more me-time. Yay! And, I still get to serve up a delicious, healthy, protein-packed dinner.

Filled with juicy, tender chicken infused with ranch seasoning, savory gravy, and tangy pepperoncini, your family will be coming back for more. It takes 10 minutes to prep, and the crockpot does all the hard work.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 349
  • Fats: 19g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbs: 6.7g
  • Fiber: 0.4g
  • Sugar: 2.7g

22. Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

If you think that a quick meal can’t be packed with protein and flavor, think again.

This cottage cheese pizza bowl is comforting, creamy, tangy, with loads of herbs and spices, just like pepperoni pizza. When the kids want pizza, I make this and they’re happy.

It has all the flavors of pizza without all the carbs, fewer calories, and a lot more protein.

Per Serving:

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

23. Crockpot Pesto Chicken

crockpot pesto chicken

Just eight pantry staples (yes, including salt and pepper), a crockpot, and barely any prep – hard to believe that’s all it takes to create a mouthwatering dish of tender chicken breasts, juicy tomatoes, and vibrant pesto.

It’s a lazy high-protein recipe that cooks itself and fills your kitchen with delicious aromas, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy every bite.

Per Serving:

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

24. Mediterranean Stuffed Salmon

Mediterranean Stuffed Salmon

Do you want an ooh-la-la dish to impress guests? But you don’t want to spend the day cooking?

My Mediterranean stuffed salmon will have them thinking you ordered from a fancy restaurant. It’s a high-end dish of sockeye salmon, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and tangy feta. All made in a jiffy.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 234
  • Fats: 11g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Carbs: 5.1g
  • Fiber: 1.4g
  • Sugar: 0.9g

25. Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken

5. Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken

The best lazy dishes are created when you just throw everything together and still end up with a scrumptious meal.

Imagine serving up the goodness of broccoli, the savory delight of bacon, and the creamy texture of cheddar, all mixed with a tender, juicy chicken breast. It’s so easy with this recipe and I guarantee you’ll impress the family.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 386
  • Fats: 24g
  • Protein: 37g
  • Carbs: 5.5g
  • Fiber: 1.8g
  • Sugar: 1g

26. Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole

Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole

Here’s a fab dish offering the bold spice of buffalo sauce, creamy melted cheese, and tender chicken combined with riced cauliflower.

Best of all, it’s guilt-free with less than 5g of net carbs and a huge 30g of protein. It’s a lazy prep dish that takes only a couple of minutes to assemble, and your oven does the rest.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 419
  • Fats: 31g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbs: 6g
  • Fiber: 1.3g
  • Sugar: 2.7g

27. Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash

baked salmon with avocado mash

When midweek hits and your energy dips, this dish delivers. Light, wholesome, and vibrant, it’s everything you want in a lazy summer dinner, and it is high-protein.

My baked salmon with avocado mash is flaky, juicy, zesty, and full of fresh, feel-good flavor. The recipe is perfect for a family of four, so you can give them all the goodness they need without the hassle.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 463
  • Fats: 35g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbs: 12g
  • Fiber: 7.5g
  • Sugar: 1.6g

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