20 High-Protein Dinners with Chicken

Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

Make a delicious, high-protein dinner tonight with these chicken recipes. However it’s prepared, chicken is a versatile protein that pairs perfectly with so many flavors. Each dinner is also full of fresh veggies and healthy grains while also having at least 15 grams of protein per serving. Recipes like our Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Zucchini and our Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet with Spinach & Peas are flavorful, filling and excellent choices for weeknights.

01 of 20

Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet with Spinach & Peas

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.

This creamy lemon chicken dish is a bright, one-skillet dinner that pairs tender chicken cutlets with a creamy brown rice mixture studded with spinach and sweet peas. Lemon zest and juice add fresh flavor, while a touch of goat cheese melts into the warm rice for richness and savory flavor.

View Recipe

02 of 20

Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Zucchini

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

A sweet and savory honey-garlic marinade gives these grilled chicken thighs plenty of flavor while keeping them juicy. Zucchini cooks alongside on the grill until tender and lightly charred, making this an easy summer dinner with minimal cleanup.

View Recipe

03 of 20

Honey-Mustard Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

Credit: Photographer: Caley Ellenburg, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.
Credit: Photographer: Caley Ellenburg, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.

This comforting casserole combines tender chicken, whole-wheat pasta and broccoli in a creamy honey-mustard sauce. A sprinkle of toasted panko on top adds a crisp finish, making it a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

View Recipe

04 of 20

Marry Me Chicken & Spinach Penne Skillet

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.

This easy “marry-me” dinner combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes and whole-wheat pasta in a creamy, Parmesan-infused sauce. Fresh spinach and basil brighten the rich flavors, making this comforting meal weeknight-friendly yet special enough for company.

View Recipe

05 of 20

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Credit: Photographer: Stacy Allen, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Credit: Photographer: Stacy Allen, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

This creamy chicken-and-rice casserole gets its flavor from a combination of Parmesan, cream cheese and savory bacon, balanced with plenty of tender spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a healthier spin on a classic creamy chicken casserole that still tastes like a million bucks!

View Recipe

06 of 20

High-Protein Chicken Parmesan Skillet with Beans Is the Ideal One-Pan Meal

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This chicken Parmesan–inspired skillet dinner swaps the pasta for creamy cannellini beans, creating a hearty one-pan meal. Tender chicken simmers in marinara with garlic, shallots and Italian seasoning before being topped with mozzarella and finished under the broiler. Serve with toasted whole-wheat baguette slices to scoop up the saucy beans.

View Recipe

07 of 20

High-Protein Dill Chicken Orzo

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spolle.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spolle.

This one-pan dinner delivers on protein and flavor with tender chicken cutlets, whole-wheat orzo and wilted kale in a creamy, lemony herb sauce. Dill and scallions add fresh brightness, while a bold homemade spice blend brings the flavor.

View Recipe

08 of 20

High-Protein Chicken Wrap with Pesto

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

This high-protein chicken wrap is packed with fresh flavor and comes together in just 15 minutes. A quick vegan pesto made with basil, spinach and toasted nuts coats the chicken, adding bright herb flavor without cheese. Wrapped in whole-wheat tortillas with creamy avocado and fresh greens, these wraps make an easy lunch or light dinner.

View Recipe

09 of 20

High-Protein Ginger Chicken Soup

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.

This warming ginger chicken soup is packed with lean protein and plenty of vegetables for a comforting yet nourishing meal. Fresh ginger and warm spices like cumin and coriander give the broth deep flavor, while potatoes and spinach make the soup hearty and satisfying.

View Recipe

10 of 20

High-Protein Chicken & Brown Rice Casserole

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

This cozy chicken and brown rice casserole gets its creamy texture from a blended cashew sauce instead of cream. Sweet potatoes add subtle sweetness and extra fiber, while baby spinach brings color to the dish.

View Recipe

11 of 20

High-Protein, High-Fiber Chicken Soup

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.

This hearty soup is loaded with lean protein, fiber-rich beans and vegetables, and bold flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes and lemon. Quick-cooking and satisfying, it’s a nutritious meal you can get on your table in just 30 minutes.

View Recipe

12 of 20

High-Protein Crispy Chicken & Rice Skillet Casserole

This crispy chicken and rice skillet casserole delivers bold flavor with minimal cleanup. Bone-in chicken thighs are seasoned with a warm blend of cumin, smoked paprika and turmeric, then seared until the skin is golden and crisp before finishing in the oven over a savory rice mixture with onion and bell pepper. A quick drizzle of spiced tahini adds a creamy, nutty finish that ties everything together.

View Recipe

13 of 20

Chicken Marsala Casserole

Credit: Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.
Credit: Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

The flavors of classic chicken Marsala come together in this easy, hearty dinner casserole. Tender, chopped chicken, nutty whole-wheat orzo and deeply browned mushrooms are all baked together in a silky Marsala sauce. Stirring halfway through baking ensures that everything cooks evenly.

View Recipe

14 of 20

Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Skillet

Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.
Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.

This creamy garlic chicken-and-broccoli skillet dinner comes together in just 20 minutes. Tender chicken cutlets are paired with crisp-tender broccoli in a light garlic cream sauce. A splash of white wine adds depth, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor.

View Recipe

15 of 20

Chicken Shawarma Bowls

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.

These flavor-packed chicken shawarma bowls layer quick-cooking bulgur, spiced chicken, a crisp cucumber-tomato salad and a creamy beet tzatziki for a dinner that’s as colorful as it is satisfying. Bold spices like cumin and coriander and fresh herbs make every bite pop.

View Recipe

16 of 20

Chickpea & Chicken Salad

Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.
Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.

This creamy chicken and chickpea salad gets fiber and protein from mashed chickpeas and a pop of brightness from fruit. A blend of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise keeps the dressing light yet rich, while celery and toasted pecans add crunch.

View Recipe

17 of 20

Chicken Piccata Soup

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.

This Chicken Piccata Soup takes everything you love about the classic Italian dish and transforms it into a cozy, spoonable meal. Potatoes naturally thicken the broth for a creamy texture, while spinach adds freshness and color. It’s a comforting yet vibrant one-pot soup that’s perfect for weeknights.

View Recipe

18 of 20

Marry Me Chicken Pot Pie

Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.
Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.

This comforting chicken pot pie gets its romantic name from Marry Me Chicken—a dish traditionally made with chicken coated in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Parmesan cheese and a golden crust gives this version a flavor boost, while rotisserie chicken keeps prep easy.

View Recipe

19 of 20

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

This healthy chicken pasta recipe is jazzed up with traditional bruschetta toppers, including cherry tomatoes, garlic and basil. Multicolored cherry tomatoes look pretty, but you can use all one color of tomato too. Either way, you’ve got an easy weeknight dinner that’s ready in 25 minutes. We’ve called for spaghettini (thin spaghetti) in this recipe, but feel free to use your favorite shape of pasta.

View Recipe

20 of 20

Chicken Parmesan & Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Chicken Parm gets a fun low-carb and gluten-free twist in these cheesy stuffed peppers with chicken and quinoa. Serve with a salad for a healthy dinner that’s easy to prep too.

View Recipe

Comments are closed.