9 High-Protein Dinner Ideas Perfect For Busy Weeknights

One of our favorite ways to sneak more protein into our diet is with a dense bean salad filled to the brim with veggies and topped with a herbaceous, meal prep-friendly dressing. Cannellini beans, chickpeas, and deli turkey join forces with sweet potatoes and a handful of veggies to leave you satisfied for hours. One serving contains 31 grams of protein, so there's no need to reach for a second helping (although you'll probably want to).

Is there anything cozier than a plate of creamy enchiladas on a chilly day? Chicken and black beans pull double protein duty in this low-lift enchilada casserole, which offers added heartiness from an optional bone broth base. It packs at least 32 grams of protein per serving—and that cool tang of sour cream is delicious, too.

Close that delivery app — we're making tandoori chicken at home (and in the air fryer, no less). This flavorful recipe from Paint the Kitchen Red is magical, with a creamy chicken marinade and remarkable 31 grams of protein per serving. It also cooks in less than 15 minutes, which means it's ideal on particularly busy weeknights.

Creamy soups are an intuitive pick for autumn dinners, but your favorite chicken noodle may not be pulling its weight when it comes to protein goals. Try I Breathe I'm Hungry's vegetarian mushroom version instead, which checks all the right boxes for macro goals. It has at least 19 grams of protein per serving; bump that number to 54 grams by adding in cooked chicken breast.

This saucy, high-protein dinner recipe puts your bland grilled chicken breast to shame. The rice bowl channels the bold flavor profile of Korean BBQ in a weeknight dinner-friendly (and budget-conscious!) format. You'll use ground beef rather than thin-sliced sirloin, which the author says is still just as filling without all of the extra prepwork.

Brunch for dinner? We'll have ours with a high-protein twist. Whenever the craving calls, cobble together a mishmash of nutrient-rich options (like sliced brats and a dollop of hummus) from the fridge. An Instagrammable brunch spot might charge you $20 for this grain bowl, but the satisfaction of making this 24-gram meal at home is priceless. Omit the sausage for a vegetarian-friendly (yet still nutrient-dense) dinner.

If you've got an opening in your schedule, consider putting some time toward this creamy orzo-based dinner from Dishing Out Health. As a one-pot meal, this recipe combines carbs, protein, and a little sprinkling of parmesan for cheesy goodness in every bite. It's not your average skillet meal, though —a can of pumpkin puree adds vitamins and a distinct creaminess, while turkey meatballs keep you nice and fall. The recipe clocks in at 30 grams of protein. Plus, you'll have leftovers for tomorrow, too.

POV: You're having an at-home date night, but still want to reach your nutrition goals. This rich, cheesy pasta from The Stay at Home Chef checks both boxes—special and elevated, but still with a whopping 37 grams of protein per serving. Thick-cut pancetta and grilled chicken do all the heavy-lifting here, so you're free to focus your energy on selecting an after-dinner board game or movie.

Salmon and fish filets are popular picks for protein-rich dinners; a vibrant, veggie bowl adds even more variety to the combo. Enter this taco bowl — with slaw, mango salsa, two dressings, and an impressive 30 grams of protein. Also nice: You can prep the simple chipotle aioli and cilantro dressing beforehand so that they're ready to go.

Nicolette Baker is a freelance writer living in Brooklyn, NY. Her expertise lies primarily in food, drink, and fashion media, but she enjoys covering all aspects of lifestyle with an accessible approach. She's written for Food & Wine, Byrdie, Business Insider, VinePair, and Flourish.