8 Easy High Protein Chicken Recipes for Healthy Eating

Want to add more protein to your meals? These 8 chicken recipes are perfect. Each one has at least 15 grams of protein, making sure you get the nutrients you need. You’ll enjoy tasty meals like creamy enchilada soup and spicy blackened chicken.

These recipes use chicken thighs, breasts, or cutlets. They’re full of protein and easy to make. They’re great for anyone looking to eat healthy.

These dishes have less than 15 grams of carbs per serving. This helps you keep your diet balanced and low in calories. Serve them with a side salad or roasted veggies for a full meal. You’ll find different cooking methods and flavors from around the world.

Introduction to High Protein Chicken Dishes

Protein is key for building and keeping muscle. It helps grow muscles when you’re lifting weights. It also aids in fixing and healing tissues. Eating enough protein can make you feel full, helping with weight control.

The amount of protein you need daily is about 0.8-1 gram for every kilogram of your body weight.

The Importance of Protein in Your Diet

Eating foods high in protein, like chicken, has many benefits. Protein is vital for muscle growth, especially if you exercise a lot. It also helps you feel full, which can help with weight management.

Why Choose Chicken as a Protein Source?

Chicken is a lean, versatile protein that’s easy to cook and find. One chicken breast without skin has about 23 grams of protein and just 2 grams of carbs. It’s perfect for boosting your protein intake.

Chicken can be cooked in many ways, like in a skillet, oven, Instant Pot, air fryer, or on the grill. This gives you lots of options to add it to your meals.

By learning about protein’s benefits and why chicken is a good choice, you can make better choices for your health. A balanced, high-protein diet supports your overall well-being.

Creamy and Comforting High Protein Chicken Recipes

Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy textures of these high protein chicken dishes. They’re perfect for cozy, comforting meals. Try a savory creamy chicken enchilada soup or a spicy Cajun chicken and broccoli alfredo. These recipes are delicious and full of nutrients your body needs.

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

This creamy chicken enchilada soup is both nutritious and tasty. It has a strong enchilada flavor, shredded chicken breast, and a creamy broth. The broth is made with cream cheese and Greek yogurt. You can make it in a crock pot, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop. It has 32 grams of protein per serving.

Ingredients

• For the Soup:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• For Garnish:
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add Ingredients:
   • Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
3. Simmer:
   • Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Creamy Finish:
   • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Heat through, but do not bring to a boil.
5. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, cilantro, lime wedges, and tortilla strips.

Lightened Up Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

The Cajun chicken and broccoli alfredo is a one-pot dish. It’s filled with fresh broccoli, homemade Cajun seasoning, tender chicken, and a creamy alfredo sauce. This dish is loaded with veggies and has a spicy kick. It offers 36 grams of protein per serving, making it a great choice for a quick and healthy meal.

Recipe	Protein per Serving	Calories per Serving
Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup	32g	N/A
Lightened Up Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo	36g	N/A

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste

For the Broccoli:

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz whole wheat fettuccine or pasta of choice

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat fettuccine and cook according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   • While the pasta cooks, rub the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Remove from heat and let it rest before slicing.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little bit of the chicken broth until smooth. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining chicken broth and almond milk. Bring to a simmer.
   • Whisk in the cornstarch mixture, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt to taste.
4. Combine:
   • In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and broccoli. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the top and toss to combine.
5. Serve:
   • Slice the Cajun chicken and place it on top of the pasta and broccoli. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Easy One-Pan and Casserole high protein chicken recipes

Looking for satisfying, protein-packed meals? Try these easy one-pan and casserole high protein chicken recipes. Enjoy the comforting Mississippi Chicken Casserole and the creamy Instant Pot Chicken Stroganoff with Greek Yogurt. They’re sure to become family favorites.

Mississippi Chicken Casserole

This high protein chicken casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It has tender chicken breast, creamy sauce, egg noodles, and more. Each serving packs 30 grams of protein. Plus, it’s easy to make without canned soup.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
• For the Topping:
  • 1 cup crushed crackers (like Ritz or buttery crackers)
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
   • In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ranch dressing mix, mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and mixed vegetables. Mix until well combined.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Pour the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Make the Topping:
   • In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers, melted butter, garlic powder, and paprika until the crackers are well coated.
5. Top the Casserole:
   • Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown.
7. Serve:
   • Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your hearty Mississippi Chicken Casserole!

Instant Pot Chicken Stroganoff with Greek Yogurt

This Instant Pot Chicken Stroganoff makes dinner a breeze. It’s a rich, high-protein meal ready in under 30 minutes. Greek yogurt makes the sauce creamy and protein-rich, with 38 grams per serving.

• The recipe includes six main ingredients: pulled rotisserie chicken, frozen fajita veggies, black beans, corn tortillas, red enchilada sauce, and shredded Mexican cheese.
• Each serving of the fajita chicken casserole recipe provides 30 grams of protein, 8 grams of fiber, and only 335 calories.
• The total fat content in one serving of the chicken casserole recipe is 11g, with 28g of carbohydrates and 8g of fiber.
• The provided recipe yields approximately 6 servings, each serving weighing about 9 oz.

“These easy one-pan and casserole high protein chicken recipes are a game-changer for busy weeknights. They’re not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious and filling.”

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
• For the Sauce:
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• To Serve:
  • Cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Chicken:
   • Turn the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode. Add olive oil and let it heat up.
   • Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
   • Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides (about 5 minutes).
2. Add Mushrooms and Seasoning:
   • Stir in the sliced mushrooms, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Pressure Cook:
   • Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
   • After the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release for about 5 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
4. Make the Sauce:
   • In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard. If you want a thicker sauce, whisk in cornstarch.
   • Once the pressure is released, open the lid and stir in the yogurt mixture. If the sauce is too thin, you can turn the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode for a few minutes to thicken it up, stirring continuously.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the chicken stroganoff over cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Flavorful and Spicy high protein chicken recipes

Check out our tasty high-protein chicken dishes that are full of flavor. Enjoy the creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta or the smoky Air Fryer Blackened Chicken. These recipes are great for satisfying your taste buds and helping you reach your fitness goals.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Cream Sauce

Try the amazing mix of high protein buffalo chicken and creamy sauce. This buffalo chicken pasta has 33 grams of protein per serving. The spicy buffalo sauce and creamy sauce together make it a hit with everyone.

Ingredients

• For the Pasta:
  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rotini works well)
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
• For the Cream Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (optional for tanginess)
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper.
   • Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the buffalo sauce and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Make the Cream Sauce:
   • In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
   • Add the shredded cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt (if using), onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Everything:
   • In the skillet with the chicken, add the cooked pasta and creamy sauce. Toss everything together until well coated.
5. Serve:
   • Serve hot, topped with extra cheese and chopped green onions or parsley.

Air Fryer Blackened Chicken

Make your meals better with our high protein blackened chicken recipe, cooked in your air fryer. It has 26 grams of protein and a crispy outside from the blackened seasoning. You can serve it in salads, tacos, or as a main dish.

Dish	Protein per Serving	Key Ingredients	Cooking Method
Buffalo Chicken Pasta	33 grams	Chicken, Pasta, Buffalo Sauce, Cream	Stovetop
Air Fryer Blackened Chicken	26 grams	Chicken, Blackened Seasoning	Air Fryer

“These spicy and flavorful chicken recipes are the perfect way to add excitement to your meals while packing in the protein.”

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
• For the Blackened Seasoning:
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice crust.
   • Rub the chicken with olive oil and season with salt.
2. Make the Blackened Seasoning:
   • In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Season the Chicken:
   • Generously coat each piece of chicken with the blackened seasoning, pressing it in to ensure it adheres well.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
5. Cook the Chicken:
   • Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is nicely browned.
6. Rest and Serve:
   • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides, like rice, veggies, or a fresh salad.

Meal Prep and Make-Ahead high protein chicken recipes

Meal prepping high-protein chicken dishes is a lifesaver for busy people. It helps them stick to a healthy diet. The Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl and Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes are great examples.

Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl

The Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl is quick and easy to make. It’s ready in under 20 minutes and has 33 grams of protein. The chicken is in a tasty teriyaki sauce, served with pineapple.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
  • 1 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Pineapple Bowls:
  • 1 fresh pineapple, halved and hollowed out (reserve the fruit)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup snap peas or broccoli florets
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Optional:
  • Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pineapple:
   • Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise and scoop out the fruit, leaving about 1/2 inch of flesh. Dice the reserved pineapple and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper.
   • Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add the teriyaki sauce and diced pineapple. Stir to combine and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
3. Add Vegetables:
   • Add the diced red bell pepper and snap peas or broccoli to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
   • If using, place cooked rice or quinoa in the bottom of the hollowed-out pineapple halves.
   • Spoon the teriyaki chicken and vegetable mixture into each pineapple bowl.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately!

Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes

Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes are a hit with families. They’re made with ground chicken and a homemade sauce. Each serving has 25 grams of protein. You can serve them on buns, in wraps, or with zoodles and salads.

Ingredients

• For the Sloppy Joes:
  • 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small bell pepper, finely chopped (any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking
• To Serve:
  • Hamburger buns
  • Pickles (optional)
  • Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
2. Cook the Ground Chicken:
   • Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and smoked paprika. Mix well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
   • Toast the hamburger buns if desired. Spoon the ground chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
5. Serve:
   • Top with pickles or coleslaw if desired, then place the top half of the bun on each. Serve immediately!

FAQ

What is the average amount of protein per serving in the recipes provided?

Each recipe in this article has at least 15 grams of protein per serving. Some recipes offer up to 38 grams of protein per serving.

What types of chicken are used in these recipes?

The recipes use chicken thighs, breasts, or cutlets. They create hearty, high-protein meals.

What are the carb counts for the recipes?

Recipes like Feta & Roasted Red Pepper Stuffed Chicken Breast and Baked Lemon-Pepper Chicken have no more than 15 g of carbohydrates per serving.

How can these high-protein chicken dishes be served?

These dishes can be paired with a side salad or roasted veggies for a balanced dinner. The chicken can also be added to other meals like salads, pasta, and tacos.

Why is protein important in the diet?

Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. It promotes muscle growth when strength training. It’s also used by the body to build and repair tissue.

Additionally, a diet high in protein can increase feelings of fullness. This can help with weight management by reducing overall calorie intake.

What makes chicken a good protein source?

Chicken is a lean protein that is easy to prepare and quite affordable. One skinless chicken breast contains 23 grams of protein and only 2 grams of carbs.

This makes it a great way to get enough protein with your meal. Chicken is also a versatile protein source that can be cooked in various ways.