14 Easy, Low Carb, High Protein Dinner Meals
Dinner is a special time. It is the meal where you can relax after a long day. You can sit down with your family and enjoy good food. If you are trying to eat healthy, dinner is a great chance to give your body the fuel it needs.
Some people think that low carb, high protein food is boring. That is not true at all. There are so many delicious dinners you can make. You can have chicken, steak, fish, and even curry. You just use healthy ingredients and skip the sugar and white flour.
This article gives you 14 easy dinner ideas. They are all low in carbs and high in protein. They are also very tasty. You will not miss the bread or pasta at all. These meals will keep you full and satisfied all evening.
Why a High Protein, Low Carb Dinner Is Good For You
Eating a good dinner is important for many reasons.
It keeps you full.
A dinner with lots of protein helps you feel full for a long time. This stops you from wanting to snack late at night. You will sleep better and not wake up hungry.
It helps your muscles.
If you are active during the day, your muscles need protein to repair and grow. Eating protein at dinner gives your body what it needs to rebuild while you sleep.
It helps with blood sugar.
Eating fewer carbs at dinner helps keep your blood sugar steady. You will not have big spikes and crashes. This is good for your energy and your overall health.
It helps with weight goals.
Because protein keeps you full and satisfied, you are less likely to overeat. This can help you reach your weight goals.
Now let us look at 14 easy, low carb, high protein dinner meals.
1. Cheesy Keto Chicken Parmesan
This is a low carb version of a classic Italian dish. Instead of breadcrumbs, we use almond flour to make a crispy coating. It is covered in tomato sauce and lots of melted cheese. It is so good.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup low carb marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Step by step instructions:
- Turn your oven on to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Get two shallow dishes. In one dish, mix together the almond flour, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. In the other dish, put the beaten egg.
- Take one chicken breast. Dip it first in the egg, so it is coated on both sides. Then, press it into the almond flour mixture. Turn it over and press so both sides are coated. Shake off any extra flour. Repeat with the other chicken breast.
- Get a large oven safe skillet. Put it on the stove over medium high heat. Add the olive oil and let it get hot.
- Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown.
- Spoon the marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Carefully put the whole skillet in the oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
- Take the skillet out of the oven. Let it cool for a minute before serving.
Nutrition information (for one serving, which is half the recipe):
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 60 grams
- Carbs: 15 grams
- Fat: 35 grams
2. Herb Crusted Lamb Chops with Roasted Asparagus
Lamb chops feel like a fancy meal, but they are very easy to make. The herb crust makes them taste amazing. Asparagus is a perfect low carb side dish.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 lamb chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Step by step instructions:
- Turn your oven on to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. This is your herb rub.
- Rub the herb mixture all over the lamb chops. Make sure they are well coated.
- Get a large oven safe skillet. Put it on the stove over medium high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Place the lamb chops in the hot skillet. Sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown.
- Toss the asparagus with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange them around the lamb chops in the skillet.
- Put the whole skillet in the oven. Roast for 10 to 15 minutes. The lamb should be cooked to your liking and the asparagus should be tender.
- Take the skillet out of the oven. Let the lamb rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition information (for one serving, which is 4 chops):
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 50 grams
- Carbs: 10 grams
- Fat: 35 grams
3. Teriyaki Salmon with Bok Choy
This is a quick and healthy dinner. The homemade teriyaki sauce has much less sugar than the kind you buy at the store. Bok choy is a healthy green vegetable that cooks very fast.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari (use tamari for gluten free)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 heads baby bok choy, cut in half
Step by step instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. This is your teriyaki sauce.
- Put the salmon fillets in a shallow dish. Pour half of the sauce over them. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes to soak up the flavor.
- Put a large skillet on the stove over medium high heat. When it is hot, add the salmon fillets. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. The salmon should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork.
- While the salmon cooks, add the bok choy to the skillet. Drizzle the rest of the teriyaki sauce over the bok choy. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring a few times, until the bok choy is tender but still a little crisp.
- Serve the salmon with the bok choy on the side.
Nutrition information (for one serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 40 grams
- Carbs: 12 grams
- Fat: 25 grams
4. Zucchini Beef Moussaka
Moussaka is a Greek casserole. The regular version has potatoes and a rich sauce. This low carb version uses zucchini instead of potatoes. It is hearty and comforting.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 large zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into long strips
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Step by step instructions:
- Turn your oven on to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Put a large skillet on the stove over medium high heat. Add the ground beef. Cook it until it is browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any extra fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion is soft.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and oregano. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- While the meat sauce simmers, make the cauliflower topping. Put the chopped cauliflower in a pot with a little water. Steam or boil it until it is very tender. Drain the water well. Put the cooked cauliflower in a blender. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Blend until it is completely smooth.
- Get a baking dish. Put a layer of zucchini slices on the bottom. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the zucchini. Add another layer of zucchini. Top with the rest of the meat sauce.
- Pour the smooth cauliflower cream over the top of everything. Spread it out evenly.
- Put the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The top should be golden brown and the casserole should be bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition information (for one serving):
- Calories: 500
- Protein: 40 grams
- Carbs: 20 grams
- Fat: 30 grams
5. Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a spicy rice dish from Louisiana. This version uses cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. It is a one pot meal that is full of flavor.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
- 8 ounces chorizo sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (use less if you do not like spicy food)
- 4 cups riced cauliflower
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Step by step instructions:
- Get a large pot or Dutch oven. Put it on the stove over medium high heat. Add the olive oil.
- Add the chicken pieces and chorizo slices to the pot. Cook until they are browned on all sides.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the riced cauliflower. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes. The cauliflower should be tender.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Nutrition information (for one serving):
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 45 grams
- Carbs: 20 grams
- Fat: 35 grams
6. Garlicky Greek Chicken
This is a simple and delicious chicken dish. The marinade is made with lemon, garlic, and oregano. It is full of bright, fresh flavor. Serve it with a big Greek salad.
Prep time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Step by step instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl. Turn them over so they are coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can even do this the night before.
- When you are ready to cook, turn your oven on to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour any extra marinade over them.
- Put the dish in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and no longer pink in the middle.
- Take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition information (for one serving):
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 50 grams
- Carbs: 5 grams
- Fat: 20 grams
7. Feta and Herb Crusted Salmon
This salmon looks very fancy, but it is so easy. The feta cheese and herbs make a delicious crust on top of the fish. It is a quick and elegant dinner.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Step by step instructions:
- Turn your oven on to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the feta cheese, parsley, dill, and garlic. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top of each fillet with a little olive oil.
- Divide the feta and herb mixture evenly among the four fillets. Press it onto the top of each salmon piece so it sticks.
- Put the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The salmon should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork. The topping should be golden brown.
- Take the salmon out of the oven and serve right away.
Nutrition information (for one serving):
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 42 grams
- Carbs: 5 grams
- Fat: 32 grams
8. Bacon Ranch Chicken
This dish is packed with flavor. The combination of bacon, ranch seasoning, and cheese is hard to beat. It is very easy to make and always a hit.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and then crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Step by step instructions:
- Turn your oven on to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Then, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix all over them. Rub it in so it sticks.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the bacon.
- Put the dish in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
- Take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition information (for one serving):
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 60 grams
- Carbs: 3 grams
- Fat: 33 grams
9. Pork Loin with Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
This meal looks very impressive, but it is actually simple to put together. The pork loin is lean and healthy. The bacon wrapped asparagus is a delicious and fun side dish.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pound pork loin roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 8 slices bacon
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Step by step instructions:
- Turn your oven on to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Rub the pork loin with olive oil. Then, rub it with the dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place the pork loin in a roasting pan. Put it in the oven. Roast for 20 minutes.
- While the pork roasts, prepare the asparagus. Take bundles of 3 or 4 asparagus spears and wrap a slice of bacon around each bundle. The bacon will hold them together.
- After the pork has cooked for 20 minutes, take the pan out of the oven. Add the bacon wrapped asparagus bundles to the pan around the pork.
- Put the pan back in the oven. Roast for another 10 to 15 minutes. The pork should be cooked through and the bacon should be crispy.
- Take the pan out of the oven. Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the asparagus.
Nutrition information (for one serving):
- Calories: 500
- Protein: 50 grams
- Carbs: 8 grams
- Fat: 30 grams
10. Turkey Cutlets with Cilantro Lime Dressing
Turkey cutlets are thin slices of turkey breast. They cook very fast. The cilantro lime dressing is fresh and zesty. This is a light and refreshing dinner.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds turkey cutlets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Step by step instructions:
- Season the turkey cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Put a large skillet on the stove over medium high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Place the turkey cutlets in the hot skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown and cooked through.
- While the turkey cooks, make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the cilantro, lime juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the minced garlic.
- When the turkey is done, put it on a plate. Drizzle the cilantro lime dressing over the top.
- Serve right away.
Nutrition information (for one serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 50 grams
- Carbs: 5 grams
- Fat: 25 grams
11. Keto Chicken and Green Beans Plate
This is a simple one pan meal. It is perfect for busy nights when you do not want a lot of cleanup. Everything cooks together on one baking sheet.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Step by step instructions:
- Turn your oven on to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Get a large baking sheet.
- Put the green beans on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Toss them with your hands to coat them. Push them to one side of the sheet.
- Rub the chicken breasts with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle them with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts on the other side of the baking sheet.
- Put the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the green beans should be tender.
- Take the sheet out of the oven. Serve the chicken with the green beans.
Nutrition information (for one serving):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 52 grams
- Carbs: 10 grams
- Fat: 20 grams
12. Herb Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables
This is a classic, comforting meal. Roasting a whole chicken is easier than you think. The vegetables get soft and sweet in the oven. It feels like a special Sunday dinner.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
- 1 pound mixed low carb root vegetables (like carrots, rutabagas, or turnips), chopped into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried herbs de Provence (or a mix of rosemary, thyme, and oregano)
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Step by step instructions:
- Turn your oven on to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Take the chicken out of the package. Pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy.
- Rub the chicken all over with olive oil. Sprinkle it generously with salt, pepper, and the herbs de Provence. Make sure to season the inside of the cavity too.
- Put the chopped vegetables in a large roasting pan. Drizzle them with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss them to coat.
- Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan.
- Put the pan in the oven. Roast for 50 to 60 minutes. The chicken is done when the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and the body. A meat thermometer stuck into the thickest part of the thigh should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Take the pan out of the oven. Carefully lift the chicken onto a cutting board. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving. This keeps the juices inside.
- Serve the carved chicken with the roasted vegetables.
Nutrition information (for one serving):
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 60 grams
- Carbs: 15 grams
- Fat: 35 grams
13. Seared Ahi Tuna Asian Bowl
This meal is quick, elegant, and full of flavor. Ahi tuna is seared very fast so the inside stays rare. It is served over cauliflower rice with edamame and avocado.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 ahi tuna steaks (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cups riced cauliflower, cooked
- 1 cup edamame, shelled and cooked
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- For the sauce: 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Step by step instructions:
- Make the sauce first. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger. Set aside.
- Put a large skillet on the stove over high heat. Add the sesame oil. Let it get very hot.
- Pat the tuna steaks dry with a paper towel. Place them in the hot skillet. Sear for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. You want the outside to be cooked and the inside to stay rare and red. If you like your tuna more well done, cook it a little longer.
- Take the tuna out of the skillet and put it on a cutting board. Slice it thinly.
- To build the bowls, divide the cooked cauliflower rice between two bowls. Top with the sliced tuna, edamame, and avocado slices.
- Drizzle the sauce over everything. Serve right away.
Nutrition information (for one serving):
- Calories: 500
- Protein: 45 grams
- Carbs: 20 grams
- Fat: 25 grams
14. Chinese Chicken Curry
This curry is much healthier than takeout. It is made with coconut milk, which makes it creamy and delicious. It is full of chicken and broccoli. Serve it with cauliflower rice.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 can (13.5 ounces) full fat coconut milk
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Step by step instructions:
- Put a large pot or Dutch oven on the stove over medium high heat. Add the coconut oil.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until they are browned on all sides.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until they are soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and curry powder. Cook for one minute, until it smells fragrant.
- Pour in the can of coconut milk. Stir everything together. Bring it to a simmer.
- Add the broccoli florets. Put a lid on the pot. Let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. The broccoli should be tender.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Nutrition information (for one serving):
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 45 grams
- Carbs: 15 grams
- Fat: 35 grams
Final Thoughts
Dinner is a time to enjoy good food. Eating low carb and high protein does not mean you have to eat boring meals. These 14 recipes show you how delicious healthy eating can be.
You can have cheesy chicken, fancy lamb chops, spicy jambalaya, and creamy curry. There are so many options. You will never get bored.
Try a few of these recipes this week. See which ones become your favorites. Cooking at home with whole ingredients is one of the best things you can do for your body. Enjoy your dinner.
