High Protein Chicken Dinner Ideas Under 600 Calories

Chicken is one of the most versatile and popular ingredients for dinner, and for good reason. It’s a great source of protein, and can be prepared in countless ways to suit every taste and dietary need. From grilled and baked options to hearty one-pan meals, chicken adapts easily to a variety of cooking styles while keeping your meals balanced and satisfying. It’s also perfect for meal prep, making it easier to stick to your nutrition goals throughout the week. Adding high-protein chicken dishes to your routine is a simple way to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor. If you’re looking for more ideas, explore these easy high protein dinner recipes for even more inspiration.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or a more elaborate dish to impress your family and friends, chicken is always a good choice. In this post, we’ll explore 13 high protein chicken dinner ideas that are not only delicious but also nutritious and can be prepared with ease.

Garlic Butter Chicken Breast (Approx. 340 calories | 40g protein)

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The garlic butter sauce adds a rich and creamy flavor to the chicken, making it a great option for those looking for a low-carb meal. It’s also high in protein, making it an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix together garlic and butter.
Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and brush with the garlic butter mixture.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

Chicken Fajita Bowl (Approx. 420 calories | 35g protein)

This recipe is a healthier twist on traditional fajitas, served in a bowl with your choice of toppings. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of lime juice and spices, giving it a burst of flavor. It’s also high in fiber and protein, making it a great option for a nutritious dinner.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1/2 cup of lime juice
1/4 cup of olive oil
1 teaspoon of cumin
1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken to the marinade and mix well.
Cook the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken (Approx. 540 calories | 38g protein)

This recipe is a rich and creamy take on traditional chicken dishes. The sauce is made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, giving it a decadent flavor. It’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup of heavy cream
1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large skillet, cook the chicken over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side.
In a separate saucepan, combine heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.

Grilled Chicken with Quinoa (Approx. 400 calories | 30g protein)

This recipe is a healthy and well-rounded meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner. The quinoa provides a good source of fiber and protein, while the grilled chicken adds a boost of protein. It’s also low in calories and rich in nutrients.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup of quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 cups of water or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and water or broth to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is tender.
Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.

Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables (Approx. 320 calories | 25g protein)

This recipe is a quick and easy meal, perfect for a busy night. The stir-fry is made with a variety of colorful vegetables, including bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli, giving it a burst of nutrients. It’s also low in calories and rich in protein.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups of mixed vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes or until cooked through.
Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until tender.
Stir in the garlic and soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Chicken Parmesan (High Protein Version) (Approx. 440 calories | 40g protein)

This recipe is a healthier take on traditional chicken parmesan, with a crispy whole wheat breading and a side of marinara sauce. It’s high in protein and fiber, making it a great option for a nutritious dinner.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs
1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1 cup of marinara sauce
1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a shallow dish, mix together the whole wheat breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Dip each chicken breast in the beaten eggs and then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

Baked BBQ Chicken (Approx. 360 calories | 30g protein)

This recipe is a classic summer dish, perfect for a backyard barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. The chicken is marinated in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, giving it a rich flavor. It’s also low in calories and high in protein.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup of BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken to the bowl and mix well to coat.
Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo (Approx. 520 calories | 35g protein)

This recipe is a creamy and indulgent take on traditional pasta dishes. The chicken is cooked in a rich Alfredo sauce with steamed broccoli, giving it a burst of nutrients. It’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup of broccoli florets
1 cup of heavy cream
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of cooked fettuccine noodles

Instructions

Cook the fettuccine noodles according to package instructions.
In a large skillet, combine the chicken, broccoli, and garlic.
In a separate saucepan, combine the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.

Lemon Pepper Chicken (Approx. 300 calories | 35g protein)

This recipe is a light and refreshing take on traditional chicken dishes. The lemon pepper seasoning adds a bright and citrusy flavor, making it perfect for a summer dinner. It’s also low in calories and high in protein.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons of lemon pepper seasoning
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix together the lemon pepper seasoning and olive oil.
Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and brush with the lemon pepper mixture.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

Chicken Curry with Greek Yogurt (Approx. 400 calories | 30g protein)

This recipe is a creamy and aromatic take on traditional curry dishes. The Greek yogurt adds a tangy and cooling flavor, making it perfect for a spicy dinner. It’s also high in protein and fiber, making it a great option for a nutritious meal.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons of curry powder
1 can of coconut milk
1/2 cup of Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon of honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the curry powder over medium heat.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes or until cooked through.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, Greek yogurt, and honey.
Stir the mixture into the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Chicken Stuffed with Spinach and Cheese (Approx. 380 calories | 35g protein)

This recipe is a creative and delicious take on traditional stuffed chicken breasts. The spinach and cheese filling adds a burst of nutrients and flavor, making it perfect for a special occasion. It’s also high in protein and fiber, making it a great option for a nutritious dinner.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup of fresh spinach leaves
1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix together the spinach, cheddar cheese, and garlic.
Place the chicken breasts on a flat surface and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
Stuff each breast with the spinach and cheese mixture.

Honey Garlic Chicken (Approx. 320 calories | 30g protein)

This recipe is a sweet and savory take on traditional chicken dishes. The honey and garlic sauce adds a rich and sticky flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s also low in calories and high in protein.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons of honey
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil.
Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and brush with the honey garlic mixture.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

Chicken and Chickpea Stew (Approx. 500 calories | 35g protein)

This recipe is a hearty and comforting take on traditional stews. The chickpeas add a boost of fiber and protein, making it a great option for a nutritious dinner. It’s also low in calories and rich in nutrients.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups of diced vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes
2 cups of chicken broth
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 teaspoon of dried thyme

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chicken to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes or until cooked through.
Add the chickpeas, diced vegetables, chicken broth, and thyme to the pot.
Bring the stew to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.