30 High Protein Chicken Meals

By Candace Braun Zafirellis
Updated 4/10/2025
30 High Protein Chicken Meals
Photo Credit: iStock

If you’re trying to lose weight, save money or eat more high energy foods, these 30 high protein chicken meals can make your weekly meal plan healthier and your body leaner. Protein in meats like chicken enables your body to build more muscle, and chicken is always an economical source of protein.

These high protein chicken recipes are designed to make you feel fuller faster. Each recipe follows the High Protein Diet Guidelines outlined by our registered dietitians.  Because chicken meat is nutrient rich, you’ll probably consume less calories at dinner and you will be less likely to snack between meals. Not only that, a diet based on healthy protein chicken recipes is good for your heart because chicken meat is low in saturated fats to help lower cholesterol.  A heart healthy diet is all about choosing foods that feed your body wholesome nutrients and keep your heart pumping.

The best high protein chicken meals start with either white or dark meat without skin. Always remove chicken skin before cooking to reduce unhealthy fats and calories. When combined with vegetables and whole grains, chicken meat can make a balanced, heart healthy meal that helps you reduce cholesterol, build muscle and maintain a healthy weight.

Start adding some of these 30 high protein chicken recipes to your regular weekly meal plan:

  1. Heart Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    These crispy nuggets are made in the air fryer for a low fat, high protein alternative to fried chicken that’s perfect for a heart healthy meal paired with brown rice and a colorful salad.

  2. Healthy White Chicken Chili
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    375 mins

    One of our favorite high protein chicken dishes is this hearty chili that combines tender chicken with white beans for a protein rich, low fat meal.

  3. Heart Healthy Butter Chicken
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    A lighter take on the classic Indian dish, this recipe uses lean chicken for a protein packed meal that’s low fat. The creamy sauce in this recipe tastes rich, but it is heart healthy.

  4. Heart Healthy Sheet Pan Asian Chicken
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    60 mins

    This one pan recipe features lean chicken and vibrant veggies for a high protein, low fat meal. It’s an easy high protein chicken dishe for busy weeknights.

  5. Heart Healthy Crispy Chicken Tenders
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    35 mins

    Baked instead of fried, these crispy chicken tenders are a high protein, low cholesterol alternative to traditional fast food. They’re easy to prepare and great for kids and adults.

  6. Heart Healthy Chicken and Quinoa Buddha Bowl
    Photo Credit: iStock
    45 mins

    This nutritious bowl combines lean chicken, protein rich quinoa and fresh veggies. It’s a balanced, low fat meal perfect for meal prep.

  7. Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    25 mins

    These chicken tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with protein. They are low cholesterol and low fat and one of the best high protein chicken dishes to make when you’re craving fried chicken.

  8. Heart Healthy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Wraps
    Photo Credit: iStock
    15 mins

    Need a meal on the go? These chicken wraps are portable while being high in protein and low in fat. They also have the added benefits of nutrient rich spinach and mushrooms.

  9. Heart Healthy Grilled Chimichurri Chicken
    Photo Credit: iStock
    30 mins

    This zesty chicken is grilled to perfection, offering a high protein, low cholesterol dish that’s full of flavor.

  10. Heart Healthy White Bean Chicken Chili
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    375 mins

    Packed with lean chicken and protein-rich beans, this dish is both low in fat and high in flavor. It’s a comforting, healthy protein chicken recipe to enjoy any night of the week.

  11. Heart Healthy Air Fryer Pecan Crusted Chicken
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    A crunchy pecan coating adds texture and flavor to this high protein, low fat dish, making it a creative and healthy way to enjoy chicken.

  12. Heart Healthy Spinach, Beet and Chicken Salad
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    This vibrant salad combines lean chicken with heart healthy beets and spinach for a low fat, high protein meal that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

  13. Heart Healthy Chicken Spinach Wrap
    Photo Credit: iStock
    15 mins

    A simple and healthy wrap that’s low in fat and cholesterol but packed with protein. It’s an easy, portable meal.

  14. Heart Healthy Tandoori Chicken
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    60 mins

    This Indian favorite is high in protein and made with low fat ingredients for a heart healthy take on a classic dish. Its bold flavors make it a standout.

  15. Heart Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    This classic Italian dish is made healthier because it’s cooked in the air fryer, creating a high protein, low fat meal the whole family will love.

  16. Heart Healthy Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    Lean chicken and whole grain noodles make this healthy protein chicken recipe both filling and heart friendly. The sesame flavor adds a delicious twist.

  17. Healthy Orange Rosemary Roasted Chicken
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    120 mins

    Infused with citrus flavor, this roasted chicken is high in protein and low in cholesterol.

  18. Heart Healthy Mediterranean Chicken and Tomatoes
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, lean chicken, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs make this high protein dish a heart healthy meal choice.

  19. Heart Healthy Chicken Thighs with Farro
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    120 mins

    This hearty dish pairs tender chicken thighs with protein rich farro for a satisfying and low fat meal.

  20. Heart Healthy Air Fryer Balsamic Chicken
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    50 mins

    With its tangy balsamic glaze, this chicken is high in protein and low in cholesterol. It’s a quick, flavorful, and heart healthy dinner.

  21. 60 mins

    A baked version of a Southern classic, this high protein chicken is low in fat and cholesterol for a healthier comfort food option.

  22. Heart Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    150 mins

    A comforting classic, this soup is made with lean chicken for a high protein, low fat meal that’s perfect to enjoy during cooler weather.

  23. Heart Healthy Cobb Salad
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    20 mins

    Lean chicken and fresh veggies make this high protein salad a nutritious, low fat meal to enjoy for lunch or dinner.

  24. Heart Healthy Roasted Chicken and Spinach Salad
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    15 mins

    This light and refreshing salad features high protein roasted chicken and nutritious spinach, making it a heart healthy option.

  25. Heart Healthy Chicken Scallopini
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    This traditional Italian chicken dish is high protein and made with low fat ingredients for a heart friendly meal with rich flavor.

  26. Heart Healthy Chicken Avocado Sandwich
    Photo Credit: Adobe Firefly
    15 mins

    Creamy avocado and lean chicken come together for a high protein, low cholesterol sandwich to enjoy when you’re in a hurry.

  27. Heart Healthy Chicken Mole
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    A lighter take on a rich Mexican dish, this high protein chicken dish is low fat, blending bold flavors with heart healthy ingredients.

  28. Heart Healthy Chicken Rice Meatballs
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    60 mins

    These meatballs are high protein and low fat, combining tender chicken with rice for a healthy  meal.

  29. Heart Healthy Balsamic Chicken
    Photo Credit: Getty Images
    45 mins

    With a tangy balsamic glaze, this high protein chicken dish is low fat for low cholesterol diets, making it perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.

  30. Heart Healthy Creamy Bow-Tie Pasta
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    This pasta dish combines lean chicken and low fat ingredients for a heart healthy meal that’s creamy, comforting, and satisfying.

Whether you need a quick dinner or you’re searching for meal prep ideas for the week, these  high protein recipes are easy to make and perfect for anyone looking to boost their daily protein. 

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