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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    20 High-Protein Meals That Are Perfect for Busy Schedules

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on January 1, 2025, updated December 17, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    Finding time to cook healthy meals can be tough, especially with a busy schedule. These high-protein meals are a great way to stay full and energized throughout the day.

    Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki

    instant pot chicken teriyaki
    Photo Credit: Karen Kelly.

    Teriyaki thighs are super simple to prepare and packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients for the sauce and the help of your Instant Pot, this dish comes together in no time.

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    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

    Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple meal uses just 8 ingredients and is perfect for dinner any night. With tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, hearty mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, it's a dish that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is super easy to prepare with just four ingredients and some quick store-bought options. You can have it ready in 5 minutes and on the table in under 40.

    Get the recipe

    Mediterranean Salmon

    Mediterranean Salmon.
    Photo credit: Hungry Healthy Happy.

    This dish combines Mediterranean flavors with salmon fillets for a quick meal that takes less than 20 minutes to prepare. It’s perfect for salads, sandwiches, or served alongside roasted garlic potatoes.

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    30 Minute Instant Pot Chicken Chili

    30 Minute Instant Pot Chicken Chili
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This Instant Pot Chicken Chili is quick to prepare, taking only 30 minutes total with just 5 minutes of hands-on time. It stays warm in the pot, so everyone can serve themselves whenever they need a meal between activities like soccer and volleyball.

    Get the recipe

    Orange Chicken

    Air fryer orange chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This orange chicken is a healthier and more affordable version of your favorite takeout. It features crispy air-fried chicken coated in a delicious orange sauce, and you can have it ready in under 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken
    Photo credit: Always use butter

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken is a quick and tasty meal that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. The creamy sauce is full of flavor from crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.

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    Halloumi Sandwich with Roasted Red Peppers

    Halloumi Sandwich with Roasted Red Peppers
    Photo credit: Hey nutrition lady

    This Halloumi Sandwich features roasted red peppers, creamy avocado, fresh tomatoes, and crispy pan-fried halloumi. It's a satisfying meal that's perfect for any time.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer T-Bone Steak with Homemade Garlic Butter

    T-bone steak with garlic butter.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Juicy T-bone steaks can be made quickly and easily in your air fryer. Pair them with homemade garlic butter or your favorite sauce for a satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff

    Chicken and mushroom stroganoff with sour cream in a sour cream sauce.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff is a rich and creamy dish that brings a taste of Eastern Europe to your table in just 30 minutes. It's a satisfying and comforting meal that's perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without spending all day cooking.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Rib Eye

    Grilled Rib Eye
    Photo Credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This grilled rib eye with smoked salt and charred vegetables is a delicious option for meat lovers, even if they're on a low FODMAP diet. It's a satisfying meal that comes together quickly, perfect for busy days.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Halloumi with Ratatouille

    Halloumi and ratatouille in a bowl.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    This simple one-pot meal is perfect for busy days when you need something quick and filling. It's sure to become a regular part of your cooking routine.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Chicken Wraps

    Cajun Chicken Wraps.
    Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry.

    This Cajun chicken wrap is packed with bold flavors. With seasoned chicken wrapped in a whole-grain tortilla, it’s a satisfying meal that pairs well with your favorite sides.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Shrimp Boil

    A plate of shrimp boil.
    Photo credit: Corrie Cooks.

    This dish combines seafood, meat, and veggies all in one plate, and it comes together quickly with your Instant Pot. It's perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Mayo Salmon

    Baked Mayo Salmon.
    Photo credit: Wholesome Yum.

    Baked salmon with mayo is a simple and tasty dish that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. With only four ingredients, this is a quick dinner option that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Pork Chops with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Cast iron skillet pork chops.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These pork chops are ready in just 25 minutes and are full of flavor. With garlic, mushrooms, and thyme, they are seared and simmered in red wine for incredibly juicy chops.

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    One Pan Dorito Casserole

    One pan Dorito casserole on a dish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This quick and easy Dorito casserole comes together with just 10 ingredients in 30 minutes. It's a simple meal that’s perfect for busy days.

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    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters come together in just 15 minutes, offering a great mix of crispy skin and juicy meat. The marinade with lime juice adds extra flavor and helps keep the chicken tender.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker American Goulash

    Slow Cooker Goulash.
    Photo Credit: Cincy Shopper.

    Slow Cooker American Goulash is a hearty dish packed with beef and vegetables. This simple recipe is perfect for a quick dinner on a busy day.

    Get the Recipe

    Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken

    Honey Mustard Chicken in a stainless steel pan.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    This creamy Honey Mustard Chicken skillet meal is ready in just 30 minutes and packed with great flavors. It's a simple one-pan dish that's perfect for busy days, and the honey mustard sauce goes well with rice, potatoes, and roasted veggies.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      18 Easy Summer Casseroles to Feed a Crowd
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      26 Easy Crockpot Recipes That Will Feed a Crowd
    • Making gino.
      20 Heavenly Desserts That Will Satisfy Your Cravings
    • Mexican beef and rice casserole.
      30 Hearty Ground Beef Dishes We Crave Every Week

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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