7 High Protein Low Calorie Dinner Recipes Under 500 Calories

Looking for high protein low calorie dinner ideas? We’ve rounded up our 7 favorite recipes to make healthy cooking easy and delicious.

If you’re trying to stay in a calorie deficit, focusing on high protein low calorie meal ideas is a great way to feel full for longer and steer clear of the restrictive diet mindset.

So quickly we can start to crave all kinds of junk foods just because we’ve told ourselves they are “off limits.”

But when you focus on eating high protein delicious recipes, you can keep your focus on what you ARE eating instead of what you aren’t.

We’ve chosen these low calorie high protein dinner recipes because they are the best of all worlds. They are super tasty, satisfying, and under 500 calories.

So without further ado, let’s dive into our favorite dinner ideas.

7 High Protein Low Calorie Dinner Recipes

We’ve searched high and low for the best high protein low calorie dinner ideas that are both filling and under 500 calories. Here’s our roundup of our favorite recipes that are on constant rotation in our kitchens.

Chicken Tinga Tacos
Secret Ingredient Slow Cooker Chili
Chicken Fajitas Burrito Bowl
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
High Protein Chicken Enchiladas
Baked Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Healthy Burger Salad Bowl

Alright, let’s get into it!

1. Chicken Tinga Tacos

We love this Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga Taco recipe because it uses chicken breast which is packed with protein and low in fat, making it also relatively low calorie. A single serving of the chicken taco filling is just 325 calories and 30 grams of protein. Pair it with one or two mini tortillas and a side salad for a flavorful and filling high protein low calorie dinner.

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 3 Hours
Nutrition Facts: 325 calories | 28g protein | 13g carbs | 15g fat

2. Secret Ingredient Slow Cooker Chili

Although chili probably isn’t what you first think of when you think of low calorie high protein dinners, when made with lean ground beef, it makes a super hearty and comforting meal while still being under 500 calories. This Secret Ingredient Slow Cooker Chili is based on a family recipe refined over years and years of trial and error.

Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 8 Hours
Nutrition Facts: 412 calories | 31g protein | 23g carbs | 22g fat

3. Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl

Who doesn’t love a loaded burrito bowl? This Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl is an incredible low calorie dinner. It comes in at just 501 calories and packs in 45 grams of protein! Plus, it takes just 30 minutes to make and stores well as leftovers.

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Nutrition Facts: 501 calories | 45g protein | 46g carbs | 12g fat

4. Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

If you’re looking for a high protein low calorie dinner that’s filled with flavor and fun to eat, look no further than these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. They come together in just 15 minutes and in one pan making them an excellent weeknight dinner option. Plus, you can store the leftovers as meal prep for the week ahead.

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Nutrition Facts: 477 calories | 33g protein | 24g carbs | 27g fat (for 3 servings)

5. High Protein Chicken Enchiladas

These Chicken Enchiladas come together in just 30 minutes and are filled with delicious tender chicken, creamy cheese, and tangy enchilada sauce. They have incredible macros and make a deliciously satisfying dinner for any night of the week.

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Nutrition Facts: 479 calories | 38g protein | 43g carbs | 17g fat

6. Baked Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Pesto Pasta

A healthy take on the classic spaghetti and meatballs, this recipe for Baked Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Pesto Pasta is a favorite in my household. The chicken meatballs are loaded with parmesan and baked until golden and delicious. Serve them on top of spaghetti dressed in a fresh broccoli pesto for the ultimate high protein low calorie dinner.

Prep Time: 50 Minutes
Nutrition Facts: 442 calories | 30g protein | 28g carbs | 24g fat

7. Healthy Burger Salad Bowl

If you’re craving a burger but want something a little bit healthier, try this Burger Salad Bowl. It has all the fix-ins of a traditional burger but in the form of a salad bowl — meaning all the same flavor but with far fewer calories. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that will leave you feeling satisfied for hours.

Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Nutrition Facts: 464 calories | 31g protein | 24g carbs | 27g fat

Final Thoughts

Weight loss doesn’t have to be complicated when you focus on eating in a slight calorie deficit on focus on high protein low calorie dinner ideas.

However, simple doesn’t mean easy.

If you’re on a weight loss journey and you find yourself struggling, we recommend reaching out for support. Whether to a friend or family member or an expert, you’re much more likely to accomplish your goals if you enlist the help of those around you.

We hope these high protein low calorie dinner ideas make your journey just that little bit easier.

Let us know your favorite in the comments below!

Bon appétit,

A small note to my readers – Over here at VLHhealth, we occasionally include affiliate links in our posts. This means that if you purchase using our links, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Posted By: Victoria · In: nutrition