Lunchtime laziness is a whole lifestyle for me.

I want something that takes zero brainpower to make. But it still has to hit big on protein.

So here are my fall lazy girl high protein lunch ideas. These are the ones I reach for constantly when I want minimal effort at lunch.

My favorite from this batch is the Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes at number 9. Tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a rich cream sauce make it taste way more indulgent than it actually is.

1. Cottage Cheese Chicken Enchilada Bowls

When lunchtime comes around and I’m craving Mexican flavors, this is my go-to recipe.

Loaded with shredded chicken, cottage cheese, taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and enchilada-inspired flavors, the bowls deliver an impressive 47g of protein per serving while keeping prep incredibly simple.

It takes 6 minutes to prep and 2 minutes in the microwave! Lunch doesn’t get faster or tastier than this.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 515
• Fats: 27.8g
• Protein: 47.2g
• Carbs: 18.6g
• Fiber: 3.4g
• Sugar: 6.1g

2. Sweet Potato Taco Bowls

These taco bowls are made out of all the most nutritious ingredients in tacos, so it packs protein and fiber.

And it’s just worth 495 calories. Now that’s the kind of lunch that will actually keep you full for a little bit, so that you’re fueled for workout after work.

Needless to say, your gut will love it too.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 495
• Fats: 18g
• Protein: 34g
• Carbs: 52g
• Fiber: 13g
• Sugar: 9g

3. Teriyaki Beef Cauliflower Rice Bowls

Flank steak turns fall apart tender after simmering in coconut aminos, honey, and fresh ginger. Cauliflower rice replaces regular rice underneath, which keeps the carb load down while the protein stays high. The crockpot handles nearly everything.

I made this on a day I wanted takeout but knew I would regret the crash that follows. It scratched that craving completely while I got other things done. Each bowl brings over 50 grams of protein to the table, which goes a long way toward keeping lunchtime blood sugar steady.

It stays gluten free and dairy free, so it works for a range of eaters. I portion it into containers for the week ahead. Reheated leftovers taste just as good as the first bowl.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 513.25
• Fats: 2.41g
• Protein: 50.73g
• Carbs: 26.17g
• Fiber: 4.12g
• Sugar: 16.48g

4. Chicken Fajita Bake

I have made this chicken fajita for lunch many times now, it’s a nice substitute for your regular chicken fajitas.

Mostly because it’s extra clean, packing protein and veggies. But doesn’t have any of the processed carbs that perhaps we don’t want to have all the time.

Especially if our goal is to eat a cleaner diet. This lunch is just for you.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 560
• Fats: 27.9g
• Protein: 63.4g
• Carbs: 9.6g
• Fiber: 2.3g
• Sugar: 4.8g

5. Buffalo Chicken Bowls

My family never gets tired of buffalo flavors, but I don’t always want to rely on takeout.  That’s why I created this recipe that delivers the spicy, tangy, slightly sweet notes we love.

Instead of heavy breading, I coat the chicken breasts in seasoned tapioca starch for an irresistible crunchy finish. Combined with basmati rice, sweet corn, black beans, and creamy avocado, these high protein, high fiber bowls are a winner.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 620
• Fats: 29.8g
• Protein: 36.7g
• Carbs: 55.4g
• Fiber: 9.8g
• Sugar: 10.6g

6. Crockpot Chicken Lemon Soup

When life gives you lemons, make lemon soup! I swear this is one of my favorite fall soups, because it’s warming yet bright, and packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients.

In 345 calories, I packed in 36g of protein – way more than the 25g+ you’re after, for such a low calorie meal!

It’s also incredibly zesty, comforting, and super easy to make.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 345
• Fats: 7.4g
• Protein: 36.5g
• Carbs: 30.6g
• Fiber: 3.1g
• Sugar: 4.2g

7. Baked Lemon Tilapia

I whisk garlic, lemon, and paprika together, pour it over the fish, and walk away. That’s really the whole process. The oven handles the rest while I do literally anything else.

Lazy lunches don’t get much easier than this one. It comes in at just 236 calories and under 2 grams of carbs, so it never feels heavy halfway through the day.

Even my nephews, who normally push fish straight to the side of their plates, went back for more the day I made this. That alone told me this recipe was worth keeping around. Sometimes the laziest meals end up being the biggest wins.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 236
• Fats: 16.3g
• Protein: 22.8g
• Carbs: 1.8g
• Fiber: 0.1g
• Sugar: 0.3g

8. Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowl

This Middle Eastern-inspired Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a breeze to make in the slow cooker and has tons of bold flavor plus nearly 50 grams of protein! It’s a healthy meal that will quickly become a favorite at your house.

I like to serve it with creamy, refreshing Tzatziki like this.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 485
• Fats: 17.1g
• Protein: 48.9g
• Carbs: 37.2g
• Fiber: 3.4g
• Sugar: 6.4g

9. Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Are you looking at a package of chicken breasts and have no idea how to make them appealing?

This delicious recipe comes to the rescue, delivering tender chicken and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a heavy cream sauce. It’s the ultimate plate of comfort food that you’re going to love.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 387
• Fats: 24.0g
• Protein: 33.0g
• Carbs: 11.0g
• Fiber: 1.7g
• Sugar: 1.9g

10. Salmon Bowl

Another great lunch bowl idea is this easy Salmon Bowl. It is both sweet and spicy and provides you with tons of nutrition from veggies and fish!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 906
• Fats: 41g
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 105g
• Fiber: 13g
• Sugar: 13g

11. Pizza Bowls

Pizza is one of my favorite foods, but it really weighs me down if I eat it for lunch. My solution is a scrumptious Pizza Bowl!

With a tasty marinara sauce, delicious mozzarella cheese, minced chicken, and yummy salami, this recipe will satisfy your pizza cravings in a healthy way! I recommend using this no-guilt marinara sauce for your pizza bowls.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 267
• Fats: 18g
• Protein: 16.33g
• Carbs: 4.2g
• Fiber: 1.03g
• Sugar: 1.77g

12. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus

Chicken bites are a go-to lunch food for me because they are so easy to prepare. These ones make for an easy, yummy, and lazy meal in the middle of the day!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 402
• Fats: 27g
• Protein: 34g
• Carbs: 6.2g
• Fiber: 1.2g
• Sugar: 2.3g

13. High Protein Cottage Cheese Tomato Soup

I always crave soup at lunch on cold days or rainy days. If you are the same way and want to make sure that your lunchtime soup really fills you up, try this High-Protein Cottage Cheese Tomato Soup.

It is yummy and hits the spot every time but gives you more protein than a regular tomato soup. I like to serve this dish with a simple green salad at lunchtime.

You’ll also love these other low calorie lunch ideas!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 206
• Fats: 4.7g
• Protein: 15g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fiber: 6.5g
• Sugar: 18g

14. Baked Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs

Source: cushyspa.com

Foil pack meals are wonderful for lunch because they are quick & easy and require barely any clean up. These Baked Shrimp and Broccoli Foil packs are super nutritious and tasty, which makes them a great lunch option in my book!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 385
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 40g
• Carbs: 27g
• Fiber: 8.9g
• Sugar: 5.8g

15. Chicken Corn Rice Bowls

These Chicken Corn Rice Bowls include a little bit of everything from fluffy rice to sweet corn and perfectly cooked chicken. This one is a great option for meal prep so that you have a healthy lunch every day of the week.

If you need some good meal prep storage containers, I love these ones!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 434
• Fats: 13g
• Protein: 34g
• Carbs: 48g
• Fiber: 4.1g
• Sugar: 8.1g

16. Air Fryer Salmon

Air fryers are a phenomenal cooking tool for lazy meals, in my opinion. This Air Fryer Salmon cooks your fish perfectly every time with barely any effort from you!

If you need a good Air Fryer, try out this one!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 287
• Fats: 17g
• Protein: 26g
• Carbs: 7.2g
• Fiber: 0.6g
• Sugar: 4.5g

17. Buttered Cod

This Buttered Cod is so flavorful and healthy. Plus, it is a breeze to make so it is perfect for your lunch break!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 297
• Fats: 19g
• Protein: 31g
• Carbs: 1.2g
• Fiber: 0.3g
• Sugar: 0.3g

18. Burrito Bowl in a Skillet

Instead of grabbing Mexican takeout for lunch, try out this efficient and tasty Burrito Bowl in a Skillet. It will give you all the flavors you crave without the guilt or the time-consuming process of folding & rolling burritos!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 558
• Fats: 23g
• Protein: 31g
• Carbs: 60g
• Fiber: 12g
• Sugar: 9.6g

19. Burger in a Bowl

A burger isn’t always a great option for lunchtime because it can be so heavy. This Burger-in-a-Bowl lightens things up while still satisfying your burger cravings.

Check out these other healthy ground beef meal prep ideas!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 360
• Fats: 21g
• Protein: 26g
• Carbs: 17g
• Fiber: 5.5g
• Sugar: 7.7g

20. Instant Pot Spicy Chicken with Quinoa

Instant Pots are another excellent tool for lunchtime cooking. They make it so fast and easy to create a tasty, healthy meal without sacrificing too much of your valuable time.

This Spicy Chicken with Quinoa meal is made in an Instant Pot for easy cooking and tastes so good while giving you the protein & nutrition you need to get you through the rest of your day!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 767
• Fats: 11g
• Protein: 65g
• Carbs: 104g
• Fiber: 30g
• Sugar: 12g

21. Salmon Stir Fry

Stir-fries are always in my lunch and dinner rotations! This Salmon Stir Fry is an excellent lunchtime option because it gives you so much protein, along with tons of veggies and oh-so-much flavor!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 488
• Fats: 29g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 31g
• Fiber: 4.6g
• Sugar: 19g