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37 High Calorie Lunch Ideas You Won’t Stop Eating

Do you want to put on a few pounds? Or want a dish that will keep you full until dinner? These filling and high-calorie lunch ideas will satisfy your tummy. Ans taste buds, too!

They’re comforting and nutritious but also pack a flavorful punch. Trust me, you won’t be able to get enough of these insanely tasty dishes!

That’s why I’ve compiled 27 High-Calorie Lunch Ideas. They’ll help you gain weight, and they’re good for you too. So, dig right in!

high calorie lunch ideas

1. Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep

Source: allnutritious.com

Sweet and garlicky chicken thighs, served over brown rice.

This recipe has it all. Amazing flavor, has enough calories to keep you full and is pretty packable, too. Not to mention, it comes together in 25 minutes.

A one-pan lunch or dinner that you will gladly come back to.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 803

• Fats: 23g

• Protein: 47g

• Carbs: 105g

• Fiber: 4.1g

• Sugar: 26g

2. Chicken With Broccoli, Beets, and Farro Salad

Source: allnutritious.com

Super nutritious and packed with the most incredible flavors. This chicken dish combines broccoli, beets, oranges, red onions, and farro.

And it is as colorful and exciting as it sounds.

Everything is drizzled with a finger-licking parsley dressing, which makes this dish even more refreshing.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 715

• Fats: 27g

• Protein: 55g

• Carbs: 67g

• Fiber: 12g

• Sugar: 17g

3. Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep

Source: allnutritious.com

Teriyaki chicken meal prep dish that is paired with broccoli and rice for a full and very comforting lunch.

The sauce here is garlicky and gingery. The broccoli is steamed. And the rice is super fluffy.

If you’re tired of rice in your meal prep bowls, you can use noodles instead.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 653

• Fats: 20g

• Protein: 51g

• Carbs: 68g

• Fiber: 2.4g

• Sugar: 23g

4. Chicken Salad Meal Prep

Source: allnutritious.com

This chicken salad is everything but boring. It is packed with freshness, crunchiness, and lots of exciting flavors.

It features lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, avocados, and onions. And it is a calorie bomb that is super healthy and will surely keep you full.

This recipe uses chicken breasts, but thighs can also be used.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 597

• Fats: 31g

• Protein: 55g

• Carbs: 26g

• Fiber: 5.9g

• Sugar: 17g

5. Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

Chicken sheet pan dinner with broccoli, peppers, and cashews. It is not only filling and nutritious. But this dish also offers crunchy bites that will keep you returning for more.

Sweet, garlicky, nutty, and incredibly tasty. It offers 579 calories per serving. Perfect for staying full until the next meal.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 579

• Fats: 40g

• Protein: 33g

• Carbs: 25g

• Fiber: 4.3g

• Sugar: 12g

6. Salmon Stir Fry

Source: allnutritious.com

Umami, sweet, and savory at the same time. This salmon stir-fry packs exciting flavors and tons of calories to keep you full.

It is made with carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, peppers, and red onions.  And it is smothered in a garlicky and honey soy sauce. Which is nothing but finger-licking-worthy.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 488

• Fats: 29g

• Protein: 30g

• Carbs: 31g

• Fiber: 4.6g

• Sugar: 19g

7. Instant Pot Spicy Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

A spicy dish from the Instant Pot that will be on your table in just 25 minutes.

It includes chicken, quinoa, salsa sauce, and tons of spices for a deep and tempting flavor.

The dish is also paired with beans and peppers. And it is just the dish you need to be making at your next meal-prepping sessions.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 767

• Fats: 11g

• Protein: 65g

• Carbs: 104g

• Fiber: 30g

• Sugar: 12g

8. Keto Breakfast Sandwich

Source: allnutritious.com

This breakfast sandwich is low in carbs and Keto-approved. But it is super rich in calories and filling.

Instead of bread, it uses beef burgers. In between, there is mashed avocados, egg, and pickles.

The dish is a real fat bomb. And it is also rich in protein.

A must-try, even if you’re not in Ketosis.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 664

• Fats: 51g

• Protein: 43g

• Carbs: 7.8g

• Fiber: 4.7g

• Sugar: 1.4g

9. Savory Breakfast Bowl with Parmesan

Source: allnutritious.com

Technically, this is considered a breakfast dish. But it is equally as filling as a lunch.

Because it has eggs, peppers, avocados, sweet potatoes, spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Plus, a generous sprinkle of Parmesan on top.

Who needs boring salads when you can have this?

Per Serving:

• Calories: 895

• Fats: 66g

• Protein: 26g

• Carbs: 56g

• Fiber: 16g

• Sugar: 14g

10. Chipotle Chicken Salad

Source: allnutritious.com

A high-protein salad that is rich in calories. It includes chipotle chicken, avocados, lettuce, tomatoes, beans, corn, cucumber, and peppers.

Plus, cheddar for cheesiness. And a mango dressing to wrap everything together.

Pretty nutritious, ambitious, and super delicious! Don’t you agree?

Per Serving:

• Calories: 596

• Fats: 25g

• Protein: 39g

• Carbs: 61g

• Fiber: 15g

• Sugar: 28g

11. Salmon Meal Prep with Veggies

Salmon Meal Prep with Veggies

Source: allnutritious.com

This salmon meal prep is brimming with taste and nutrition. Omega-3 fats are good for your heart and brain. They may even prevent wrinkles.

To keep your meals tasting fresh longer, it’s best to store them in air-tight food storage containers. These glass food storage containers are not only durable but leak-proof too.

Check out more pescatarian meal prep recipes like this here.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 806
  • Fats: 45g
  • Protein: 54g
  • Carbs: 53g
  • Fiber: 13g
  • Sugar: 16g

12. Pesto Grilled Cheese

Pesto Grilled Cheese

Source: beyondthechickencoop.com

Give this Pesto Grilled Cheese a try. There are goodies like Parmesan cheese, Gouda cheese, juicy tomatoes, and pesto. And they’re all sandwiched between buttered sourdough bread.

And not only are they tasty, but they’re also good for you too. They’re rich in Vitamin A and excellent sources of calcium which is vital for good bones.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 781
  • Fats: 38g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Carbs: 77g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 7g

13. Bacon, Tomato & Avocado Sandwich

Bacon, Tomato & Avocado Sandwich

Source: recipesformen.com

Sourdough bread is topped with creamy avocadoes, juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, and poached eggs. It’s a beautiful combination of tastes and textures.

Now making the perfect poached egg can be kind of tricky. So, to make it easier, it’s best to use an egg maker like this.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 820
  • Fats: 56g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Carbs: 59g
  • Fiber: 19g
  • Sugar: 14g

14. Peanut Chicken Wrap Recipe

Peanut Chicken Wrap Recipe

Source: simplywhisked.com

These Peanut Chicken Wraps are packed with seasoned chicken, crunchy peanuts, crisp coleslaw, and sweet carrots.

Don’t have time to make the peanut sauce? No worries, you can use a store-bought peanut sauce. It will still taste great.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 648
  • Fats: 32.1g
  • Protein: 33.6g
  • Carbs: 58.4g
  • Fiber: 6.7g
  • Sugar: 21.6g

15. Sheet Pan Chicken & Cauliflower

Sheet Pan Chicken & Cauliflower

Source: allnutritious.com

This Sheet Pan Chicken and Cauliflower dish is a great option.

The chicken thighs are flavorful and juicy on the inside and have crispy skin on the outside – just the way they should be. Best of all, it’s a sheet pan dish. So, clean-up is a breeze.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 583
  • Fats: 39g
  • Protein: 47g
  • Carbs: 14g
  • Fiber: 4.7g
  • Sugar: 4.1g

16. Chicken Shawarma Salad

Source: oursaltykitchen.com

This Chicken Shawarma Salad is colorful, fresh, and packed with flavor.

To make the chicken extra flavorful, you’ll be marinating it in warm spices. These include spices such as black pepper, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and red pepper flakes.

So, make sure you have your measuring spoons ready. I like these ones here because they don’t get warped or rusty. Check out more meal prep salads here.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 844
  • Fats: 66g
  • Protein: 50g
  • Carbs: 16g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugar: 4g

17. Thai Noodle Bowl

Source: joyousapron.com

This dish is all about noodles. Perfectly cooked noodles are drenched in a sweet, savory, and nutty homemade sauce. All tossed with crunchy veggies, nuts, and warm chicken.

To reduce the sodium, you can use a low sodium soy sauce like this instead. It contains 70 percent less sodium yet is still flavorful.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 645
  • Fats: 27g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Carbs: 92g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Sugar: 21g

18. Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

This Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is pretty easy to make, and it tastes great too.

Meanwhile, the coconut aminos add umami, and the garlic adds savory. coconut aminos contain close to 70% less sodium than soy sauce. If you’d like to stock up on some, you can get some here..

Easy, peasy. Check out more healthy meal prep ideas here.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 579
  • Fats: 40g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Carbs: 25g
  • Fiber: 4.3g
  • Sugar: 12g

19. Skirt Steak Meal Prep

Skirt Steak Meal Prep

Source: flavcity.com

Are you more of a steak and potatoes person? This Skirt Steak Meal Prep is for you.

The savory steak is complemented by the sweetness of the sweet potatoes. And since you’re roasting the brussels sprouts, they’re sweet instead of bitter. Yay!

And the tartness of the dried cranberries balances the dish nicely.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 735
  • Fats: 36g
  • Protein: 53g
  • Carbs: 52.8g
  • Fiber: 11.2g
  • Sugar: 0g

20. Meal Prep Caprese Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Meal Prep Caprese Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Source: wholefully.com

Are you looking for another protein-packed dish? This Meal Prep Caprese Chicken Quinoa Bowl is a great option.

It’s full of yummy Italian flavors, creamy mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and fluffy quinoa.

Besides adding texture, quinoa offers a ton of nutrition. If you’d like to stock up on some, you can get some here.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 1108
  • Fats: 55g
  • Protein: 55g
  • Carbs: 97g
  • Fiber: 12g
  • Sugar: 18g

21.  Loaded Burger Bowls

Loaded Burger Bowls

Source: 40aprons.com

These Loaded Burger Bowls are loaded with all your favorites.

There’s nicely browned ground beef, pickles, bacon, lettuce, red onions, and tomatoes. The guacamole and homemade “special sauce” add extra layers of flavor.

Making the sauce is quite easy. But for extra convenience, you can use this sauce instead.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 738
  • Fats: 59g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbs: 22g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugar: 9g

22. Vegan Burrito Bowl

Vegan Burrito Bowl

Source: purelykaylie.com

A lot of us are including more plant-based meals in our diet and for a good reason. Plants contain many nutrients that support a healthy immune system.

This Vegan Burrito Bowl contains yummy avocados – One avocado contains 322 calories. There are spicy black beans and corn, cilantro-lime rice, pico de gallo, and lettuce.

Check out more vegan meal prep recipes.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 653
  • Fats: 18g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Carbs: 105g
  • Fiber: 29g
  • Sugar: 16g

23. Chicken Burrito Bowls Meal Prep

Chicken Burrito Bowls Meal Prep

Source: allnutritious.com

On the menu is spicy Mexican rice, juicy shredded chicken, and creamy black beans. And we can’t forget the veggies either.

There’s spicy arugula, juicy tomatoes, and sweet corn. So this dish is not only tasty but good for you too. Find more chicken and rice meal preps here.

Check out more low fat meals!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 520
  • Fats: 13g
  • Protein: 37g
  • Carbs: 64g
  • Fiber: 9.5g
  • Sugar: 4.2g

24. Kale Quinoa Salad with Blueberries

Kale Quinoa Salad with Blueberries

Source: kristineskitchenblog.com

This Kale Quinoa Salad is exactly what the doctor ordered. It’s bursting with yummy flavors and textures.

There’s sweet blueberries, creamy goat cheese, crunchy almonds, bitter kale, and fluffy quinoa. And the avocado adds a pleasant mouthfeel.

Besides being yummy, this salad is nutritious too. It’s rich in fiber which promotes healthy digestion.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 734
  • Fats: 42g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Carbs: 74g
  • Fiber: 14g
  • Sugar: 14g

25. Cajun Chicken with Coriander & Lime Rice

Cajun Chicken with Coriander & Lime Rice

Source: kitchensanctuary.com

Are you looking to jazz up your chicken lunches? Then give this Cajun Chicken with Coriander & Lime Rice a try.

Yummy, juicy chicken breasts are paired with perfectly charred bell peppers, onions, luscious avocado, and tangy cilantro lime rice. Eating healthy doesn’t get much yummier than this.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 717
  • Fats: 29g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Carbs: 81g
  • Fiber: 11g
  • Sugar: 5g

26. Spicy Thai Chicken & Brown Rice Bowls

Spicy Thai Chicken & Brown Rice Bowls

Source: thekitchn.com

Fluffy brown rice is paired with perfectly seasoned ground chicken, red bell peppers, cabbage, and brown rice.

All topped with Thai basil leaves, chopped roasted peanuts, and a dreamy, creamy curried peanut sauce.

Making the sauce is quite easy. This food processor should make quick work of it.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 1305
  • Fats: 96.4g
  • Protein: 39.8g
  • Carbs: 87.4g
  • Fiber: 24.3g
  • Sugar: 20.1g

27. Baked Herb Chicken Breasts with Couscous Meal Prep

Baked Herb Chicken Breasts with Couscous Meal Prep

Source: allnutritious.com

With these Baked Herb Chicken Breasts, you won’t compromise on taste or protein. Just ½ a chicken breast contains 27 grams of protein.

And that’s not all – you have plenty of Mediterranean flavors. That’s from the roasted bell peppers, red onions, zucchini, and vegetable-broth-infused couscous.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 633
  • Fats: 17g
  • Protein: 61g
  • Carbs: 56g
  • Fiber: 7.5g
  • Sugar: 9.7g

28. Avocado Tuna Salad

Avocado Tuna Salad

Source: unboundwellness.com

Canned tuna ispretty affordable. And it’s also packed with protein. In fact, one 3 ounce serving contains 22 grams of protein.

This Avocado Tuna salad provides a healthy spin to your traditional tuna salad. That’s because you’re using avocado instead of mayonnaise for the creaminess.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 602
  • Fats: 28g
  • Protein: 50.9g
  • Carbs: 44.8g
  • Fiber: 12.5g
  • Sugar: 0g

29. Chicken Burrito Bowl

Chicken Burrito Bowl

Source: feelgoodfoodie.net

You’ve got juicy…and I mean really juicy chicken breasts, creamy black beans, sweet corn, ripe Roma tomatoes, cilantro-lime rice, and mixed greens.

To ensure your chicken breasts don’t dry out make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

I recommend using this meat thermometer because it’s very precise.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 606
  • Fats: 23g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Carbs: 65g
  • Fiber: 11g
  • Sugar: 4g

30. Easy Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep

Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep

Source: thefoodcafe.com

Grilled chicken breasts are served with rice and steamed broccoli. You’ll definitely want to fire up your grill for this one.

This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep is great, just the way it is. But to add even more calories, top your broccoli with some butter. Yum!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 626
  • Fats: 6g
  • Protein: 57g
  • Carbs: 80g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 1g

31. Chicken Fajita Meal Prep Lunch Bowls

Chicken Fajita Meal Prep Lunch Bowls

Source: myfoodstory.com

These Chicken Fajita Meal Prep Lunch Bowls are perfect for meal prep. They take only 30 minutes to make.

And they taste great too. The homemade Fajita seasoning makes the chicken pretty flavorful.

Now they are on the spicier side. So, if you want them milder, just use less cayenne pepper. They’ll still taste great.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 654
  • Fats: 39g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Carbs: 42g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Sugar: 5g

32. Salmon Taco Bowls

Salmon Taco Bowls

Source: ambitiouskitchen.com

Needing to change up your Taco Tuesdays? Give these Salmon Taco Bowls a try. You’ve got succulent, flaky salmon. And it’s been rubbed with several spices – including coconut sugar.

So, it’s pleasantly sweet, spicy, and savory. The rice is simmered in a mixture of tomato sauce, spices, and green bell peppers.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 616
  • Fats: 23.1g
  • Protein: 35.4g
  • Carbs: 68.2g
  • Fiber: 2.2g
  • Sugar: 10.6g

33. Low Carb Crunchwrap Supreme

Low Carb Crunchwrap Supreme

Source: thelittlepine.com

These Low Carb wraps are soft, crunchy, and oozing with all your favorites. There’s nicely browned ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, and sour cream.

And the low-carb wrap is genius. There are actually two layers. The inside layer is made of cheese that has been baked to a crisp. The outer layer is made of cabbage leaves.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 684
  • Fats: 58g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Carbs: 7g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g

34. Avocado Bacon Chicken Salad

Avocado Bacon Chicken Salad

Source: savorytooth.com

Did someone say Avocado Bacon Chicken Salad? You had me at avocado … and bacon … and chicken.

This salad is yum, yum, and more yum. The creaminess of the avocado compliments the crispness of the bacon. The tender chicken plays off the crunchy celery.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 640
  • Fats: 38g
  • Protein: 57g
  • Carbs: 9g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugar: 2.5g

35. Chipotle Lime Shrimp Bowls

Chipotle Lime Shrimp Bowls

Source: foodiecrush.com

Any seafood lovers in the room? These Chipotle Lime Shrimp Bowls have your name on them.

They’re filled with shrimp, brown rice, avocado, black beans, and tomatoes. The adobo spice adds heat, while the honey adds sweetness – it’s a fiesta in your mouth.

Besides being delicious, shrimp is good for you too. It’s rich in protein.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 656
  • Fats: 22g
  • Protein: 37g
  • Carbs: 80g
  • Fiber: 16g
  • Sugar: 6g

36. Vegan Cobb Salad Recipes

Vegan Cobb Salad Recipes

Source: yumveganlunchideas.com

Need some vegan eats? This Vegan Cobb Salad is a great option.

There’s a ton of fresh veggies too. You’ve got romaine lettuce, avocados, carrots, cherry tomatoes, corn, and red cabbage.

And instead of croutons, you’re adding roasted chickpeas. You’re roasting them in a sticky mixture of maple syrup, vegan Worcester sauce, liquid smoke, olive oil, and spices.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 1003
  • Fats: 38g
  • Protein: 104g
  • Carbs: 72g
  • Fiber: 21g
  • Sugar: 16g

37. Steak Fajita Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette

Steak Fajita Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette

Source: oursaltykitchen.com

You have tender, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth fajita-seasoned steak—all on a bed of sauteed bell peppers, avocados, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce.

To give your steak a nice sear, you’ll want to use a cast-iron skillet like this. It distributes heat evenly, so your steak is cooked properly, and you can use it on all sorts of cooktops.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 726
  • Fats: 62g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Carbs: 20g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Sugar: 23g
high calorie lunch

37 High Calorie Lunch Ideas You Won't Stop Eating

Trying to gain weight? These High-Calorie Lunch Recipes will be perfect! They're nutritious, mouth-watering, full of flavors, and easy to make.
4.34 from 3 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Meal Prep
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • meat or legumes
  • veggies
  • seasoning
  • fruit
  • herbs

Instructions
 

  • Scroll up to get a bunch of easy, yummy, and delicious recipes. Don't be afraid to get creative with the ingredients, you might discover a flavor you didn't know you liked.
  • Get your shopping list going and make sure you've got all the ingredients.
  • Get cooking and make your next High Calorie Lunch!

Notes

Which one of these recipes was your favorite? Let me know in the comment section or on Pinterest!
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below with your rating! I love the feedback and respond to every comment!
Recipe Rating