20 High Protein Low Carb Dinner Ideas

On a low carb diet but need to increase your protein intake? These high protein low carb dinners are delicious, full of flavors, and super easy to make.

A low carb diet can work wonders in helping you lose weight fast. But did you know that a low carb diet that is also high in protein can turbocharge your weight loss?

Of all the macros, protein helps you feel full the most. And when you feel full, you are likely to eat less food.

Also, eating more protein can boost your metabolism. The faster your metabolism, the more weight that you lose.

So, today I am sharing 20 high protein low carb dinner ideas that are not only delicious but will speed up your weight loss.

1. Keto Cauliflower Ziti

Credit: simplystacie.net

I love pasta, as I am sure many of you do too. The only problem is that pasta sure doesn’t love you back; all it does is make you pack on the pounds.

So, if you’re craving pasta, what can you do? Make this keto cauliflower ziti.

It is meaty and saucy and packed with tons of cheese. But, it has way fewer carbs than your regular ziti.

That’s because you use cauliflower instead of pasta. I prefer this version of ziti because the cauliflower adds freshness.

Cauliflower also contains fewer calories and is an excellent source of vitamin C.

This cauliflower ziti is fantastic just the way it is, but if you like, you can add a side of Garden salad. This could do for a nice high protein freezer meal!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 277
• Fats: 13.1g
• Protein: 31.4g
• Carbs: 8.8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3.4g

Recipe

2. Creamy Pesto Chicken

Credit: aileencooks.com

Chicken breasts are excellent sources of protein. But, let’s face it, chicken breasts can be quite bland.

That is because they contain less fat. And we all know that fat makes food tastier.

This pesto chicken is anything but bland. It is creamy, cheesy, and packed with a Mediterranean flavor.

Serve with some roasted zucchini for an even more Mediterranean taste.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 508
• Fats: 41g
• Protein: 29g
• Carbs: 7g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 3g

Recipe

3. Marinated Turkey Breast

Credit: diabetesstrong.com

Just like chicken breasts, turkey breasts are also excellent sources of protein. But, if you don’t cook them right, they can get pretty dry and boring.

This turkey breast is definitely not dull. In fact, it will wake up your taste buds.

It is extra flavourful because you marinate it in a Mediterranean-inspired vinaigrette. To make the vinaigrette, all you do is mix together your balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and spices.

If you like it hot, feel free to add cayenne pepper or even some Frank’s hot sauce which you can get here.

And to keep it low carb, you can serve your turkey breasts with some cauliflower rice.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 268
• Fats: 13.5g
• Protein: 25.6g
• Carbs: 4.6g
• Fiber: 0.7g
• Sugar: 2.2g

Recipe

4. Pan-Fried Seabass With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Credit: greedygourmet.com

If you’re a seafood lover, you’re probably used to having salmon. But, sometimes it is nice to change things up and have something different, like sea bass

Sea bass is an excellent source of protein. And since it is a white fish, it is also low in fat and calories.

But because sea bass is low in fat doesn’t mean this dish is tasteless. In fact, it is seared in a beautiful dreamy lemon garlic sauce.

It is also super quick to make. All you need is 15 minutes, and high protein dinner is ready.

To get the perfect sear on your sea bass, it is best to use a cast-iron skillet. So, if you’re looking for a cast-iron skillet, there is a good quality one here.

Serve with nice cauliflower mash and some roasted asparagus.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 237
• Fats: 9.3g
• Protein: 35.5g
• Carbs: 2.4g

Recipe

5. Chicken with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Credit: aprilgolightly.com

It can be hard to get the whole family on board with your diet. This is especially true if your diet is both low carb and high protein.

This dish is one that your whole family will love. And it has a whopping 51 grams of protein, so it is excellent for growing kids.

The chicken breasts are nice and tender. But the sauce is truly the masterpiece of this dish.

It is creamy and savory and even has some veggies hidden it. So, it’s a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables.

To make it, all you need to do is place your roasted red bell peppers, avocado oil, and seasoning in a food processor and whirl away. This food processor here will work just fine.

And to make it a meal, feel free to add some zucchini noodles to mop up all that delicious sauce. Yum! Here is a spiralizer to make the zucchini noodles.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 577
• Fats: 36g
• Protein: 51g
• Carbs: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

Recipe

6. Lemon Chicken Piccata

Credit: diabetesstrong.com

Are you craving Italian food? This dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.

The chicken breasts are juicy and tender. Meanwhile, the sauce has the perfect balance of tartness, and creaminess…it is sure to become one of your favorites.

This dish is also low in calories, so it makes for a nice light meal. All it takes is 30 minutes and boom; dinner is ready.

To keep it low carb, serve over a bed of Shirataki noodles, which you can find here.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 269
• Fats: 15.6g
• Protein: 20.3g
• Carbs: 3.4g
• Fiber: 0.6g
• Sugar: 0.4g

Recipe

7. Easy Keto Italian Sausage Meatballs

Credit: drdavinahseats.com

Meatballs are classic comfort food. They typically remind us of our childhood.

But what is not comforting about them is that they are not keto. That is because of the breadcrumbs that are used to bind them.

These keto meatballs are so comforting. They are juicy, tender, and nicely seasoned with a good sear on them.

All topped with some grated Parmesan and swimming in a delicious tomato basil sauce.

And since one serving contains only 5 grams of net carbs, they are perfect for your keto diet.

To keep them low carb, you use almond flour to bind the ingredients together. You can find some almond flour here.

Serve on top of zucchini noodles or some low carb pasta. Check out more high protein dinner ideas here.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 449
• Fats: 39g
• Protein: 18g
• Carbs: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Recipe

8. Oven-Fried Crispy Baked Chicken Wings

Credit: drdavinahseats.com

Wondering what to serve for game day? Serve these oven-fried chicken wings.

Sink your teeth into these tender-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside chicken wings.

Packed with flavor, they have all the taste of deep-fried chicken wings. Without all the grease.

The secret to keeping the wings tender on the inside, yet crispy on the inside is that you use some baking powder in the seasoning mix.

This makes the skin cook faster than the meat, giving you that crispy outside. So, make sure you have some baking powder on hand!

Serve with a spicy buffalo sauce, or if you prefer it mild, a nice parmesan sauce.

These chicken wings could do for a delicious high protein snack as well.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 280
• Fats: 19g
• Protein: 22g
• Carbs: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Recipe

9. Spicy Tandoori Chicken Drumsticks

Credit: lovefoodies.com

Are you a big fan of Indian food? Then, give this dish a try!

These tandoori chicken drumsticks are sure to transport you to India. They are simply delicious.

The key to them being so flavourful is that you marinate your drumsticks. This allows your drumsticks to soak in the flavor of the marinade.

For the marinade, all you will need is some low-fat plain yogurt, lemons/limes, and some Tandoori powder or paste.

Serve with some low carb flatbread such as this.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 227
• Fats: 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 11g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

Recipe

10. Crispy Skin Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Credit: lowcarbafrica.com

Here is another drumstick recipe. You can never get enough drumsticks, right?

And the best part of the drumstick is the chicken skin. That is because it is packed with fat, which makes everything tasty.

Not only that, but it is super crispy and seasoned just right. For the seasoning, you will need a couple of spices, as well as coconut aminos, and olive oil, to coat the drumsticks.

And these chicken drumsticks are not too greasy because you use an air fryer. Air fryers are great if you are trying to cut down on grease. You can find a good quality air fryer here.

To make it a meal, serve with some delicious zucchini fries.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 136
• Fats: 8g
• Protein: 13g
• Carbs: 1g

Recipe

11. Keto Cajun Jambalaya

Credit: deliciouslittlebites.com

Prepare for your taste buds to be delighted with this keto Cajun jambalaya. It is packed with sausage, chicken, and shrimp, so you are getting plenty of protein.

And the red, green, and yellow peppers, as well as sweet onions are sautéed in the sausage grease. Yum!

Add the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning, and you are in cream heaven. And since it makes 6 servings, this dish is excellent for meal prep. Just be sure to store your leftovers in some glass BPA-free containers like this to keep everything fresh.

Serve over a bed of cauliflower rice and fried okras.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 401
• Fats: 27g
• Protein: 29g
• Carbs: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

Recipe

12. Healthy Stuffed Chicken Breast

Credit: diabetesstrong.com

If you are more of a chicken breast lover, this dish is for you. Unlike some chicken breast dishes, these chicken breasts are extra juicy.

And they are stuffed with a delicious combination of mozzarella cheese, sundried tomato, and artichoke hearts. So they are super fancy…perfect for serving to guests.

Making them is super easy. Just cut your chicken breasts almost in half, stuff them, and close up the opening with toothpicks.

Then, add some seasonings and bake for about 20 minutes. Easy, peasy, chicken dinner!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 262
• Fats: 4.1g
• Protein: 46.1g
• Carbs: 8.5g
• Fiber: 2.4g
• Sugar: 1.1g

Recipe

13. Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Crockpot Recipe

Credit: soreyfitness.com

Are you looking for a finger-licking tasty dish? Then, try this recipe!

You have super moist shredded chicken breasts, crispy bacon, ooey-gooey cheddar cheese, creamy cream cheese, as well as tasty Ranch seasoning. This meal is genuinely addictive.

The secret to the chicken being so moist is that you are slow cooking the chicken. This also makes the chicken breasts much easier to shred. If you’re in the market for a slow cooker, you can find one here.

Serve on lettuce or cabbage wraps.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 494.4
• Fats: 34.59g
• Protein: 41.44g
• Carbs: 2.35g
• Sugar: 1.26g

Recipe

14. Easy Cheeseburger Pie

Credit: primaledgehealth.com

When you think of a cheeseburger pie, you don’t usually think low carb. But, at only 2 grams of net carbs per serving, this pie is definitely low carb.

And it is meaty and cheesy and full of flavor.

To make it low carb, you use cheese and onions as your crust. To complete your cheeseburger pie theme, serve with some dill pickles.

Now, this dish uses ground beef, which has a high carbon footprint. So, to lower your carbon footprint, you may want to eat this dish less often or use ground pork or chicken.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 383
• Fats: 30g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Recipe

15. Greek Turkey Meatballs

Credit: sustainablecooks.com

Are you looking for a different spin on your traditional meatballs? Then, give these meatballs a try.

They are tender, and juicy, and have a nice sear on the outside. But the star of this dish is the lemon sauce…It is simply delicious.

To make the lemon sauce, all you need to do is mix together some chicken stock, lemon zest, lemon juice, and minced garlic and cook until halfway reduced.

Serve over a bed of fresh zucchini noodles.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 274
• Fats: 10g
• Protein: 40g
• Carbs: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 0g

Recipe

16. Almond Crusted Baked Tofu Nuggets

Credit: liveeatlearn.com

Are you vegan or trying to add more plant-based protein meals to your diet? Then, try these tofu nuggets!

They are super crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. The crushed almond crusting adds a nice texture to the nuggets.

Meanwhile, the tofu is packed with umami flavor thanks to the sesame oil and soy sauce marinade. And the dipping sauce is so creamy and yummy…perfect for dipping your tofu nuggets in.

Besides being yummy, this dish is packed with nutrition. In fact, it provides more than 30% of your daily fiber needs.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 456
• Fats: 34.1g
• Protein: 21g
• Carbs: 22.8g
• Fiber: 8.4g

Recipe

17. Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Credit: keenforketo.com

Do you prefer chicken thighs over chicken breasts? Then, you’ll be sure to love this dish.

These chicken thighs are juicy and extra flavourful. They are slow-cooked in chicken broth and a bit of bone broth for some extra nutrition.

The herbs add a nice freshness, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a nice tang. Meanwhile, the heavy whipping cream adds a ton of creaminess… this meal is a party in your mouth.

To keep it low carb, instead of using corn starch or flour, you use konjac root powder to thicken the sauce. You can find konjac powder here.

Serve over a bed of riced cauliflower and roasted asparagus. Bon appetit!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 441
• Fats: 19.3g
• Protein: 23.5g
• Carbs: 1.8g

Recipe

18. Easy Keto Lemon Garlic

Credit: keenforketo.com

Are you looking for a high protein dish that is also low in fat? Then, this dish is for you!

Tilapia is a great source of protein and is also low in fat. But, it can also get quite bland as a result of it being low in fat.

This dish is definitely not bland. The tilapia is nice and flaky and the salad is sure to transport you to Greece. Cooking the fish in grass-fed butter adds some much-needed fat.

You’ll be glad to know it contains only 0.2 grams of carbs. Now, that is my kind of dish!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 197
• Fats: 5.4g
• Protein: 44.4g
• Carbs: 0.2g

Recipe

19. Swedish Meatballs

Credit: gnom-gnom.com

Are you in the mood for Swedish meatballs? Then, give these a try!

They are juicy and packed with tons of flavor. They taste even better than those meatballs that you buy at your big box Swedish furniture store.

And the sauce is creamy and luxurious. So, it goes perfectly on cauliflower mash.

To keep it low carb, you use almond flour as a binder. But, if you are allergic to nuts, you can use crushed pork rinds instead. These may be harder to find at your grocery store, but you can find some here.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 399
• Fats: 34g
• Protein: 17g
• Carbs: 3g
• Fiber: 0.25g
• Sugar: 1g

Recipe

20. Keto Pork Chops With Super Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Credit: lowcarbspark.com

Are you tired of beef and chicken? Then, try some pork instead.

What’s not to love about tender pork chops perfectly seared on the outside? All bathed in a creamy mushroom sauce and sprinkled with fresh herbs.

All it takes to get this yummy dish on the table is 25 minutes. So, it’s perfect for a nice quick dinner.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 432
• Fats: 32g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Recipe