21 Lazy Summer Protein Dinners Under 500 Kcal

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Finally, it’s summer time! So, let spend more time outside having fun, enjoying the weather and less time cooking!

That’s why I’ve created this list of high protein summer dinner that are super easy to make and are just under 500 calories.

So, it’s the low calorie high protein dinners that will keep you fit and the family full.

21 Lazy Summer Protein Dinners Under 500 Kcal

1. Pineapple BBQ Chicken with Bacon

Pineapple BBQ Chicken with Bacon

Sticky-sweet BBQ sauce meets crispy bacon and tangy pineapple. This unique summer treat is bursting with flavor.

It’s perfect when you want to try something different in your family dinners.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 465
  • Fats: 15g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Carbs: 36g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Sugar: 28g

2. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus

There is something special about the combination of garlic and butter. Here, bite-sized pieces of chicken are pan-seared and go along with crispy asparagus spears.

Since you cook the chicken in smaller pieces, it means you’ll have dinner ready for you in a matter of minutes. 

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 402
  • Fats: 22g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Carbs: 6.2g

3. Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash

Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash

Soft, flaky, fall-apart salmon pairs with creamy avocado mash to create a dish that’s slightly zesty, luxe, and nourishing.

Salmon and avocado are well-known for their anti-inflammatory fats, making this an easy way to enjoy food that feels good and fuels you up.

Serve it with pan-fried greens or a garden salad for a delicious dinner the whole family will enjoy.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 463
  • Fats: 35g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbs: 12g
  • Fiber: 7.5g
  • Sugar: 1.6g

4. Sheet Pan Pork Chops and Vegetables

Sheet Pan Pork Chops and Vegetables

I am a huge fan of pork chops, especially ones that can be made with veggies on one baking sheet. These ones are perfect for busy evenings and provide you with tons of protein, fiber, and flavor!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 390
  • Fats: 28g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbs: 15g
  • Fiber: 4.3g
  • Sugar: 7.9g

5. Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake

Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake

This salsa fresca chicken bake will keep you full and satisfied with plenty of protein and tons of flavor! It is quick and easy to make and an amazing comforting meal.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 377
  • Fats: 11g
  • Protein: 58g
  • Carbs: 10g
  • Fiber: 2.2g
  • Sugar: 4g

6. Baked Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs

Baked Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs

Source: cushyspa.com

Foil pack meals are the best when you need something quick, easy, and delicious. These shrimp and broccoli foil packs are flavorful, fast, and require barely any prep or cleanup.

This recipe has tons of protein and turns out so yummy!

Per Serving:

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

7. Mexican Cheesy Chicken Skillet

Keto Mexican Cheesy Chicken Skillet

When I miss Mexican flavors, I just make this chicken skillet. It’s easy to assemble, requires little prep work and packs all the flavors.

Honestly, if you’re looking to make something lower in calories but high in protein and still want to impress everyone, this is it. Just make this high protein dish.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 324
  • Fats: 22g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Net Carbs: 7.4g

8. Chicken Mozzarella Bake

Chicken Mozzarella Bake

This chicken mozzarella bake is so delicious, but it is also super healthy and easy! A quick, homemade tomato sauce, cheese, and basic pantry staples add tons of flavor to this chicken dish!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 395
  • Fats: 18g
  • Protein: 50g
  • Carbs: 6.2g
  • Fiber: 1.3g
  • Sugar: 2.1g

9. Slow Cooker Protein Chili

High Protein Chili

Chili is a family favorite at my house, and this recipe has plenty of protein! This is an easy and flavorful slow cooker recipe that you will come back to again and again.

If you like spice, I think it tastes great garnished with a few drops of this habanero hot sauce.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 471
  • Fats: 15g
  • Protein: 39g
  • Carbs: 50g
  • Fiber: 17g
  • Sugar: 12g

10. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

Source: cushyspa.com

This scrumptious chicken recipe proves that a chicken breast dinner doesn’t have to be boring! Lemon juice, garlic, parsley, paprika, onion powder, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning give this oven-baked chicken tons of flavor.

This would be great served with mashed potatoes, rice, garlic bread, or simple roasted veggies.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 295
  • Fats: 19g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Carbs: 6g
  • Fiber: 1.1g
  • Sugar: 0.5g

11. Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

Source: cushyspa.com

Crockpot recipes are some of my favorites because they are just so easy! This Tuscan chicken recipe is high-protein and low effort but tastes incredible.

Besides bone-in chicken thighs, you only need basic ingredients like broth, heavy cream, a few seasonings, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. The creamy sauce is to die for and comes together super quickly in a skillet.

The rest of the recipe is made with barely any effort in a crockpot. If you need one, this option is excellent!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 446
  • Fats: 28g
  • Protein: 44g
  • Carbs: 7.3g
  • Fiber: 1.2g
  • Sugar: 3g

12. Air Fryer Salmon

salmon fillet on plate

I serve salmon for dinner at least once a week and love an elegant, yet easy salmon dinner like this one. The sweet and tasty sauce is incredibly easy to prepare, and the air fryer will cook your salmon to perfection in just a few minutes!

If you have been considering getting an air fryer, I recommend this one!

Per Serving:

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

13. Baked Caesar Chicken

Baked Caesar Chicken

Source: cushyspa.com

This baked Caesar chicken is another easy and tasty oven meal. Creamy dressing, delicious parmesan, and crumbled croutons make this chicken so irresistible.

If you need a good dressing to use on your chicken, I am a huge fan of this one!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 471
  • Fats: 25g
  • Protein: 51g
  • Carbs: 6.6g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Sugar: 1.1g

14. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

sheet pan chicken fajitas

These sheet-pan chicken fajitas are so yummy and require practically no cleanup! This recipe is healthy, delicious, and customizable to your tastes!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 473
  • Fats: 14g
  • Protein: 44g
  • Carbs: 44g
  • Fiber: 7.1g
  • Sugar: 4.7g

15. Baked Tuscan Chicken

Baked Tuscan Chicken

If you need an elegant and healthy meal, this baked Tuscan chicken is a winner for sure. It is packed with flavor and turns out beautifully!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 471
  • Fats: 32g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbs: 17g
  • Fiber: 3.3g
  • Sugar: 1.8g

16. Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Here is another excellent crockpot meal. These chicken tacos are so healthy and tasty.

The best part of this recipe is that it requires only about 15 minutes of prep time from you. Once the slow cooker has done its work, you just have to shred the delicious chicken and assemble your tacos!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 201
  • Fats: 9.4g
  • Protein: 21g
  • Carbs: 15.5g
  • Fiber: 10.7g
  • Sugar: 2.6g

17. Crockpot Mississippi Chicken

Crockpot Mississippi Chicken

Need an impressive yet easy chicken meal that will please a crowd? This crockpot Mississippi chicken fits the bill perfectly! 

Ranch seasoning and a flavorful gravy perfectly complement tender chicken breasts for a yummy, easy dinner.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 349
  • Fats: 19g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbs: 6.7g
  • Fiber: 0.4g
  • Sugar: 2.7g

18. Baked Salsa Chicken

Baked Salsa Chicken

This salsa chicken is a regular in the dinner rotation at my house, and for good reason! It is healthy, low-calorie, and filled with delicious protein.

Salsa ensures that this turns out super yummy, while rice, beans, and corn turn it into a full, hassle-free meal!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 456
  • Fats: 17g
  • Protein: 37g
  • Carbs: 41g
  • Fiber: 8.6g
  • Sugar: 6.3g

19. Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken

Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken

Looking for a comforting, healthy meal that you can quickly throw together? This delicious broccoli bacon cheddar chicken won’t disappoint.

Bacon and cheese elevate this simple broccoli chicken dish. I know you will love it!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 386
  • Fats: 24g
  • Protein: 37g
  • Carbs: 5.5g
  • Fiber: 1.8g
  • Sugar: 1g

20. Creamy Baked Chicken

Creamy Baked Chicken

If you are looking for a simple and tasty recipe that requires very little effort, you will love this creamy baked chicken. This one requires basic ingredients, including chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, and heavy cream.

It is impossible to mess up and comes together super quickly!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 462
  • Fats: 27g
  • Protein: 47g
  • Carbs: 7.7g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Sugar: 3.3g

21. Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

If you love a sweet & savory meal, you are sure to be delighted by this Hawaiian chicken sheet pan meal. It has a bit of everything including flavorful bell peppers, tangy pineapple, and delicious BBQ sauce.

It is healthy, tasty, and baked in the oven on one sheet pan for easy cleaning! If you need some good baking sheets, this set is awesome!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 399
  • Fats: 11.7g
  • Protein: 43.05g
  • Carbs: 24g
  • Fiber: 4.2g
  • Sugar: 18g

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