It’s summertime! The most fun time of the year, and sometimes the most dreaded one!

Because the little ones are back at home, and we need to keep them fed and happy. This summer, we’re having my boyfriend’s sun over, so I’m going to be prepping these high protein lunches to keep everyone full.

These high-protein lunch ideas for kids are delicious, flavorful, and easy to make.

1. Chicken Tenders

Let’s be honest, chicken tenders are the kind of food the kiddos will never refuse. So, I’m starting my list with my very own fried chicken tenders.

They are delicious and pack protein. 23g to be exact in just 214 calories.

You can have them in a food container with any little side dish the little ones love.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 214
• Fats: 12g
• Protein: 23g
• Carbs: 4.6g
• Fiber: 1.8g
• Sugar: 1.3g

2. Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep

I don’t know about you but I sometimes crave pasta. It just hits all of the right spots. However, eating pasta can truly get out of hand.

So, my solution – this high protein meal prep. Packing 31g of protein and veggies for all that delicious fiber.

And of course, some pasta to hit all the right spots and satisfy the inner hunger. I also just love how easy it is to make.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 480
• Fats: 15.6g
• Protein: 31.8g
• Carbs: 52.4g
• Fiber: 12.1g
• Sugar: 8.6g

3. Chicken Meatballs Meal Prep

What I love about this recipe is that it’s flavorful, zesty, high in protein, and low in carbohydrates. One container is only worth 400 kcal, which makes it perfect for filling but low-calorie meal prep.

Let’s say, you want to get more carbs into your system, just switch from cauliflower rice to regular rice, and you’re good.

So flavorful, yummy, and zesty. Enjoy!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 400
• Fats: 24g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 21g
• Fiber: 7g

4. Chicken Tzatziki and Rice

Packed with flavor and turmeric, this chicken tzatziki meal is one of the best anti-inflammatory recipes you can make. Packing protein and flavor.

It’s also perfect for a high-protein lunch. I love to meal prep it whenever I’m craving flavors but want to stay on top of my gut.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 520
• Fats: 17.9g
• Protein: 48.2g
• Carbs: 40.6g
• Fiber: 3.4g
• Sugar: 6.1g

5. Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

Sometimes, you just crave pizza but don’t want to have the whole thing. These pizza bowls are the perfect replacement.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 462
• Fats: 22g
• Protein: 43g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fiber: 6.1g
• Sugar: 14g

6. Southwest Chicken Salad

This smoky, tangy, and mildly spicy salad has all the Texan flavors I enjoy. It’s packed with fresh veggies, black beans, corn, and shredded chicken; it’s topped with creamy Greek yogurt dressing that has zesty citrus notes.

With 33 grams of protein per serving, even those who don’t love salads are going to want to go for seconds.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 354
• Fats: 7.2g
• Protein: 33g
• Carbs: 42g
• Fiber: 9.5g
• Sugar: 6.2g

7. Chicken Corn Rice Bowls

Next up, a lunch that packs plenty of flavor and protein. This delicious recipe combines tender chicken, sweet corn, fluffy Basmati rice, and a zesty dressing for a quick meal.

I keep this recipe close for days when I feel really lazy. It takes only a few minutes to assemble, and I feel good knowing that a healthy meal is ready for the kids after school.

Per Serving:

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

8. Burger in a Bowl

Sometimes, you just crave burgers, and you cannot help it! Here is an alternative – a burger in a bowl without the bread and carbs.

Super healthy, nutritious, and high in protein. Which makes for a nutritious and delicious lunch. It tastes just like your regular burger but is much healthier!

Per Serving:

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

9. Hawaiian Pizza Chicken

This low-carb Hawaiian pizza chicken is packed with 57 grams of protein and has only 16.4 grams of net carbs. It is also cheesy, gooey, and tender.

To make this dish, simply top your chicken breasts with some pizza sauce like this. Then, add cheese and your favorite toppings.

For this dish, we’re using ham and pineapple- great if you love Hawaiian pizza! But if Hawaiian is not your thing, simply swap out the toppings.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 446
• Fats: 14g
• Protein: 57g
• Carbs: 22g
• Fiber: 5.6g

10. Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep

It is made with chicken, rice, and broccoli. Only the chicken here is coated with Teriyaki sauce that you will make from scratch.

It is juicy, fluffy, firm, sticky, and all-around delicious.

This chicken lunch has a whopping 51 grams of protein per serving. So rest assured that it will keep you full until dinner.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 653
• Fats: 20g
• Protein: 51g
• Carbs: 68g
• Fiber: 2.4g

11. Keto Chicken Salad

A keto chicken salad in a lettuce leaf.

This dish has only 1 gram of net carbs. But that’s why it is rich in protein, offering 12 grams in a single salad boat.

Besides chicken, the salad combines boiled eggs, mustard, yogurt, celery, and a touch of lemon. And it is a delicious keto dish that even carb lovers will find satisfying.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 88
• Fats: 3.4g
• Protein: 12g
• Carbs: 1.3g
• Fiber: 0.3g

12. Hawaiian Chicken Bowl

I love a good combination of pineapple and chicken together. This Hawaiian chicken bowl is just that.

The best thing about is that you can make it with just one sheet pan, so it takes little to no prep time.

Perfect for meal prep or quick lunch.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 399
• Fats: 11.7g
• Protein: 43g
• Carbs: 24g
• Fiber: 4.2g

13. Honey Garlic Shrimp Meal Prep

I love shrimp. However, shrimp can get boring at times, but this garlic honey shrimp meal prep is everything but boring

Stir-fried, these shrimp are moist, umami, sweet, and just plain yummy. They are also super easy to make.

Serve it with your favorite mix of vegetables, all cooked up in the same pan! All you need is a side of rice, and you’ve got your high-protein lunch ready.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 436
• Fats: 6.2g
• Protein: 26g
• Carbs: 72g
• Fiber: 7.5g
• Sugar: 17g

14. Chicken Burrito Bowl

Beans. Corn. Rice. Shredded chicken. And fresh tomatoes and lettuce. And the cherry on top – a creamy Caesar dressing drizzled over.

It is nutritious, loaded with protein, and rich in fiber. But do you also know that this deconstructed burrito makes one heck of a meal prep option?

Per Serving:

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

15. Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice

This Greek chicken with lemon rice offers all the flavors and nutrition you need for lunch. With a whooping 53g of protein per serving and a ton of fiber, this is a perfect meal for lunch.

I love that it takes just 30 minutes to make, and it’s perfect for those following a high-protein diet!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 660
• Fats: 29g
• Protein: 53g
• Carbs: 48g
• Fiber: 7.7g
• Sugar: 3.8g

16. Easy Orange Chicken

If you like pairing meat with fruity and/or citrusy flavors, this recipe will definitely amaze you.

At first glance, it is a simple and quick chicken meal that is also meal-prep-worthy. The meat is paired with fluffy rice and steamed fresh broccoli. And it is a well-rounded dish.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 662
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 62g
• Carbs: 71g

17. Greek Chicken Bowls

This Greek meal prep is herby, refreshing, and filling. With a whopping 61g of protein per food container, these will fill you right up!

I’ve had these a few times, and they simply taste like magic. When you’re missing Meditarennean flavors or just want more veggies in your diet, this is the lunch to make.

Enjoy!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 659
• Fats: 27g
• Protein: 61g
• Carbs: 42g

18. Chicken Salad Meal Prep

Who doesn’t like chicken salads for lunch? Especially if they’re tasty and filling like this bowl of goodness. Paprika and garlic-seasoned chicken is sitting on top of a salad bed of cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and avocados.

And everything is coated with a sweet honey and Dijon dressing.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 597
• Fats: 31g
• Protein: 55g
• Carbs: 26g

19. Keto Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Sweet but spicy. Umami but loaded with garlicky flavors. This Asian-inspired stir fry is rich in protein and low in carbs.

The sauce includes ginger, garlic, soy sauce, broth, and erythritol to make it sweet.

The chicken is paired with broccoli here, but you can also use other veggies.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 318
• Fats: 12g
• Protein: 41g
• Carbs: 12g

20. Pizza Bowls

Sometimes, you just crave pizza but don’t want to have the whole thing. These pizza bowls are the perfect replacement: high protein, low carb, low calorie, and gluten-free.

You also don’t need to have the whole pizza. One ramekin with 267 calories and 16g of protein.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 267
• Fats: 18g
• Protein: 16g
• Carbs: 4.2g

21. Salsa Shredded Chicken

Just like a lot of the recipes on this list, this chicken is perfect for meal-prepping.

The chicken is cooked in a mixture of broth and mild salsa and shredded to make it more convenient and versatile to consume.

This dish features fresh peppers and cauliflower rice on the side. If you don’t mind the carbs, though, you can use fluffy white rice instead.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 554
• Fats: 16g
• Protein: 62g
• Carbs: 46g