High Protein Dinner Bowls

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

Enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal with these high protein dinner bowls, perfect for anyone looking to boost their protein intake.

Stella Cameron

Created by

Stella Cameron

Last updated on 2025-12-24T17:51:41.175Z

These high protein dinner bowls are not just filling, but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Packed with lean proteins and fresh vegetables
  • Versatile base that you can customize to your taste
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

A Nutritious Powerhouse

These high protein dinner bowls are designed to fuel your body with essential nutrients while keeping your taste buds satisfied. With a base of quinoa, which is a complete protein, and topped with grilled chicken and black beans, each bowl is a balanced meal that promotes muscle growth and recovery. Whether you're an athlete or simply looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, these bowls provide the energy you need to tackle your day.

Incorporating a variety of vegetables not only adds color and texture but also enhances the nutritional profile of your meal. Broccoli, red bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health. This combination ensures that you're not just eating for sustenance but also for vitality, making every bite a step towards a healthier you.

Customization at Its Best

One of the best aspects of these high protein dinner bowls is their versatility. You can easily swap out the protein sources, vegetables, and toppings to suit your personal preferences or whatever you have on hand. For instance, if you're vegetarian, consider using chickpeas or tofu in place of chicken. The options are limitless, allowing you to experiment with flavors and textures while still maintaining a protein-packed meal.

Feel free to add your favorite spices or sauces to elevate the flavor profile. A sprinkle of cumin or a drizzle of tahini can add a new dimension to your bowls. This adaptability makes these dinner bowls not only a meal prep favorite but also a go-to option for last-minute dinners when you need something quick and nutritious.

Perfect for Meal Prep

These high protein dinner bowls are ideal for meal prepping, making them a fantastic option for busy individuals or families. You can prepare all the components in advance and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. This way, you can quickly assemble a delicious and healthy meal in just minutes during the week. The ingredients hold up well, and you can easily mix and match throughout the week to keep things interesting.

Additionally, meal prepping these bowls can help reduce food waste. By using fresh ingredients that can last several days when stored properly, you can enjoy a variety of meals without the stress of daily cooking. This not only saves time but also encourages healthier eating habits, as you're less likely to reach for convenience foods when a nutritious meal is ready to go.

Ingredients

Protein Base

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 lb grilled chicken breast, sliced
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables

  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Toppings

  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Feel free to mix and match your favorite ingredients!

Instructions

Cook the Quinoa

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Prepare the Chicken

While the quinoa is cooking, season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear until cooked through, about 7-10 minutes per side. Slice and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add broccoli and red bell pepper, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until tender. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Assemble the Bowls

In a bowl, layer the quinoa, black beans, grilled chicken, and sautéed vegetables. Top with sliced avocado and a dollop of Greek yogurt. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Enjoy your healthy and delicious dinner bowl!

Storage Tips

To store your high protein dinner bowls, keep the components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The quinoa and black beans can be stored together, while the grilled chicken and sautéed vegetables should be kept separately to maintain their textures. This setup allows you to assemble your bowls fresh each time you serve them, ensuring the best taste and quality.

If you’re looking to extend the shelf life of your ingredients, consider freezing portions of the quinoa and black beans. They can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before use, making meal prep even more convenient.

Nutritional Benefits

Each serving of these high protein dinner bowls is packed with essential nutrients. Quinoa is not only a great source of protein but also provides fiber, magnesium, and B vitamins. Grilled chicken adds lean protein while keeping your meal low in saturated fat, making it a healthy choice for muscle maintenance and repair.

The inclusion of vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers boosts your intake of vitamins A and C, which are crucial for immune function and skin health. By incorporating these ingredients, you're creating a meal that is not only satisfying but also supports overall wellness.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with tofu or more beans for a vegetarian option.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely! Just add them to the skillet and adjust cooking time as needed.

→ What can I use instead of quinoa?

You can substitute quinoa with brown rice, farro, or any grain of your choice.

High Protein Dinner Bowls

Enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal with these high protein dinner bowls, perfect for anyone looking to boost their protein intake.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Stella Cameron

Recipe Type: Healthy & Light

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Protein Base

  1. 2 cups cooked quinoa
  2. 1 lb grilled chicken breast, sliced
  3. 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables

  1. 1 cup broccoli florets
  2. 1 red bell pepper, diced
  3. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Toppings

  1. 1 avocado, sliced
  2. 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  3. Fresh cilantro for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 02

While the quinoa is cooking, season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear until cooked through, about 7-10 minutes per side. Slice and set aside.

Step 03

In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add broccoli and red bell pepper, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until tender. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 04

In a bowl, layer the quinoa, black beans, grilled chicken, and sautéed vegetables. Top with sliced avocado and a dollop of Greek yogurt. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Dietary Fiber: 10g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 30g