High Protein Dinner Bowls

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

These high protein dinner bowls are a delicious and nutritious way to fuel your evening. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they are perfect for anyone looking to boost their protein intake while enjoying a satisfying meal.

Stella Cameron

Created by

Stella Cameron

Last updated on 2025-12-24T18:21:39.680Z

High protein dinner bowls are not only satisfying but also provide a great balance of nutrients. Ideal for busy weeknights, these bowls can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Packed with protein to keep you full and energized
  • Versatile recipe that allows for endless variations
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners

Nutritional Benefits

High protein dinner bowls are not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. The combination of quinoa and chicken provides a complete protein source, making it an excellent choice for muscle repair and growth. Quinoa is a unique grain that contains all nine essential amino acids, while chicken is a lean protein that supports satiety and weight management. By incorporating black beans and corn, you also add fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain steady energy levels throughout the evening.

Avocados and cherry tomatoes bring healthy fats and antioxidants into the mix. Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health, and they also provide vital nutrients like potassium and vitamin E. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of flavor and are packed with vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health. Together, these ingredients create a well-rounded meal that satisfies both hunger and nutritional needs.

Meal Prep Made Easy

These high protein dinner bowls are perfect for meal prepping, making it easy to have a nutritious meal ready when you need it. You can prepare the quinoa and chicken in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the fridge. This allows you to quickly assemble your bowls throughout the week without spending excess time in the kitchen. Simply reheat the protein and quinoa, and layer in the fresh ingredients for a delicious meal that tastes as good as it looks.

Moreover, the ingredients can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For instance, if you prefer a plant-based option, you can substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh. Similarly, feel free to swap out the veggies based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. This versatility not only keeps your meals exciting but also encourages you to experiment with different flavor combinations.

Ideal for Any Occasion

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, high protein dinner bowls are an ideal choice. They can be easily scaled up or down depending on the number of servings you need. Plus, the vibrant colors and textures create an appealing presentation that is sure to impress. Serve them at a casual dinner gathering, or enjoy them solo after a long day at work; these bowls are suitable for any occasion.

Additionally, these dinner bowls are not just for dinner. They can be enjoyed for lunch or even as a satisfying snack. The high protein content will keep you full longer, making them a great option to refuel after a workout or to power through your day. With just a little creativity, you can transform this recipe to fit any meal of the day.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 avocados, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Adjust the toppings and spices based on your preferences!

Instructions

Cook the Quinoa

In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and water is absorbed.

Prepare the Chicken

While the quinoa is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 7-10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Assemble the Bowls

In bowls, layer cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, cooked chicken, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and avocado slices. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious high protein dinner bowls!

Storage Tips

To store your high protein dinner bowls, allow them to cool completely before placing them in airtight containers. This will help preserve their freshness and prevent sogginess. The bowls can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days, making them perfect for meal prep. If you plan to store them longer, consider freezing the components separately, as certain ingredients like avocado may not freeze well.

When reheating, be mindful of the ingredients that may change in texture. For example, add fresh avocado and cherry tomatoes just before serving to maintain their flavor and crunch. This simple tip will keep your meals tasting fresh and delicious, even after a few days in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your high protein dinner bowls, consider adding a drizzle of homemade dressing or sauce. A zesty lime vinaigrette or a creamy cilantro dressing can enhance the flavors and add an extra layer of deliciousness to your meal. You could also sprinkle some feta cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for added creaminess and flavor.

For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. You can also incorporate nuts or seeds for added texture and crunch. Not only do these additions enhance the flavor profile, but they also contribute valuable nutrients, making your meal even more satisfying.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I meal prep these bowls?

Yes! Prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately until you're ready to assemble.

→ What other proteins can I use?

You can use shrimp, beef, or even chickpeas for a different protein source.

High Protein Dinner Bowls

These high protein dinner bowls are a delicious and nutritious way to fuel your evening. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they are perfect for anyone looking to boost their protein intake while enjoying a satisfying meal.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Stella Cameron

Recipe Type: Healthy & Light

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 1 cup quinoa
  2. 2 cups water
  3. 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  4. 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  5. 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
  6. 1 bell pepper, diced
  7. 2 avocados, sliced
  8. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  9. 1 tsp cumin
  10. 1 tsp paprika
  11. Salt and pepper to taste
  12. Fresh cilantro for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and water is absorbed.

Step 02

While the quinoa is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 7-10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 03

In bowls, layer cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, cooked chicken, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and avocado slices. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Dietary Fiber: 10g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 31g