20 Low Carb High Protein Meal Ideas

On a low-carb diet but still need plenty of protein? These low-carb, high-protein recipes are tasty, healthy, and simple to prepare.

low carb high protein meals

Trying to lose weight or simply cut back on refined carbs? A low-carb approach can help reduce appetite and support weight loss when combined with a balanced plan.

Pairing lower carbs with higher protein is especially effective: protein helps you feel full longer and supports muscle maintenance while you reduce calories.

Below are 32 low-carb, high-protein meals that are flavorful, easy to prepare, and suitable for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining. Each entry includes a short description and nutrition information per serving to help you choose the best options for your goals.

Let’s dig in!

1. Keto Chicken Tenders

keto fried chicken tenders

Satisfy fried-chicken cravings with a low-carb version. These tenders are crispy, flavorful, and high in protein — ideal for meal prep or a grab-and-go lunch.

Per Serving:

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

2. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

creamy garlic butter chicken

Tender chicken in a rich garlic-butter sauce, finished with crispy bacon and wilted spinach. It’s indulgent but still keeps carbs low and protein high.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 463
  • Fats: 38g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbs: 9.4g
  • Fiber: 1.3g
  • Sugar: 3.8g

3. Creamy Chicken With Parmesan

creamy parmesan chicken

A classic creamy chicken dish with Parmesan for depth of flavor. It’s easy to make and satisfying, delivering a solid protein boost with minimal carbs.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 409
  • Fats: 28g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Carbs: 13g
  • Fiber: 2.7g
  • Sugar: 2.2g

4. Cheesy Baked Italian Sausage

cheesy baked italian sausage

A savory one-pan meal with Italian sausage and melted cheese. Easy to prepare and great for feeding a crowd while staying low on carbs.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 678
  • Fats: 57.8g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbs: 7.8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 3.6g

5. Cheesy Spinach Chicken Bake

cheesy spinach chicken bake

Juicy chicken baked in a creamy cheese and spinach sauce. Naturally low-carb and gluten-free, this dish is a comforting weeknight favorite that packs 32 grams of protein per serving.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 471
  • Fats: 36g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbs: 5.9g
  • Fiber: 0.7g
  • Sugar: 2.6g

6. Chili Chicken Stir Fry

chili chicken stir fry

Spicy sautéed chicken strips with green peppers in a tomato-forward sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Making your own spice blend keeps sodium and additives in check while maximizing flavor.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 290
  • Fats: 12g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbs: 18g
  • Fiber: 7.3g
  • Sugar: 8.4g

7. Baked Tuscan Chicken

baked tuscan chicken

Bring bold Italian flavors to your table with sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and garlic — all while keeping carbs modest and protein high. Simple oven baking yields delicious results.

Per Serving:

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

8. Fajita Chicken Casserole

fajita chicken casserole

Seasoned chicken baked with mozzarella and colorful peppers for a fajita-inspired casserole. Minimal prep and big flavor make it a dependable weeknight winner.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 363
  • Fats: 13g
  • Protein: 49g
  • Carbs: 10g
  • Fiber: 2.5g
  • Sugar: 3.8g

9. Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

crockpot tuscan chicken

Set-and-forget slow-cooker chicken thighs in a garlic-Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Low-effort and high on protein, perfect for busy days.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 446
  • Fats: 0.6g
  • Protein: 44g
  • Carbs: 7.3g
  • Fiber: 1.2g
  • Sugar: 3g

10. Cabbage Soup

low carb cabbage soup

Cabbage soup is easy to keep low-carb and high-protein by adding extra lean meat. It’s light, nourishing, and makes a great low-calorie bowl with solid protein content.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 216
  • Fats: 11g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbs: 11g
  • Fiber: 3.6g
  • Sugar: 5.4g

11. Baked Crack Chicken

crack chicken

A crowd-pleasing bake with chicken, crispy bacon, cream cheese, and cheddar. Fast to prep and indulgent without the carbs of breading or sides.

Serve with steamed broccoli or your favorite low-carb vegetable to balance the plate.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 445
  • Fats: 25g
  • Protein: 48g
  • Carbs: 3.9g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Sugar: 1.3g

12. Keto Zucchini Lasagna Skillet

img 7448 13

A single-skillet lasagna that swaps noodles for zucchini, keeping the classic flavors while cutting carbs. Cheesy, satisfying, and easy to finish in one pan.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 523
  • Fats: 36g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Carbs: 13g
  • Fiber: 2.8g
  • Sugar: 6.4g

13. Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken

img 7448 14 scaled

Quick to prepare and packed with familiar flavors—bacon, cheddar, broccoli, and chicken. Ready in about 30 minutes and perfect for busy evenings.

Per Serving:

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

14. Keto Cheesy Philly Casserole

img 7448 15

All the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, baked into a low-carb casserole. A hearty option that satisfies without the bun.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 338
  • Fats: 22g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbs: 6.7g
  • Fiber: 1.3g
  • Sugar: 2.6g

15. Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

creamy chicken with sundried tomatoes

An Italian-inspired chicken dish with Parmesan cream and sun-dried tomatoes. Serve over zucchini noodles or your favorite low-carb side to soak up the sauce.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 387
  • Fats: 33g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Carbs: 11g
  • Fiber: 1.7g
  • Sugar: 1.9g

16. Burger in a Bowl

burger in a bowl

All the best burger toppings—browned ground beef, avocado, pickles, onions, tomatoes, bacon, and lettuce—served without a bun. High in protein and fiber for extra satiety.

Per Serving:

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

17. Creamy Taco Soup

creamy taco soup

All the taco flavors in a comforting, creamy soup—without the tortillas. Simple to make and very satisfying on cooler nights.

  • Calories: 382
  • Fats: 30g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Carbs: 11g
  • Fiber: 3.9g
  • Sugar: 4.1g

18. Chicken Mozzarella Bake

chicken mozzarella bake

Tomato, herbs, and melted mozzarella transform chicken breasts into a classic Italian-style bake — all without added carbs from pasta or breading.

Per Serving:

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

19. Keto Sesame Pork and Green Beans

keto pork stir fry

A sweet-savory pork stir fry with green beans and sesame character. Quick to cook in one pan and a reliable low-carb dinner option.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 432
  • Fats: 32g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbs: 10g
  • Fiber: 3.6g
  • Sugar: 3.2g

20. Chicken Broccoli Bake

chicken broccoli bake

A comforting, cheesy casserole that uses broccoli instead of pasta for a lower-carb, fiber-rich version of a classic dish. It’s quick to assemble when you have cooked chicken on hand.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 354
  • Fats: 24g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Carbs: 8.9g
  • Fiber: 2.4g
  • Sugar: 2.8g

21. Low Carb Taco Casserole

low carb taco casserole

All the flavors of tacos layered over browned cauliflower rice: seasoned beef, peppers, cheese, and sour cream. One serving is filling enough so you don’t need to pile on extras.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 568
  • Fats: 40g
  • Protein: 37g
  • Carbs: 14g
  • Fiber: 4.6g
  • Sugar: 5.5g

22. Keto Chicken Enchiladas

keto enchiladas

All the classic enchilada flavors with far fewer carbs by skipping traditional tortillas. Chicken in a rich enchilada sauce topped with melted cheese makes a comforting, protein-heavy meal.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 328
  • Fats: 19g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbs: 7.4g
  • Fiber: 1.2g
  • Sugar: 4g

23. Keto Cauliflower Ziti

keto cauliflower ziti

Swap ziti for cauliflower to enjoy a cheesy, saucy dish with fewer carbs and more nutrients. Cauliflower lends a fresh texture and adds vitamins like choline and vitamin K.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 364
  • Fats: 20g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbs: 17g
  • Fiber: 4.1g
  • Sugar: 6.5g

24. Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash

baked salmon with avocado mash

A bright, easy meal: flaky baked salmon paired with creamy avocado mash seasoned with lime and spices. High in protein, healthy fats, and fiber — ready in about 15 minutes.

Per Serving:

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

25. Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast with Pesto

img 7448 26

A Mediterranean-inspired stuffed chicken with pesto, mozzarella, and tomato. Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for a weeknight, and high in protein.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 619
  • Fats: 29g
  • Protein: 70g
  • Carbs: 14g
  • Fiber: 1.2g
  • Sugar: 9.7g

26. Keto Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Keto Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

An Asian-style stir fry that keeps carbs low while delivering umami-rich flavor. Swap regular soy sauce for low-sodium alternatives if you want less sodium.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 318
  • Fats: 12g
  • Protein: 41g
  • Carbs: 12g
  • Fiber: 3.1g
  • Sugar: 1.9g

27. Keto Pork Chops with Asparagus

keto pork chops

Garlicky, buttery pork chops paired with asparagus make a quick, high-protein dinner. An iron skillet helps develop a tasty crust, but any heavy pan will do.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 748
  • Fats: 61g
  • Protein: 44g
  • Carbs: 7.1g
  • Fiber: 3.1g
  • Sugar: 2.3g

28. Keto Chicken Salad

Keto Chicken Salad

A creamy, savory chicken salad made with Greek yogurt and hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and a tangy texture. Perfect for meal-prep lunches and very low in net carbs.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 88
  • Fats: 3.4g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Carbs: 1.3g
  • Fiber: 0.3g
  • Sugar: 0.9g

29. Keto Salmon & Asparagus

Keto Salmon & Asparagus

A quick sheet-pan meal featuring flaky salmon and crisp asparagus finished with garlicky butter. Fast, nutritious, and rich in omega-3s and B vitamins.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 465
  • Fats: 32g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Carbs: 6.2g
  • Fiber: 2.6g
  • Sugar: 2.3g

30. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Source: lowcarbmaven.com

Spicy, cheesy, and filling, these stuffed peppers are ideal for meal prep. One batch makes multiple servings, so they’re convenient for weekday lunches.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 339
  • Fats: 20.3g
  • Protein: 32.8g
  • Carbs: 5.4g
  • Fiber: 1.4g
  • Sugar: 2g

31. Keto Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla

Keto Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla

Source: officiallyglutenfree.com

These quesadillas use baked cheese as a low-carb tortilla for a crispy, cheesy result. With under 3 grams of net carbs, they feel like a treat without the carb load.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 580
  • Fats: 35.6g
  • Protein: 48.6g
  • Carbs: 2.8g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 0g

32. Caprese Chicken

Caprese Chicken

Source: oursaltykitchen.com

A light, elegant chicken dish topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Bright flavors and a good source of protein make this a dependable dinner option.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 391
  • Fats: 18g
  • Protein: 49g
  • Carbs: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 3g