Tag: high protein recipes

  • The Best Cheesy Chicken Fajita Bake You’ll Ever Make! 🧀🔥

    The Best Cheesy Chicken Fajita Bake You’ll Ever Make! 🧀🔥

    Looking for a dinner that feels like a treat but takes minimal effort? If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for those “set it and forget it” meals that don’t skimp on flavor. Well, grab your oven mitts, because I’ve found your new go-to.

    This 50g Protein Cheesy Chicken Fajita Bake is seriously a game-changer. It’s got that classic fajita kick, all the melty, gooey cheese you could ever want, and it’s all made in one single baking dish. Less washing up? Yes, please!

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

     Protein-Packed: With roughly 50g–55g of protein per serving, it’s a perfect post-gym meal or just a solid way to hit your macros while enjoying dinner.

     Minimal Effort: Seriously, it’s just seasoning, tossing, and baking.

     Crowd Pleaser: Even the pickiest eaters seem to love the combo of peppers, onions, and plenty of melted cheddar.

    What You’ll Need

    This recipe serves two, so it’s perfect for a quick dinner for two or easy meal prep for the next day.

    Ingredients

     Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 450g–500g).

     Seasoning: 2 tbsp fajita seasoning.

     Veggies: 1 green bell pepper (or capsicum), 1 yellow bell pepper, 1 red bell pepper, and 1 medium yellow onion. Slice them all into nice, even strips.

     Cheese: 2 cups (approx. 200g–225g) shredded mature cheddar cheese.

     Garnish: 1 tbsp fresh chopped coriander (cilantro) to brighten it all up at the end.

    How to Make It

    1. Prep the Oven: Get your oven preheated to 190°C (375°F).

    2. Season the Chicken: Arrange your chicken breasts in a baking dish. Make sure they’re in a single layer. Sprinkle that fajita seasoning evenly over both sides—don’t be shy with it!

    3. Toss the Veg: In a separate bowl, toss your sliced peppers and onions together. Spread them out over the chicken in the baking dish.

    4. The Good Part: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top of the peppers and onions.

    5. Bake: Pop it in the center of the oven and bake for 30–40 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be fully cooked through and the cheese to be bubbly and golden.

    6. Serve: Once it’s out, sprinkle over the fresh coriander and serve it hot. I love eating this as-is, but it’s also great with a side of rice or wrapped in a warm tortilla!

    Protein Breakdown

    Each serving of this cheesy goodness packs a massive 50g–55g of protein. It’s the perfect way to feel full, satisfied, and ready for whatever your day brings.

    Give this a try and let me know in the comments how it turns out! Do you add extra spice or serve yours with sour cream? I want to hear your favorite ways to customize this dish!

    Happy cooking!

  • Hot Honey Halloumi Chicken Linguine (High Protein, Serves 2)

    Hot Honey Halloumi Chicken Linguine (High Protein, Serves 2)


    If you love a creamy pasta but still want to keep your meals high in protein, this Hot Honey Halloumi Chicken Linguine needs to be on your menu. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy and savoury: tender spiced chicken, silky garlic cream sauce, and golden crispy halloumi drizzled in hot honey on top.

    It feels like proper comfort food, but each portion still packs a solid hit of protein, making it ideal for a satisfying lunch or easy weeknight dinner.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • High protein and satisfying – thanks to the chicken, halloumi and light cream cheese, you’re getting a really decent protein boost while still enjoying creamy pasta.
    • Sweet–spicy flavour combo – the hot honey halloumi is the star: crispy, salty cheese with that sticky honey, chilli and lemon hit on top.
    • Simple ingredients – everything is supermarket‑friendly and you probably have most of the spices in your cupboard already.

    • Perfect for two – this recipe is written for 2 portions, ideal for a cosy dinner or for cooking once and saving a portion for later.

    Ingredients (Serves 2)


    For the chicken pasta
    • 200 g uncooked chicken breast, diced (about 7 oz)
    • 2 tsp paprika
    • 2 tsp garlic salt
    • 1 tsp onion powder
    • Low‑cal cooking spray or 1–2 tsp olive oil
    • 120 g dry linguine (about 4 oz)
    • 80 g light cream cheese (about 1/3 cup)
    • 1 chicken stock cube (or 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder)
    • 8–10 cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 2 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
    • 150–200 ml reserved pasta water (2/3–3/4 cup), to loosen the sauce as needed
    For the hot honey halloumi
    • 80 g halloumi, cut into small chunks (about 3 oz)
    • 2 tbsp honey
    • Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1–2 tbsp)
    • 1/2–1 tsp chilli flakes / red pepper flakes, to taste
    To finish

    • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

    Step‑by‑Step Method

    1. Season the chicken
      Add your diced chicken breast to a bowl. Sprinkle over the paprika, garlic salt and onion powder. Give it a good mix so every piece is coated, then spray with a little oil (or drizzle with a small amount of olive oil) and toss again.
      This simple dry rub gives the chicken loads of flavour without needing a long marinade.
    2. Cook the linguine
      Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the linguine according to the packet instructions until al dente.
      Before you drain the pasta, scoop out 150–200 ml (2/3–3/4 cup) of the starchy pasta water and set it aside – this is liquid gold for loosening and emulsifying your sauce later.
    3. Fry the chicken
      Heat a large non‑stick frying pan over medium heat and give it a spray of oil. Add the seasoned chicken in an even layer and cook for around 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned on the outside and cooked through in the middle.
      You want a bit of colour on the chicken here – it adds flavour and makes the sauce more savoury and rich.
    4. Add garlic and tomatoes
      Once the chicken is cooked, add the crushed garlic and the halved cherry tomatoes straight into the pan. Pour in a small splash of water to help everything move.
      Let the tomatoes cook until they start to blister and soften, then gently press them down with the back of a spatula. They’ll break down into a fresh, slightly sweet tomato base for your sauce.
    5. Build the creamy sauce
      Turn the heat down slightly and add the light cream cheese and chicken stock cube to the pan. Start with about 150 ml of the reserved pasta water and stir well until the cream cheese melts and the stock cube dissolves.
      You’re aiming for a smooth, glossy sauce that lightly coats the chicken. If it looks too thick, add a splash more pasta water; if it’s too thin, let it bubble gently for a minute or two to reduce.
    6. Toss through the linguine
      Tip the drained linguine straight into the pan with the sauce. Use tongs or a couple of forks to toss the pasta through until every strand is coated.
      Keep the pan on low heat while you do this so the sauce stays warm and creamy without drying out.
    7. Crisp up the halloumi
      In a separate pan, add a little cooking spray and place it over medium heat. Add the halloumi chunks in a single layer and fry for a few minutes on each side until they are golden and crispy with some deeper, caramelised edges.
      Halloumi can go from perfect to overdone fairly quickly, so keep an eye on it and turn as needed.
    8. Make the hot honey
      While the halloumi is still in the pan, turn the heat to low. In a small bowl, mix together the honey, lemon juice and chilli flakes. Pour this mixture over the hot halloumi and gently toss to coat.
      The honey will loosen slightly with the heat, creating a glossy, sweet–spicy glaze that clings to the cheese.
    9. Plate up
      Divide the creamy chicken linguine between two warm bowls. Spoon the hot honey halloumi over the top of each portion, making sure you get some of that sticky glaze too.

    Finish with a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley for colour and freshness.

    Macros per Portion (Approximate)
    These values will vary slightly depending on the exact brands you use, but as a guide, per serving you’re looking at roughly:
    • Calories: 535 kcal
    • Protein: 50 g
    • Carbohydrates: 65 g
    • Fat: 14 g

    This makes it a great option if you’re trying to hit a higher protein target while still enjoying a proper, restaurant‑style bowl of pasta.

    Tips and Variations
    • Make it spicier: Add extra chilli flakes to the hot honey, or a pinch of cayenne to the chicken seasoning.
    • Swap the pasta: Linguine works beautifully, but spaghetti, tagliatelle or a short pasta like rigatoni will also pick up the sauce nicely.
    • Lighter option: Use reduced‑fat halloumi and go a little lighter on the honey to shave off a few calories if you prefer.

    • Vegetarian twist: Swap the chicken for extra halloumi or a can of chickpeas (drained and dried before frying) and keep everything else the same.

    How to Serve and Store
    This dish is best served immediately so you get the full effect of that crispy, hot honey halloumi on top of the silky pasta.
    If you do have leftovers:
    • Cool them quickly and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
    • Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.

    • The halloumi won’t be as crisp once reheated, but the flavours will still be delicious.

  • Mediterranean Smoked Salmon High‑Protein Omelette (Looks Like Room Service, Ready in 10 Minutes)

    Mediterranean Smoked Salmon High‑Protein Omelette (Looks Like Room Service, Ready in 10 Minutes)

    Intro
    If you’re anything like me, breakfast can go one of two ways: a rushed piece of toast you barely taste… or a moment of pure joy that sets you up for the whole day.
    This Mediterranean smoked salmon omelette definitely falls into the second category. It looks like something you’d order from a fancy hotel room‑service menu, but it’s actually a very doable 10‑minute recipe you can whip up on a weekday. It’s also high in protein, uses simple supermarket ingredients, and feels just a little bit luxurious – exactly my kind of balance.

    I first shared a version of this over on TikTok after my Mediterranean feta pepper omelette went a bit wild. You loved the whipped Greek yoghurt, the colourful vegetables and, of course, the promise of a proper protein hit. So this is the follow‑up: same creamy yoghurt twist, but this time with silky smoked salmon, lemon and dill. Think “Mediterranean brunch” without leaving your kitchen.

    Why this omelette works so well
    There are three little tricks that make this omelette feel special but still realistic for everyday life:
    • The whipped Greek yoghurt eggs
    Instead of whisking plain eggs, we whisk them together with a spoonful of thick Greek yoghurt. It makes the omelette soft, fluffy and slightly creamy, and it bumps the protein up a notch too.
    • Smoked salmon + Mediterranean flavours
    Smoked salmon can feel very “brunch out” rather than “breakfast in”, but here it’s simply folded into the omelette with spinach, onion, capers and dill. Lots of flavour, no complicated steps.
    • High‑protein, but no diet‑culture misery
    You get roughly around 30 g of protein in one serving (depending on the brands you use), but it still feels indulgent. There’s colour, there’s texture, there’s a big generous swirl of lemony yoghurt on top – this is not a sad, dry egg white situation.

    If you’re tracking macros you’ll appreciate the numbers; if you’re just trying to feel energised and satisfied until lunch, you’ll appreciate how filling this is.

    Ingredients (serves 1)


    For the omelette base
    • 2 medium free‑range eggs
    • 2 tbsp liquid egg whites (optional, but adds extra protein)
    • 40 g thick Greek yoghurt (for whisking into the eggs)
    • Pinch of salt and black pepper
    For the filling and topping
    • 40–50 g smoked salmon, sliced into ribbons
    • A small handful of spinach
    • ½ small red onion, very finely sliced
    – or 1 spring onion, finely chopped
    • 1 tsp capers (optional but lovely for a salty pop)
    • 1 tsp olive oil or a small knob of butter for the pan
    • 2–3 tbsp extra Greek yoghurt for the topping
    • Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
    • Fresh dill, chopped
    • Pinch of chilli flakes (optional, but highly recommended)

    Feel free to adjust quantities to suit your appetite and what you have in the fridge. This is a very forgiving recipe.

    Approximate nutrition
    This will vary slightly depending on your exact brands, but as a ballpark for the quantities above:
    • Protein: roughly 28–32 g
    • Carbohydrates: roughly 3–4 g
    • Fat: roughly 22–24 g

    It’s a brilliant option if you’re trying to prioritise protein at breakfast without going straight to chicken and rice at 8am.

    Step‑by‑step: how to make it

    1. Whip your eggs and yoghurt
      Crack your eggs into a jug or bowl, add the egg whites (if using), 40 g Greek yoghurt, a good pinch of salt and black pepper.
      Now whisk. Really whisk. You want the mixture to turn paler and slightly frothy with little bubbles on top. This is what gives you that soft, slightly soufflé‑like texture. A small hand whisk works perfectly, but you can also use a little milk frother or mini blender if you like extra drama.
    2. Cook the veg
      Heat the olive oil in a non‑stick frying pan over medium heat. Add your sliced onion and let it soften for a couple of minutes until it’s sweet and translucent. Toss in the spinach and let it wilt down – this only takes a minute.
      Once the spinach is just wilted, slide the onion and spinach out onto a small plate. Don’t wash the pan; all that flavour can stay right where it is.
    3. Pour in the egg mixture
      Turn the heat down slightly to medium‑low. Pour in your whipped egg and yoghurt mixture and tilt the pan gently so it spreads out evenly.
      Let it sit for a few seconds, then use a spatula to gently nudge the cooked edges into the centre, allowing the uncooked egg to flow into the gaps. You don’t want the underside to brown too fast; low and slow gives the best texture.
    4. Add the filling
      When the top of the omelette is mostly set but still a little soft and glossy, it’s time to fill.
      Spoon the spinach and onion mixture onto one half of the omelette. Scatter over the capers if you’re using them. Lay the smoked salmon ribbons on top – they don’t need long to warm through, so keep them in fairly big pieces rather than tiny shreds.
    5. Fold and finish cooking
      Use your spatula to carefully fold the bare half of the omelette over the filling. Let it cook for another 30–60 seconds on low heat. The goal is for the eggs to be just set, the salmon warmed through, and the centre still soft rather than dry.
    6. The yoghurt swirl (the star of the show)
      While the omelette finishes off, quickly stir your topping together: Greek yoghurt, a squeeze of lemon, pinch of salt and some chopped dill. You want it thick enough to sit proudly on top, not run straight off.
      Slide the omelette onto a plate. Dollop or swirl the lemon‑dill yoghurt on top – be generous. Sprinkle over more dill, a few extra capers and a pinch of chilli flakes. If you want extra colour, add a couple of cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices on the side.

    And that’s it. Breakfast that looks like you’ve ordered it somewhere expensive, but you’re still in your slippers.

    Tips, swaps and FAQs
    Can I make this without egg whites?
    Absolutely. Just use 2 whole eggs and skip the extra whites. The texture will still be gorgeous from the yoghurt; the protein will just be slightly lower.
    What if I don’t like smoked salmon?
    You can swap it for leftover cooked salmon, or even flaked hot‑smoked salmon. You still get that lovely richness, but the texture is slightly different. If you’re not a fish person at all, you can use this exact method with feta instead of salmon.
    Which yoghurt is best?
    Any thick Greek‑style yoghurt works. A 0% version will keep calories down, a 5% version will feel a bit more decadent. Use what fits your goals and what you enjoy.
    Can I prep it in advance?

    Omelettes are always best fresh, but you can whisk the egg and yoghurt together and keep it covered in the fridge for a few hours if you know you’ll be in a rush.

    How to serve it
    I love this on its own for a lighter breakfast, but if you want a more substantial plate you can add:
    • A small piece of sourdough or wholegrain toast
    • A simple side salad with rocket, cucumber and lemon
    • A black coffee or herbal tea to keep the Mediterranean café fantasy going

    It’s also a great “breakfast for dinner” option when you want something quick, comforting and still on the healthier side.

    Final thoughts
    This smoked salmon Mediterranean omelette is the kind of recipe I come back to again and again: it looks impressive, eats like a treat, and still supports my health goals. If you try it, please let me know how you get on – and if you come from TikTok, say hello in the comments so I know you found me here.

  • High Protein Chicken Curry That Beats Takeaway

    High Protein Chicken Curry That Beats Takeaway


    If you love a good curry but also want to hit your protein goals, this high‑protein chicken curry is perfect for you. It’s creamy, comforting, packed with flavour, and still simple enough for a busy weekday night.

    This recipe uses lean chicken breast and thick Greek yogurt to boost the protein while keeping the sauce silky and rich. With around 35–40g protein per serving (before adding any extra sides), it’s a proper main meal, not just a light bite.

    Ingredients


    Serves 2 hungry adults
    • 400 g chicken breast, diced into bite‑size pieces
    • 150 g thick Greek yogurt
    • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic, crushed or finely chopped
    • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (about a 2 cm piece of ginger root)
    • 2 tablespoons curry powder (or your favourite mild/medium blend)
    • 200 g chopped tomatoes or passata
    • 1 tablespoon oil (olive or vegetable)
    • 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder (adjust to taste)
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • Fresh coriander, chopped, to serve

    • Cooked basmati rice, to serve

    Method

    1. Marinate the chicken
      Add the diced chicken to a bowl.
      Stir in half of the Greek yogurt (about 75 g), half of the curry powder, a good pinch of salt, and some black pepper.
      Mix well, then set aside while you prepare everything else – even 10 minutes of marinating helps the flavour.
    2. Brown the chicken
      Heat the oil in a large non‑stick pan over medium‑high heat.
      Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on the outside. They don’t need to be fully cooked through yet.
      Remove the chicken to a plate and keep any juices in the pan.
    3. Build the flavour base
      In the same pan, add the chopped onion. Cook gently for 4–5 minutes until soft and starting to turn golden.
      Stir in the garlic and grated ginger and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
      Add the remaining curry powder and the chilli powder, stirring for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
    4. Create the sauce
      Pour in the chopped tomatoes or passata and a small pinch of salt.
      Stir well, then let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
    5. Finish cooking the chicken
      Return the browned chicken (and any juices) to the pan.
      Stir so the pieces are well coated in the sauce.
      Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reduced to a nice consistency.
    6. Stir in the yogurt
      Turn the heat right down (or briefly off) so the curry is hot but not boiling.
      Stir in the remaining Greek yogurt until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
      Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper or chilli if you like more heat.
    7. Serve
      Spoon cooked basmati rice into bowls.
      Ladle the chicken curry on top or to one side.
      Garnish with chopped fresh coriander.

    Enjoy immediately – or let it cool and portion up for high‑protein meal prep.

    Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving, Without Rice)
    These numbers will vary slightly depending on the exact brands you use, but for this curry split into two portions:
    • Calories: roughly 350–400 kcal
    • Protein: roughly 35–40 g
    • Carbohydrates: mostly from the tomatoes, roughly 10–15 g
    • Fat: roughly 10–15 g

    Once you add a typical serving of basmati rice, you’ll have a very satisfying, balanced high‑protein main meal.

    Tips and Variations
    • Make it milder: Use a mild curry powder and reduce the chilli powder to a pinch.
    • Make it hotter: Add extra chilli powder, fresh chilli, or a little cayenne.
    • Add more veg: Stir in a handful of spinach, peas or peppers in the last few minutes of cooking.


    • Swap the protein: You can replace the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas; just adjust cooking time so they heat through in the sauce.

  • Mediterranean Egg White Protein Bowl (Light, High Protein & Ready in 10 Minutes)

    Mediterranean Egg White Protein Bowl (Light, High Protein & Ready in 10 Minutes)


    If you’re bored of plain scrambled eggs but still want a high‑protein start to the day, this Mediterranean egg white bowl is a simple upgrade. It’s full of colourful vegetables, uses mostly egg whites for a lighter feel, and finishes with a creamy Greek yoghurt dollop that makes it feel like a café‑style brunch at home.

    The best part is how quickly it comes together. From chopping your veg to sitting down with your bowl, you’re looking at about 10 minutes, and you’ll get roughly 32–35g of protein depending on how much feta and yoghurt you use

    Protein breakdown (approx.)
    Exact numbers will vary slightly based on brands, but here’s a rough guide using common UK values:
    • 1 whole medium egg – about 6 g protein
    • 2 medium egg whites – about 7–8 g protein
    • 40 g light feta – about 7 g protein
    • 80 g thick Greek yoghurt – about 8–9 g protein

    That gives you around 28–30 g protein before any extras. Add an extra egg white or a little more yoghurt and you’re comfortably in the 32–35 g range.

    Ingredients (serves 1)


    • 1 whole egg
    • 2–3 egg whites
    • 1 tsp olive oil
    • ½ red pepper, thinly sliced
    • 40 g baby spinach
    • 3–4 cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 40 g light feta, crumbled
    • 80 g thick Greek yoghurt
    • ½ small garlic clove, very finely grated or crushed
    • Squeeze of lemon juice
    • Salt and black pepper
    • Pinch dried oregano
    • Pinch chilli flakes
    • Fresh parsley, chopped, to finish

    • Optional: 1 small wholemeal pitta or slice of toast on the side

    Method

    1. Make the yoghurt topping.
      In a small bowl, stir together the Greek yoghurt, grated garlic, lemon juice and a tiny pinch of salt. Adjust to taste and set aside while you cook everything else.
    2. Cook the vegetables.
      Heat the olive oil in a non‑stick pan over medium heat. Add the sliced red pepper and cook for 2–3 minutes until starting to soften. Tip in the spinach and cherry tomatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until the spinach is just wilted.
    3. Scramble the eggs.
      In a jug or small bowl, whisk together the whole egg and egg whites with a pinch of salt, pepper and the dried oregano. Pour the eggs over the vegetables in the pan and gently scramble, pushing the mixture from the edges into the centre until the eggs are just set but still soft and glossy.
    4. Assemble your bowl.
      Spoon the egg and vegetable mixture into a wide, shallow bowl. Crumble the feta over the top. Add a generous dollop of your garlicky yoghurt to the centre and finish with chilli flakes and chopped parsley.
    5. Serve and enjoy.

    Eat as it is for a lighter bowl, or add a small wholemeal pitta or slice of toast on the side if you need a little extra energy.

    Tips, swaps and variations
    • Make it even higher protein: Add an extra egg white, a bit more yoghurt, or swap the feta for cottage cheese to boost the protein while keeping things light.
    • Keep it mild: Skip the chilli flakes if you don’t like heat and use only a tiny amount of garlic in the yoghurt.
    • Meal prep friendly: Chop your peppers and tomatoes the night before so you only need to cook and scramble in the morning. The whole bowl still tastes best freshly made, but the prep work will be done.
    • Add legumes: For extra fibre and staying power, stir in a spoonful of cooked chickpeas or white beans with the veggies before adding the eggs.


    This kind of breakfast is ideal if you want something that feels fresh and light but still keeps you full well into the morning. It fits easily into a Mediterranean‑style way of eating, with plenty of veg, healthy fats and satisfying protein in each bowl.