31 Low-Cal Dinner Recipes
It’s not unusual to assume that if you want to reduce your calories you have to say goodbye to all of your favourite foods. This is absolutely not the case.
Here’s 31 recipes that will fill you up for just 550kcals, or less. Soon, these recipes will be making it into your weekly rotation.
Jump to:
- Poultry-based dinner recipes
- Fish-based dinner recipes
- Meat-based dinner recipes
- Vegetarian dinner recipes
- Vegan dinner recipes
Poultry-based dinner recipes
You can’t go far wrong with chicken recipes, it's arguably the most versatile meat. Jazz it up with marinades and keep things interesting with plenty of sauce. And that’s before we’ve even addressed the macros — low-cal, high-protein — can’t complain.
1. Creamy peanut chicken noodles
A dinner so easy it’ll definitely make its way on to your weekly rota. Creamy, nutty, and with 39g of protein, there's no downside.
Creamy Peanut Chicken Noodles | Protein Plates Recipe Book
Balanced macros with oodles of delicious, nutty flavour.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
390kcal | 34g | 39g | 11g |
2. One-pan roast chicken dinner
A Sunday roast to rival your local, and it’s almost as easy. I'm serious. After the chopping is out of the way, chuck it all into the oven and 45 minutes later you’re tucking into a home-cooked Sunday lunch.
One-Pan Roast Chicken Dinner
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
390kcal | 34g | 39g | 11g |
3. Salt & pepper chicken
A chip shop fave, and for good reason. It’s packed full of flavour, and not shy on veg. A top-tier midweek meal. Better yet, cook double and stuff some into a wrap and serve alongside some rice for a delish work lunch. Now we’re talking.
Salt & Pepper Chicken
Your new favourite fakeaway — all you need is a pan and a spare 20 minutes.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
350kcal | 41g | 21g | 12g |
4. Sticky sesame chicken
Chicken and rice, but make it 1000% better. Succulent, saucy, and oh so tasty. With plenty of zingy, sweet and sour taste you’ll never need to go back to your local Chinese takeaway.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
502kcal | 36g | 60g | 13g |
5. Chicken gyros
In my view, you can never go wrong with anything inspired by Greece. And these gyros are further proof.
Packed full of succulent spiced chicken, salad, some chips, and a boatload of tzatziki for good measure, you just can’t go wrong with this recipe.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
407kcal | 37g | 44g | 7g |
6. Teriyaki chicken rice bowl
Say goodbye to bland, dry chicken and rice and hello to your new favourite alternative. It’s amazing what a bit of teriyaki can do to liven up a meal.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
472kcal | 41g | 47g | 13g |
7. Naked chicken burrito bowl
Perhaps not as indulgent as a regular burrito, but this naked chicken burrito bowl makes up for it and more — it’s got less calories for one, and it’s definitely easier to eat when you’re scrolling TikTok. Oh, and it’s delicious, too.
Naked Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep
A low-carb twist on a Mexican classic.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
378kcal | 30g | 35g | 8g |
8. Creamy garlic chicken
With a whopping 45g of protein this is a sure-fire way to help you hit your daily goals. Winner winner chicken dinner. Literally.
One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken & Rice
Your chicken and rice meal prep deserves to be this tasty.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
387kcal | 45g | 32g | 7g |
9. Air fryer chicken skewers
I don’t know about you but I'm always looking for new recipes to chuck in the air fryer. I just know these honey sriracha chicken skewers are about to become a weekly occurrence.
Air Fryer Chicken Skewers Meal Prep
Guaranteed to have you looking forward to lunch.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
356kcal | 35g | 47g | 4g |
10. Peanut butter chicken curry
Curry is always a good idea — it’s creamy, filling and full of flavour. The only question, rice or naan?
Peanut Butter Chicken Curry
It’s time to take your peanut butter obsession to the next level.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
398kcal | 28g | 19g | 24g |
11. Fajita pasta bake
When it comes to comfort food, it doesn’t get much better than pasta bake. Succulent fajita chicken, saucy pasta shapes all loaded with plenty of cheese. I’ll say it again, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Fajita Pasta Bake
Fajita chicken in a cheesy pasta bake is a crossover we’re all here for.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
521kcal | 28g | 62g | 16g |
12. Creamy lemon & thyme chicken
Packed with flavour, this one-pan lemon and thyme chicken dish is an absolute winner. Enjoy mid-week for a quick bite or prepare for your friends at the weekend. Either way, it’s a banging low-cal dinner.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
227kcal | 21g | 5g | 14g |
13. Chicken curry gyros
Another chicken gyros recipe, but this time the ultimate fusion of Greek and Indian flavours all pulled together into this beast of a fakeaway. Think flatbreads, marinated chicken, plenty of sauce, salad, chips — now that’s a Friday night dinner.
Chicken Curry Gyros | Ultimate Fakeaway Recipe
This fakeaway is the ultimate fusion of flavours.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
541kcal | 40g | 52g | 17g |
14. One-pan creamy mushroom & chicken
Juicy chicken thighs, a creamy, garlicky sauce, and plenty of mushrooms, this one-pan dinner never misses. And coming in at under 520 calories, it’ll be reappearing in your weekly rotation.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
520kcal | 52g | 20g | 27g |
15. Chicken curry with broccoli rice
For a recipe stacked with flavour, packed with nutrients, and less than 500 calories, look no further.
Easy Chicken Curry With Broccoli Rice
Simple & delicious — this recipe is a certified weeknight win.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
450kcal | 45g | 120g | 5g |
16. Creamy cajun chicken pasta
As a pasta lover, if pasta isn’t on the menu at least twice a week, we’ve got a problem. Luckily for me, with delicious recipes full of protein at my fingertips, I can satisfy my pasta cravings while still hitting my protein goals.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta | High-Protein Meal Prep
When it comes to quick & simple meal prep, this one’s a sure bet.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
516kcal | 38g | 71g | 8g |
17. Marry me chicken pasta
Coined “marry me” pasta because it’s good enough for a proposal. However, just a disclaimer, this recipe does not guarantee you an engagement.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
The verdict is in. You can never go wrong with a creamy pasta.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
460kcal | 36g | 52g | 13g |
Fish-based dinner recipes
For when you’re feeling a bit more sophisticated, and you’re looking to get in some Omega-3s, opt for a fish-based dish. Light, delicious, and loaded with healthy fats. What more are you looking for?
18. Crispy sriracha prawns with black rice
Prawns are always a bit of a treat for me, and this crispy sriracha version takes them to the next level. It’s a midweek tea you look forward to all day.
Crispy Sriracha Prawns With Black Rice
Fire up your weeknight dinners with this Thai prawn stir-fry dish.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
520kcal | 49g | 72g | 15g |
19. Sweet chilli glazed salmon
Salmon and rice took the world by storm earlier this year when Emily Mariko’s revealed her deconstructed sushi on TikTok. We loved it, but one thing was missing — a sweet chilli glaze. Say no more…
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
483kcal | 29g | 54g | 16g |
Meat-based dinner recipes
It turns out that chicken isn’t the only meat option. Who knew? Mix up your dinners with pork, beef, or chorizo. You can never go wrong with a bit of variety.
20. Air fryer pizza
It’s possible to make every night pizza night when you have this recipe in your repertoire. It’s perfect for a lazy night alone in front of the TV, or get your friends round for a pizza-making dinner party. Either way, it’s delicious and macro-friendly.
Air Fryer Pizza 3 Ways
Three ingredients, five minutes, and no oven needed.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
483kcal | 29g | 54g | 16g |
21. Chicken & chorizo paella
A taste of the Mediterranean no matter where you are. Rich flavours and highly satisfying, it’s not a holiday in Spain, but it’ll do.
Chicken & Chorizo Paella | Protein Plates Recipe Book
Bring summer home with this naturally protein-packed dish.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
404kcal | 31g | 52g | 7g |
22. Beef crunch wraps
For the days when you can’t seem to let go of the thought of tucking into some fast food try this instead. Follow the recipe to a tee if it sounds like a bit of you, or customise it with some extra chillies or even guac.
Homemade Beef Crunch Wraps | Fakeaway Favourites
How to get your fix of that Taco Bell classic.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
467kcal | 32g | 37g | 20g |
23. Chorizo & bean stew
This hearty chorizo and bean stew is the ultimate rainy-day dinner. Loaded on top of a jacket potato, on a bed of rice, or alongside a slice of crusty sourdough bread — however you tuck in, you’re in for a treat.
Chorizo & Bean Stew
Serve up a little spice with this warming winter stew.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
257kcal | 13g | 18g | 11g |
24. Creamy sausage pasta meal prep
Creamy, saucy sausage pasta. Big on taste, low on calories. The secret? Using quark instead of cream or soft cheese. It’s a great way to get that creamy taste for less calories.
Healthy Pasta Recipes | Lean, Creamy Sausage Pasta Meal Prep
Who can resist a steaming bowl of pasta... especially when it's this good for you?
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
415kcal | 34g | 48g | 5g |
Vegetarian dinner recipes
Taking the plunge into vegetarianism, or maybe just having a few more meat-free meals — whatever your aim, we’ve got plenty of dishes that’ll convince you that you don’t need meat for a solid high-protein meal.
25. Butternut squash & kale salad
Crispy kale and sweet butternut squash. As salads go, this one’s up there.
Autumn Salad With Butternut Squash & Kale
This nutritionist shares her go-to salad for cosy season.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
339kcal | 14g | 52g | 13g |
26. One-pan halloumi & harissa bake
With just 5 ingredients, and 1 pan, this meal is delicious, simple, and light on the washing up. Pair with couscous or enjoy on its own for a satisfying meal.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
339kcal | 14g | 52g | 13g |
Vegan dinner recipes
Regardless of your requirements, we aim to please, and we’ve got plenty of solid vegan recipes that’ll fill you up until breakfast time.
27. Vegan lentil bolognese
You can never go wrong with pasta. That’s for any meal of the day, in my opinion. This macro-friendly dish will have you looking forward to your next serving as soon as you’ve finished. Plus, it’s vegan!
Vegan Lentil Bolognese Meal Prep Recipe
We’re kicking off Veganuary with an absolute classic.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
486kcal | 21g | 86g | 6g |
28. Tofu teriyaki noodles
Crispy tofu is top tier every day, but the perfect choice for a high-protein, meat-free Monday. Sizzling flavour, veggies galore, and plenty of plant-based protein. Sign me up.
Crispy Tofu & Teriyaki Noodle Meal Prep
Mix up your weekly meal prep with some veggie noodles.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
462kcal | 17g | 67g | 14g |
29. Buffalo cauliflower tacos
The perfect dinner if you’re trying to cut back on meat — and you’ll never look back. Far from the soggy cauliflower you might remember from school dinners, it’s crunchy and coated in delicious buffalo sauce.
Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
Spice up your meat-free Mondays with these zingy tacos.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
278kcal | 11g | 33g | 15g |
30. Vegan fajitas
There’s nothing quite like a fajita. Who knew portobello mushrooms made the perfect alternative to chicken?
Vegan Fajitas | 15-Minute Ultimate Portobello Fajitas
We've got plant-based power all wrapped up.
Nutritional info per serving:
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
439kcal | 12g | 35g | 15g |
31. Nourishing gut health soup
Nutritional info per serving:
One-pan, completely vegan, and good for your gut. What more could you need?
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
318kcal | 16g | 55g | 2g |
FIND MORE HERE
9 Air Fryer Recipes You Need In Your Life
Get the most out of your favourite kitchen appliance.
34 Delicious Whey Protein Recipes Absolutely Worth Trying
The whey to our hearts are great recipes...
57 Meal Prep Recipes For Muscle Building & Fat Loss
Your next favourite prep is in here...