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Easy High-Protein Dinner Bowl Under 400 Calories Perfect for Weight Loss

high-protein dinner bowl under 400 calories - featured image

A quick, nutritious, and satisfying dinner bowl featuring grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing, all under 400 calories. Perfect for weight loss and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts per serving
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 medium cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/3 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice (optional)
  • 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 1/4 medium avocado slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken by combining olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly. Let sit for at least 10 minutes or up to 1 hour in the fridge.
  2. Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
  3. While chicken cooks, slice cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper. Rinse and dry baby spinach or mixed greens.
  4. If using, cook quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions (quinoa: 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio, simmer 15 minutes).
  5. Whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped dill or parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the dressing.
  6. Assemble the bowl by layering greens, cooked quinoa or rice (if using), sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper. Drizzle dressing over the top.
  7. Add optional toppings like toasted pumpkin seeds or walnuts and avocado slices.
  8. Serve immediately or store components separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days (add avocado fresh before serving).

Notes

Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Season generously and use fresh herbs in the dressing for best flavor. Toast seeds or nuts for added crunch. For gluten-free, skip grains or use gluten-free quinoa. Dairy-free yogurt can substitute Greek yogurt in the dressing.

Nutrition

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