19 High-Protein Foods That Rival Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is a classic protein staple, but it is not the only MVP on your plate. If you crave variety, quicker prep, or different flavors, there are plenty of options that stack up gram for gram.

From plant powerhouses to ocean favorites, these picks keep you satisfied and on track. Let’s explore delicious ways to hit your goals without getting bored.

Canned Tuna

Canned tuna is a reliable high protein option that you can keep on hand for busy days. Packed in water, it delivers impressive protein with minimal fat and no fuss.

Stir it into Greek yogurt, mustard, and dill for a quick salad that you can spread on whole grain toast.

You will appreciate its budget friendly price and long shelf life. Choose skipjack for lower mercury and check labels for sodium.

Add capers and lemon for brightness, or toss with chickpeas and tomatoes for a Mediterranean spin that satisfies.

Greek Yogurt

Thick, tangy, and incredibly versatile, Greek yogurt packs more protein per spoonful than regular yogurt. It makes a satisfying breakfast, snack, or base for savory dips.

Choose plain, unsweetened varieties and sweeten lightly with fruit to keep sugar down while keeping protein up.

Use it to replace sour cream in tacos, or whisk it with garlic, lemon, and herbs for a quick sauce. You will love the creamy texture without heavy calories.

For extra staying power, stir in nuts, seeds, or a scoop of whey for a powerful protein boost.

Lentils

Lentils deliver impressive plant protein along with fiber that keeps you comfortably full. They cook faster than many legumes and hold shape in salads, stews, and curries.

You can batch cook a pot, then season different portions for the week to keep meals interesting.

Choose red for quick soups, brown for hearty bowls, or green for salads with texture. Pair with whole grains for a complete amino acid profile.

Add cumin, turmeric, or smoked paprika, and finish with lemon for brightness. Affordable and satisfying, lentils are a dependable protein that rivals poultry.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a sleeper hit for high protein eating, especially the lower fat versions. The curds offer a mild flavor that plays nicely with sweet or savory toppings.

Scoop it onto toast, fold into pancakes, or blend until smooth for a creamy, ricotta like spread.

You will appreciate its casein rich profile for sustained fullness. Look for brands with simple ingredients and manageable sodium.

Try it with pineapple and mint for freshness, or with pepper, herbs, and olive oil for a savory snack. It keeps you satisfied without heavy prep or cost.

Canned Salmon

Canned salmon packs protein alongside omega 3 fats and calcium if you mash in the soft bones. It makes quick salmon cakes or a hearty salad with crunchy celery and mustard.

Choose wild caught varieties when available and drain lightly to control texture and flavor.

For an easy lunch, mix with Greek yogurt, capers, and lemon, then pile onto greens or grain bowls. You will get satisfying richness without much cooking.

Keep a few cans for emergency meals, and you can rival chicken with very little effort or time.

Tofu

Tofu soaks up seasoning and crisps beautifully when pressed and pan seared. It provides complete plant protein and a neutral canvas for bold sauces.

Toss cubes with soy sauce, ginger, and cornstarch, then sear until edges are caramelized and deeply savory.

You can bake it for meal prep or crumble it for a speedy scramble with turmeric and veggies. Go spicy with chili crisp or keep it light with lemon and herbs.

It slots into stir fries, salads, and noodle bowls. Protein packed, budget friendly, and endlessly adaptable.

Tempeh

Tempeh is a fermented soybean cake with a nutty flavor and dense, satisfying chew. It offers higher protein than many plant options and brings beneficial fermentation.

Slice, marinate, and bake or pan sear until deeply browned, then glaze with a touch of maple and vinegar.

Crumbled tempeh makes hearty taco filling or bolognese that holds up to bold spices. Steam first to mellow bitterness if needed.

You will appreciate the texture that stands in for meat. Add to grain bowls or sandwiches, and you have a protein that truly satisfies.

Eggs

Eggs are compact protein powerhouses with vitamins, minerals, and flexible cooking methods. Boil, scramble, poach, or bake them into frittatas for easy, portable meals.

You can prep a batch of hard boiled eggs ahead and grab them for snacks or quick breakfasts.

They pair well with veggies, whole grains, and avocado for balanced plates. Keep the yolk for flavor and nutrients like choline.

Sprinkle with chili flakes and lemon zest to elevate simple dishes. When time is tight, eggs make it effortless to meet protein targets without sacrificing taste.

Seitan

Seitan provides a meaty bite because it is made from wheat protein. High in protein and low in fat, it takes on marinades and browns beautifully.

Slice thin for stir fries, grill thick slabs for sandwiches, or cube into stews where it soaks up sauce.

If you are sensitive to gluten, skip this one, but otherwise it can rival chicken for texture. Season with smoked paprika, soy, and garlic for depth.

You will get quick weeknight meals with big flavor and satisfying chew that keeps you full.

Edamame

Edamame are young soybeans that bring complete plant protein plus fiber. Boil or steam the pods and sprinkle with sea salt for a snack that beats chips.

You can also buy shelled edamame and toss them into salads, fried rice, or grain bowls for instant protein.

Add garlic, chili, or sesame oil for flavor variety. They are freezer friendly and cook in minutes, making them perfect for last minute meals.

For extra freshness, finish with lemon or lime. Edamame deliver a clean, satisfying bite that keeps hunger in check.

Beef Sirloin

Beef sirloin offers dense protein with iron, zinc, and B12 that support energy. Choose lean cuts and trim visible fat for a lighter option that still satisfies.

Sear in a hot skillet, rest, and slice thin across the grain for tenderness and maximum juiciness.

Pair with a crunchy salad or roasted vegetables to keep the plate balanced. You can marinate with soy and pepper for a steakhouse vibe or go chimichurri for brightness.

With mindful portions, it stands shoulder to shoulder with chicken breast.

Turkey Breast

Turkey breast mirrors chicken in leanness while offering its own savory character. Roast a whole breast for meals all week, or quickly sauté cutlets for speedy dinners.

It delivers high protein with minimal fat, making it a dependable staple when goals are strict.

Season with garlic, thyme, and lemon for a bright, crowd pleasing flavor. You can slice for sandwiches, cube for salads, or tuck into wraps.

Keep portions juicy by not overcooking, and use a thermometer for precision. It belongs in every high protein rotation.

Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is a lean cut that cooks quickly and takes on spice rubs beautifully. It provides substantial protein with a mild flavor most people enjoy.

Sear, roast, and rest before slicing to keep it juicy, or grill for smoky edges and a light char.

Try a garlic herb crust or a mustard maple glaze for weeknight versatility. You will find it pairs well with greens and sweet potatoes for a balanced plate.

With careful cooking, it competes with chicken breast on protein and satisfaction.

Shrimp

Shrimp cook in minutes and deliver high protein with very few calories. Keep a bag in the freezer for fast stir fries, tacos, or pasta add ins.

Pat dry, season, and sear briefly until pink and firm for best texture and flavor.

Add garlic, chili, and lemon for a restaurant worthy finish that feels special without effort. You will appreciate how easy portion control becomes with shrimp.

They are perfect for meal prep or last minute dinners where speed matters.

Scallops

Scallops bring delicate sweetness and impressive protein in a small, refined package. Pat them dry and sear in a ripping hot pan for that coveted golden crust.

You will get a luxurious bite that feels special while staying aligned with lean eating goals.

Pair with cauliflower puree or a crisp salad for contrast. A splash of white wine and lemon in the pan creates a simple, satisfying sauce.

When you want seafood elegance without heavy calories, scallops step up and rival chicken beautifully.

Cod

Cod is a mild, flaky white fish that offers lean protein and a neutral flavor. It bakes quickly and pairs well with bold spices or gentle herbs.

Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with paprika and garlic, and bake until it flakes easily with a fork.

Serve with lemon and a side of greens or quinoa for balance. You can also poach in tomato sauce for a cozy, high protein dinner.

Cod makes weeknights easy and keeps your goals on track without fuss.

Sardines

Sardines are small but mighty, delivering protein, omega 3s, and calcium from the edible bones. They are convenient straight from the tin, making quick snacks or appetizers.

You can mash with mustard and herbs, or lay them on toast with lemon for a briny, satisfying bite.

Choose those packed in olive oil for richness, or water to keep calories lower. They are sustainable and budget friendly.

If you enjoy bold flavors, sardines can replace chicken in salads and bowls with ease.

Skyr

Skyr, Icelandic style cultured dairy, is ultra thick and high in protein with a pleasantly tangy finish. It behaves like Greek yogurt but often packs even more protein per cup.

Choose plain to keep sugars low and customize with fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey.

It works beautifully in smoothies, parfaits, and dips, or as a creamy topping for pancakes. You will get staying power without feeling heavy.

For a cold snack that supports your goals, skyr is a standout.

Quark

Quark is a fresh European dairy cheese that combines a creamy texture with notable protein. Mild and spoonable, it bridges the gap between yogurt and soft cheese.

Spread it on toast with berries, or fold into savory dips with herbs and lemon.

It bakes well in cheesecakes and adds richness to pancakes without overwhelming fat. Choose plain to manage sugar and customize to your taste.

If you want variety beyond Greek yogurt, quark keeps things interesting while maintaining high protein.