9 Lazy Christmas High Protein Meals Anyone Can Make

The holiday season is often synonymous with stress, hours spent in the kitchen, and heavy, carbohydrate-loaded dishes that leave you feeling sluggish. However, maintaining your protein intake during Christmas doesn’t require sacrificing festive flavors or spending your entire day by the oven. Prioritizing protein helps keep you satiated, stabilizes blood sugar levels amidst the sugary treats, and supports muscle maintenance.

This guide focuses on “lazy” cooking methods—slow cookers, sheet pans, and minimal prep work—to deliver high-protein meals that look impressive but require very little effort. Whether you are hosting a large family or cooking a quiet dinner for two, these recipes ensure you spend more time celebrating and less time cooking.

1. Slow Cooker Herb-Butter Turkey Breast

Turkey is the quintessential Christmas protein, but roasting a whole bird is a massive undertaking. By switching to a turkey breast and using a slow cooker, you eliminate the need for basting and constant temperature checking. This method yields incredibly tender meat that falls apart, perfect for a high-protein, low-fat holiday staple.

This dish is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. It focuses on lean protein without the heavy breading or sugary glazes often found in holiday hams. It is ideal for those looking to keep their fat intake moderate while maximizing protein density.

Ingredients List

• 3 lbs boneless skinless turkey breast
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

How to Make

1. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks.
2. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a herb paste.
3. Rub the herb paste generously all over the turkey breast.
4. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Place the turkey inside, cover, and cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Slice thickly and serve with the juices from the pot.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	280 kcal
Protein	48g
Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	1g

2. Sheet Pan Garlic Herb Salmon and Asparagus

For a pescatarian Christmas or a lighter alternative to red meat, salmon provides a massive dose of Omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein. The sheet pan method is the definition of lazy cooking: everything cooks on one tray, meaning minimal cleanup and a total cooking time of under 20 minutes.

This meal fits perfectly into the Mediterranean diet and is gluten-free and paleo-compliant. It is excellent for heart health and reduces inflammation, which can be helpful during a season of indulgences.

Ingredients List

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 lb fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon (sliced into rounds)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the salmon fillets in the center of the pan and arrange the asparagus around them.
3. Drizzle olive oil over both the fish and the vegetables.
4. Rub the minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper over the salmon and asparagus.
5. Place lemon slices on top of each salmon fillet.
6. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and asparagus is tender-crisp.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	38g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	4g

3. Rosemary Crusted Beef Tenderloin Roast

Beef tenderloin is an expensive cut, but it is actually one of the easiest to cook because it is naturally tender and requires very little manipulation. This recipe creates a restaurant-quality centerpiece that looks like you worked hard, but mostly involves just putting meat in the oven.

This is a carnivore-diet favorite and strictly keto. It provides a rich source of iron and B12 vitamins. Because the cut is lean, it offers a high protein-to-calorie ratio compared to a ribeye roast.

Ingredients List

• 3 lb beef tenderloin roast, tied
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp coarse kosher salt
• 1 tbsp coarse black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

How to Make

1. Remove the beef from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature.
2. Preheat oven to 425°F.
3. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, rosemary, garlic, and olive oil.
4. Rub the mixture vigorously over the entire surface of the beef.
5. Place the beef on a rack in a roasting pan.
6. Roast for roughly 35 to 45 minutes for medium-rare doneness (internal temperature of 135°F).
7. Remove from oven and tent loosely with foil; let rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	290 kcal
Protein	36g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	1g

4. One-Pot Greek Lemon Chicken

This recipe utilizes chicken thighs, which stay juicy even if you are not precise with cooking times, making it very forgiving for novice cooks. By cooking the protein and sides in a single Dutch oven or deep skillet, you create a rustic, hearty meal that serves a crowd.

This dish is compatible with Whole30 and gluten-free diets. The lemon acidity helps digestion, and the protein from the chicken supports satiety, preventing overeating on appetizers.

Ingredients List

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 cup artichoke hearts or Kalamata olives

How to Make

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Season chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and oregano.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
4. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip.
5. Add the broth, lemon juice, and optional vegetables to the pan (around the chicken, not on top of the skin to keep it crispy).
6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	310 kcal
Protein	26g
Fat	22g
Carbohydrates	2g

5. Easy Shrimp Cocktail Platter (The No-Cook Meal)

When you need the ultimate lazy high-protein meal, a massive shrimp platter is the answer. You can buy pre-cooked shrimp to make this a zero-cook meal, or quickly boil raw shrimp in minutes. It feels luxurious and festive but is purely protein-focused.

This is a low-calorie, low-carb, and low-fat option. It is perfect for those on a strict cutting diet or weight loss plan who still want to participate in the holiday feast without blowing their calorie budget.

Ingredients List

• 2 lbs jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 1 bay leaf (if boiling raw shrimp)
• Cocktail sauce (store-bought or homemade with ketchup and horseradish)

How to Make

1. If buying raw: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil with the bay leaf and a squeeze of lemon juice. Add shrimp and boil for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
2. If buying pre-cooked: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat perfectly dry.
3. Arrange shrimp on a platter over crushed ice.
4. Serve with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	120 kcal
Protein	23g
Fat	1g
Carbohydrates	3g

6. Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is often called the “filet mignon of pork” because it is lean and tender. It cooks significantly faster than a pork shoulder or ham roast. The balsamic glaze adds a festive dark color and a sweet-savory flavor profile that feels like Christmas.

This meal is dairy-free and high in thiamine and selenium. It is a lean white meat alternative to poultry, suitable for those looking for variety in their high-protein diet sources.

Ingredients List

• 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 lb each)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

How to Make

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Season the pork with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Place on the baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20 minutes.
4. While roasting, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and mustard in a small bowl.
5. Remove pork from oven, brush generously with the glaze, and return to oven for another 5-10 minutes (until internal temp hits 145°F).
6. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	210 kcal
Protein	29g
Fat	6g
Carbohydrates	8g

7. Breakfast Sausage and Egg Strata

Christmas morning often requires a high-protein start to fuel the day’s activities. A strata is essentially a savory bread pudding, but this version reduces the bread and increases the eggs and meat to prioritize protein. You prepare it the night before, so you just wake up and bake.

This can be modified to be gluten-free by using gluten-free bread cubes. It is a balanced meal containing carbohydrates for energy and substantial protein to prevent the mid-morning sugar crash from cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients List

• 1 lb ground turkey sausage or pork sausage
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (dairy or almond)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 cups cubed day-old bread (whole grain preferred)
• 1 tsp dry mustard powder

How to Make

1. Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked; drain excess grease.
2. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and spread the bread cubes at the bottom. Top with the cooked sausage and cheese.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread and meat.
4. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 1 hour).
5. In the morning, preheat oven to 350°F and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the center is set.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	340 kcal
Protein	22g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	16g

8. Slow Cooker Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

If you prefer a grazing-style Christmas dinner or heavy appetizers, meatballs are the way to go. Using lean ground turkey keeps the protein high and fat low. The slow cooker handles the sauce and keeps them warm for hours.

This is a dairy-free option. While the cranberry sauce adds sugar, the protein content slows absorption. You can substitute sugar-free cranberry sauce to make this diabetic-friendly.

Ingredients List

• 2 lbs lean ground turkey
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup chili sauce or BBQ sauce

How to Make

1. In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into balls (about 1.5 inches).
2. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes just to brown the tops (optional, helps them hold shape).
3. Place meatballs in the slow cooker.
4. Whisk together cranberry sauce and chili sauce; pour over the meatballs.
5. Cook on Low for 4 hours.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	260 kcal
Protein	24g
Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	22g

9. Roasted Leg of Lamb with Garlic

Lamb is a traditional Christmas feast meat that seems intimidating but is actually easier than roast chicken. A leg of lamb is largely hands-off. It provides a unique, rich flavor that feels like a special occasion without the special effort.

Lamb is a nutrient-dense red meat, rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and iron. It is compliant with Paleo and Keto diets. It is a robust protein source that pairs well with simple roasted vegetables.

Ingredients List

• 4 lb leg of lamb (bone-in or boneless)
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced into slivers
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper

How to Make

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Use a small knife to make small slits all over the lamb meat. Insert the garlic slivers into these slits.
3. Rub the lamb with olive oil, then coat evenly with rosemary, salt, and copious amounts of pepper.
4. Place on a rack in a roasting pan.
5. Roast for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
6. Rest the meat for 20 minutes before carving to retain juices.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	270 kcal
Protein	34g
Fat	14g
Carbohydrates	0g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare these high-protein meals in advance?

Yes, most of these meals are friendly to prep work. For the slow cooker recipes, you can mix the sauces and trim the meat the day before. The Breakfast Strata specifically requires overnight preparation. For roast meats, you can season them a day in advance to let the salt penetrate the meat, which actually improves flavor and tenderness.

How do I ensure my turkey doesn’t get dry in the slow cooker?

The key to moist slow cooker turkey is not overcooking it and ensuring there is some liquid in the pot. Turkey breast is lean, so it dries out faster than dark meat. Use a meat thermometer and pull the turkey when it hits 165°F. Letting it rest for 15 minutes before slicing is also crucial to allow the juices to redistribute.

Are these meals suitable for a large crowd?

Absolutely. The roast beef, leg of lamb, and sheet pan salmon can easily be doubled. If you are feeding a very large group, the slow cooker turkey meatballs are an excellent scalable option. For sheet pan recipes, simply use two trays and rotate them halfway through the cooking time.

Conclusion

Hosting a Christmas dinner or preparing a holiday meal for yourself does not need to be a nutritional setback or a source of anxiety. By focusing on high-quality proteins and utilizing “lazy” cooking techniques like slow roasting and one-pan methods, you can enjoy a delicious, festive meal that aligns with your health goals. These 9 recipes prove that you can serve impressive, high-protein dishes with minimal effort, leaving you more time to enjoy the holiday season with your loved ones.