15 High-Protein Fast Food Menu Items To Order In 2026

Protein seekers have plenty of options when looking for a fast meal on the go. To help make choices more efficient, however, Tasting Table compiled a list of the best high-protein fast food options that contain at least 20 grams of protein. With a list of options pulled from current fast food menus of well-reviewed customer favorites, you'll have an idea of where to head, and what to order, to chow down on a protein-heavy meal anytime hunger strikes.

At McDonald's, items with at least 15 grams of protein are clearly labeled, and brands like Chipotle and Subway have revamped their menus to offer more protein-focused foods. Many of these options have become customer favorites, as you'll find below. So whether you're craving a quick snack, or want to bite into a meaty sandwich after work, your macro goals don't have to suffer just because you forgot to meal prep or didn't have time pack your lunch.

Made with Double Adobo Chicken, rice, beans, fajita veggies, cheese, salsa, lettuce, all layered a-top of base of light white rice, Chipotle's Double High Protein Bowl offers a whopping 81 grams of protein. Like any other burrito bowl from Chipotle, it can be customized with extra chicken or a mix of protein options for even higher macro numbers — you can even double-down on the fiber with dietitian-approved additions.

Chick-fil-A's Chicken Nuggets are a classic, and with 40 grams of protein in 12 pieces, these bite-sized morsels of boneless chicken breast are an easy way to clock macros during the lunch hour. The seasoned pieces are breaded and pressure-cooked in refined peanut oil and can be turned into a spicy comfort food mashup by shaking them with sauce and topping them with mac and cheese.

KFC's Original Recipe Chicken Breast serves up 39 grams of protein per serving, making it an easy choice and a no-nonsense way to feast on a flavorful dish with a solid protein count. To get the best KFC fried chicken into your hands, call ahead for a fresh batch. Be sure to specify if you want any other cuts in your bucket, noting that the KFC Original Recipe Drumsticks, Thighs, and Whole Wings all deliver no more than half the grams of protein. 

Made with two 100% beef patties, two slices of cheese, onions, and pickles, McDonald's Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese boasts 50 grams of protein per portion. To push that number even higher, you can enhanced it with thick cut applewood smoked bacon to get the McDonald's sandwich with the most protein at 54 grams: the Double Bacon Quarter Pounder with Cheese.

Taco Bell's Cantina Chicken menu features the Cantina Chicken Bowl. Made with slow-roasted chicken, rice, black beans, Avocado Ranch sauce, sour cream, lettuce, purple cabbage, pico de gallo, guac, and shredded cheddar cheese, these bowls come with packets of both Jalapeño Citrus Salsa and Avocado Verde Salsa for added flavor. Each bowl packs 26 grams of protein. 

Subway might be known for sandwiches, but its keto-friendly fast food options include bread-free bowls, like the Chicken and Bacon Ranch option. Rotisserie-style chicken, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, bacon, Peppercorn Ranch, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, olives, and onions are scooped onto greens to build a hefty meal with 55 grams of protein. For an upcharge, bowls can be built with extra bacon, pepperoni, or double protein.

Arby's delivers plenty of protein with its Half-Pound Roast Beef 'n Cheddar, taking the top ranking Beef 'n Cheddar and scaling it up in size. The sandwich packs 49 grams of protein — no substitutions or swaps necessary. Giving meat lovers the taste of roast beef complemented by the flavors of an onion bun — plus Red Ranch and cheddar cheese sauce to elevate the build — it's a reliable choice for extra busy days. 

Customers on Facebook have called Panda Express' Grilled Teriyaki Chicken "elite." Among Panda Express' menu items, this gem serves up 33 grams of protein per serving. Fans of the dish have tried to hack the recipe at home, but for those in a hurry, the convenience of the order can't be beat. 

Wraps make the perfect light lunch or dinner, and Chick-fil-A's Cool Wrap proves it. With 43 grams of protein, sliced grilled chicken breast is piled into a flaxseed flour flatbread alongside lettuce and Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. "Pretty remarkable for fast food," wrote a happy customer on Reddit, who also appreciated the overall nutritional profile of the order. 

Beyond Subway's Fresh Fit sandwiches, the brand's Protein Bowls provide bread-free options for hungry customers — and fans love them. With 66 grams of protein, the 5 Meat Italian option packs spicy pepperoni, Genoa salami, turkey, ham, roast beef, provolone, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, olives, onions, and mayo onto greens, offering a sandwich-inspired lunch portioned into a ready-to-take bowl.

McDonald's 3 Piece McCrispy Strips are perfect for fried chicken enthusiasts. With 31 grams of protein, the crispy pieces are lightly seasoned with black pepper and are ideal to dunk into your favorite McDonald's dipping sauces. Enjoy as an easy snack or pair with a Snack Wrap for a more substantial meal and 17 more grams of protein.

Chick-fil-A's Grilled Chicken Sandwich proves that even the healthiest sandwiches don't need to skimp on flavor. Lemon-herb marinated and grilled chicken breast is nestled inside a toasted bun, and lettuce and tomato provide the simple complement for the easy order. With 28 grams of protein, the sandwich can hold you over until the next break, or you can bulk up the meal with a side of Grilled Nuggets for an added 25 grams of protein.

Subway's Protein Pockets are part of the value menu, and they offer at least 21 grams of protein in each wrap. Choose from Baja or Peppercorn Ranch Chicken options, which contain a slightly higher 24 grams of protein, or dive into the Turkey & Ham or Italian Trio combinations for 21 grams. Orders can be easily customized to suit any particular ingredient preferences.

McDonald's McDouble features two lightly seasoned beef patties, pickles, chopped onions, American cheese, ketchup, and mustard. "The McDouble is the best thing on the McDonald's menu," wrote a pleased customer on Reddit. Highlighted by a yellow protein label on the menu, the standard McDouble build provides 22 grams of protein, but you can also upgrade to a McDonald's Bacon McDouble — the classic McDonald's sandwich that outshines the Big Mac — by adding bacon for 26 grams of protein.

While there's plenty of Subway sandwiches to choose from, the Philly Steak delivers 42 grams of protein in a Footlong. Subway's Philly Steak Sub is traditionally made with onion and green peppers, but sandwiches can be customized with your choice of cheese, veggies, seasonings, and sauces, so you can depart from the traditional recipe to satisfy any particular cravings during your lunch break.