27 easy dinners that aren’t chicken

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Looking for easy dinners without any chicken? We’ve got what you need to mix up your weeknight meals. With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, these 27 recipes are quick to make. You’ll get a good meal on the table fast and add some variety to your dinner routine.

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Mix rice, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and cheese in a pot, and bake for 45 minutes. This easy dish brings all the great flavors you’re after without needing to stuff peppers. It’s a solid pick for when you’re looking to change things up and ditch the chicken for the night.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Lay out sausages and your choice of veggies on a sheet pan. Roast until everything’s nicely caramelized. This dish is not only easy to make but also super easy to clean up after. It’s a hearty, flavorful option for those evenings when you want something different from the usual chicken.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Combine noodles, tuna, peas, and cream of mushroom soup. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until bubbly. Ready in under an hour, this dish is straightforward to prepare and hits the spot perfectly on those nights you’re craving a break from chicken.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For those nights when chicken just won’t cut it, this Twice Baked Potato Casserole steps up. It combines the comforting flavors of potatoes, crispy bacon, tangy sour cream, and melted cheese into a dish that’s both hearty and filling. You can even prepare it ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy evenings when you just need to reheat and serve.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make a switch to this vibrant sweet potato and red pepper soup and give your dinner routine a refreshing change. It’s a recipe that takes about an hour, blending the natural sweetness of potatoes with the slight kick of red peppers into a meal that’s both light and comforting. It’s easy to prepare and is a great alternative to your typical chicken dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Say goodbye to chicken for the night and hello to this Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach dish. In just 30 minutes, you’ll combine succulent shrimp with fresh grape tomatoes and spinach, all bathed in a rich garlic sauce. This dish not only brings a touch of Italian elegance to your table but does so quickly and without hassle, perfect for a flavorful dinner on a tight schedule.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a veggie-packed, cheesy meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Featuring both broccoli and cauliflower in a rich cheese sauce and sprinkled with crispy bacon, it’s a hearty and flavorful alternative to chicken dinners.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A spoon is serving Hungarian mushroom soup into a bowl.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a rich and creamy option without chicken, consider this Hungarian Mushroom Soup. It promises a comforting and hearty bowl in less than an hour, combining earthy mushrooms with a creamy base. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for both busy weeknights and lazy weekends when you want a cozy and warming meal.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage Curry is a lively break from the usual, featuring a combination of sausages, carrots, and sweet potatoes in a savory curry sauce. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s an effortlessly flavorful dish that brings a bit of spice to your dinner table. Serve it with rice or naan for a complete meal that’s a welcome change from chicken.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Warm up with this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup, a delicious combination of sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes that comes together in 30 minutes. This one-pot wonder is not only easy to make but also rich in flavor, making it a great chicken-free option for dinner. It’s a cozy, comforting choice for any night, especially when time is of the essence.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

In FDL library.
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Transform asparagus into noodles and top them with creamy Alfredo sauce and crispy bacon for a creative and quick dinner option. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting meal without the usual chicken. It’s a delicious alternative that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

In FDL library.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Dive into the flavors of Thailand with these Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs, a dish that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy turkey meatballs simmered in a rich coconut curry sauce, different from chicken-based meals. It’s a great way to bring some variety to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a hearty and flavorful meal that comes together in 30 minutes. Combining ground beef, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms, it makes an easy alternative for those nights when you’re looking for something other than chicken. It’s a simple yet delicious way to keep dinner interesting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A bowl of wild rice mushroom soup with a spoon.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Choose this Wild Rice Mushroom Soup for a quick, flavorful break from chicken dinners. With its combination of earthy mushrooms and nutty wild rice, this soup is a cozy and comforting choice for any evening. Ready in a snap, it’s perfect for when you want to bring warmth to the table without a lot of prep.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Broccoli Casserole is an easy-to-make, delicious dinner option that’s perfect for those times you’re looking to skip chicken. Ready in 50 minutes, it combines broccoli in a creamy sauce, topped with cheese, for a simple yet filling meal. It’s a straightforward, delicious way to keep dinner light and easy.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cheesy Beef Casserole features cauliflower rice, spinach, and a generous amount of cheese, is a complete meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a stress-free solution to dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor for a hearty and delicious alternative to chicken-based dishes. It’s a great option for those looking to simplify their dinner routine while still enjoying a nutritious meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A serving of Philly cheese steak casserole being pulled up from a pan.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a hearty, filling dinner that’s a great alternative to chicken. With steak, veggies, and melted cheese, this dish brings all the flavors of the classic sandwich in casserole form. It’s quick to prepare, making it a good choice for a delicious dinner on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Lemon Garlic Scallops are a great seafood alternative for a dinner without chicken. Just sear them and let them simmer in a lemon-garlic sauce for a delicious, protein-rich meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s a simple yet elegant way to change up your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Combine butternut squash, cauliflower, and bacon for a hearty dinner that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare, ready in under an hour. This dish is a great choice for those looking to enjoy a savory, chicken-free meal. It’s perfect for evenings when you want something a bit different but still loaded with taste.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

A person holding serving spoons in a bowl of Big Mac salad.
Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try this Bacon Cheeseburger Salad for a fresh, lighter dinner option that’s ready in 45 minutes. It combines the flavors of bacon and beef with the crispness of greens and the tanginess of pickles and cheese for a great meal without chicken.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A crock pot of taco soup.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Ease into dinner with this Crock Pot Taco Soup, a fantastic chicken-free alternative that lets the slow cooker do most of the work. Filled with beef, vegetables, and all your favorite taco toppings, it’s a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for any night. Just set it up and come back to a delicious dinner ready to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Mini spicy canned salmon patties in a serving bowl.
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Give your dinner a spicy spin with these Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties, ready in just 30 minutes. Jalapeños and cayenne pepper add the perfect amount of heat to these quick and easy patties. It’s a flavorful break from chicken dinners. A great option for those nights when you’re craving something a bit different.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy a simple yet delicious meal with this Fried Cabbage with Bacon, which is ready in just 25 minutes. It’s a fantastic choice for a hearty, flavorful dinner that doesn’t involve chicken. This dish proves that simple ingredients can come together to make something truly mouthwatering.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Keto Zuppa Toscana is a hearty, low-carb soup that doesn’t skimp on flavor, featuring radishes, Italian sausage, and kale. It’s a great filling dinner option without chicken, ready in about an hour. It’s perfect for those on a keto diet looking for delicious, comforting meals.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

Sweet and spicy bacon and turkey chili garnished with avocado slices, sour cream, and cilantro.
Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Go for this bacon and turkey chili for a sweet and spicy, hearty alternative to chicken. It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for filling up on busy nights, combining the richness of bacon with the lean protein of turkey in a flavorful chili. This dish is a great way to switch up your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

Meatza

A pizza with meat and sauce on a plate.
Meatza. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Change up pizza night with Meatza, where the crust is made from ground pork, for a high-protein base that’s topped with all your favorite pizza ingredients. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s an easy, no-chicken meal that brings a fun and flavorful addition to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Meatza

Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Cauliflower cheddar cheese bacon soup in a pot with a spoon.
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy a bowl of this creamy Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup for a cozy evening without chicken. Ready in 30 minutes, this soup combines the rich flavors of cauliflower, cheddar, and bacon into a comforting meal. It’s a vegetable-rich option that’s both filling and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

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