If you’re tired of the same old chicken dishes, these no-chicken recipes are for you. It’s easy to rely on chicken as a meal staple, but there are so many other great options to explore. Whether you’re looking to cut back on poultry or just simply want to add some variety to your weekly menu, these 27 recipes are the perfect way to mix things up.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
These Shake and Bake Pork Chops are one of our favorite no-chicken dinners. This recipe features a really easy way to achieve flavorful, crispy pork chops without frying. Made in 25 minutes and perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s a great choice for beginner cooks or anyone who just wants to get a good meal on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
If you’re tired of chicken, check out this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. It’s got rice, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and a lot of cheese. Super easy to make, it’s ready in 45 minutes. Perfect with a side salad or bread. If you don’t have bell peppers, zucchini or mushrooms work great, too. This dish is awesome for a busy night, giving you a hearty meal with leftovers for tomorrow. Serving it right out of the oven makes it extra comforting, and it’s perfect for sharing with family or keeping some for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
White Bean Soup
If you are tired of chicken, try this White Bean Soup. It’s a hassle-free, one-pot meal ready in just 40 minutes, packed with fiber and a variety of veggies. It’s the perfect pick for those evenings when you’re looking for something different yet effortless to prepare. Serving it with a crunchy piece of toast or a sprinkle of croutons adds a contrast in texture. For an extra layer of flavor, consider stirring in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or add a swirl of pesto before serving. These simple tweaks can turn the soup from simple to spectacular with minimal extra effort.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Need a break from chicken? Try this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Just throw sausages and your favorite veggies in a pan and bake. Easy to serve and even easier to clean up. If you want to go plant-based, swap in tofu or tempeh instead of sausage. It’s perfect for when you want a hearty meal without the cleanup. To make it a complete meal, consider adding a simple side salad or some fresh bread to scoop up any juices.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
When you’re wanting something other than chicken, make this. This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is loaded with potatoes, bacon, sour cream, and cheese. You can make it ahead and reheat it. Great with a salad or veggies on the side. If you’re not a fan of bacon, ham or sausage are great too. It’s the way to go on a hectic night when you’re craving something comforting. Top it off with some extra green onions or chives for a pop of color and flavor before serving.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Perfect when you’re over chicken, this Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup needs just a few ingredients: split peas, veggies, and seasoning. Toss them into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. It’s an easy, hands-off meal. Serve with crusty bread for a no-stress dinner. Throw in some diced ham or smoked turkey for added flavor. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a quick, flavorful mix of shrimp, tomatoes, and spinach cooked in garlic sauce. It’s all done in 30 minutes. Serve over pasta or with bread, and enjoy an impressive yet surprisingly easy-to-make dinner, all without any chicken.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Swap chicken dinners for this simple Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Just simmer sweet potatoes, red peppers, broth, and seasonings. It’s done in about an hour. Add a dollop of yogurt and some herbs when serving for a touch of creaminess and freshness. Experiment by adding some coconut milk for a creamier texture and a hint of sweetness. Keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Fed up with chicken? Try this casserole with broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon. It takes 30 minutes to bake into a cheesy, veggie-packed dish. It’s filling and gets everyone eating their veggies. Serve as is for a comforting meal. Refrigerate leftovers and enjoy within 3 days.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Sausage Curry
Ditch chicken for Sausage Curry. Combine sausages, carrots, sweet potatoes, and curry sauce, and have a flavorful dinner ready in 45 minutes. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect over rice or with bread for soaking up the sauce. For a change, try different types of sausages or add chickpeas for a vegetarian version. This curry can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, and it’s even tastier the next day.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Choose this Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole for a hearty meal without chicken. Mix noodles, tuna, peas, and cream of mushroom soup, top with breadcrumbs, and bake. It’s an effortless dish that’s comforting and filling. Mix in some cheese or swap peas with broccoli for a different flavor and texture. Freeze any leftovers for up to 2 months for an easy reheat meal. This casserole simplifies your dinner routine and is a reliable go-to that’s both filling and versatile, perfect for those hectic nights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Cozy up with Creamy Italian Sausage Soup, combining sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes in 30 minutes. It’s a deliciously rich soup that cooks in one pot. Serve with bread on the side for a cozy, hearty dinner. Consider adding spinach or kale for a nutritional boost and a pop of color. Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; it’s great for leftovers. A comforting meal after a long day, this soup brings warmth and richness to your table with minimal hassle, making it a favorite for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Try Hungarian Mushroom Soup for a creamy meal that’s ready in under an hour. It’s packed with mushrooms and a creamy broth, making it a delicious dish on its own. Pair it with fresh bread or a salad for a complete, easy dinner. For an extra depth of flavor, include a splash of white wine during cooking. This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, reheating nicely on the stove. A comforting choice for those seeking a hearty, meatless option, this soup is a simple yet indulgent way to enjoy vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon
This creative dish uses asparagus as noodles, mixed with Alfredo sauce and topped with bacon, ready in 30 minutes. It’s a fresh, quick dinner option when you’re tired of chicken. Try adding grilled shrimp for more protein if desired. Best when eaten fresh; however, you can keep leftovers in the fridge for 1-2 days. Perfect for a light yet flavorful meal, this dish is a new take on traditional pasta, making weeknight dinners more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs
These Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs bring a Thai flavor to the table in 30 minutes. Serve with rice or noodles to complement the rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a great way to spice up your dinner routine. You can also make these meatballs with beef for variety. Leftovers are great for lunch the next day and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a light yet hearty meal that mixes up your dinner options. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a simple, flavorful alternative to chicken. Serve hot for a quick and appetizing dinner. For a different take, substitute beef with ground turkey or vegetarian crumbles. Easily stores in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it great for meal prep. A great solution for those seeking a low-carb option without sacrificing flavor, this skillet meal streamlines your dinner prep for a stress-free evening.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
Choose Wild Rice Mushroom Soup for an easy meal that’s a cozy alternative to chicken. It combines mushrooms, wild rice, and a creamy broth. Serve with buttery, toasted bread for a heartwarming dinner. To mix it up, add diced carrots or celery for extra veggies and crunch. This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months, a cozy meal anytime. This soup is a comforting embrace in a bowl for cold nights or whenever you need a dose of comfort without extensive kitchen time.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
Broccoli Casserole
This Broccoli Casserole recipe is perfect for shaking up your usual dinner options. Ready in 50 minutes, it mixes broccoli with a creamy, cheesy sauce for a dish that’s both comforting and a hit with the whole family. It’s straightforward and fills your table with veggies in the most appetizing way, making it easier to get kids on board with their greens. To round out the meal, accompany it with a crisp side salad or some fresh, crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Ready in 30 minutes, this Cheesy Beef Casserole is filled with cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese. It’s an easy, filling meal that proves you don’t need chicken for a delicious dinner. Serve hot for a flavorful meal. Try substituting beef with ground turkey or a vegetarian protein for a different taste. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Dive into the classic flavors of a Philly cheese steak with this easy-to-make casserole. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights and a delicious, filling meal that comes together quickly. Perfect for those evenings when you need something filling without the long wait. Plus, the leftovers taste just as great after a few days in the fridge, cutting down on meal prep time. This casserole is a real time-saver, giving you more moments to unwind after a long day. Serve it with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp salad to add freshness to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
Shake up dinner time with roasted butternut squash, cauliflower, and bacon. It’s an easy, flavorful dish ready in less than an hour. Perfect for when you’re looking for a hearty meal without resorting to chicken. Swap in sweet potatoes or pumpkin for a different spin. Though best served fresh, leftovers keep well, ensuring you have a quick and delicious option on hand. This dish adds a splash of color and nutrition to your dinner routine effortlessly. Pair it with a simple quinoa or rice pilaf to turn it into a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
Bacon Cheeseburger Salad
Craving a burger without the heaviness? This Bacon Cheeseburger Salad is quick to make and a lighter alternative, ready in just 45 minutes. Opt for turkey bacon and lean ground turkey for something different. Prep ingredients ahead and store them for easy assembly when you’re short on time. It’s the perfect mix of indulgence and wellness, making your meal choices simpler and healthier. A crusty roll or garlic toast on the side complements the salad, bridging the gap between salad and burger tastefully.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Let your slow cooker do the work with Crock Pot Taco Soup, a comforting, chicken-free meal. A perfect solution for busy individuals needing a ready-to-eat meal at the end of the day. Garnish with avocado slices, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
For a quick, savory side, try Fried Cabbage with Bacon, ready in 25 minutes. Opt for a vegetarian version with a splash of liquid smoke. Enjoy fresh, or store in the fridge for a speedy reheat. This dish proves simple ingredients can still lead to rich, filling meals, making your dinner decisions easier. It pairs beautifully with a pork chop for those looking for a more substantial meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Keto Zuppa Toscana
This Keto Zuppa Toscana is a hearty, keto-friendly soup without chicken, ready in about an hour. It’s a comforting choice for anyone following a low-carb diet, easily stored and reheated. A godsend for keto followers looking for variety without compromising their goals, flavor in one bowl. Serve with a side of keto-friendly garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana
Lemon Garlic Scallops
Making these Lemon Garlic Scallops is a quick, impressive alternative to chicken, cooking up in just minutes. While best fresh, leftovers can be stored briefly, ensuring a gourmet option is always within reach. A great way to bring restaurant-quality meals home. Accompany with angel hair pasta or a light vegetable spiral for a stunning plate presentation.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops
Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili
Enjoy the warmth of Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili, a one-pot wonder perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests. With its easy storage and reheating, it’s a great make-ahead option. Top bowls with freshly grated cheese, sliced green onions, and a squeeze of lime to up this hearty dish into an unforgettable meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili