These are our 27 favorite no-chicken dinner recipes

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Looking to switch up your dinner game with some no-chicken dinner recipes? You’re in the right spot. These are our 27 top picks that’ll change how you look at dinner. Easy to make and loaded with flavor, these are the meals you need for those nights when chicken just won’t cut it. Perfect for anyone wanting to try something new without spending all night cooking.

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle 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.

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole makes the list as one of our top no-chicken dinners because it’s just so easy and packed with flavor. You get all the goodness of stuffed peppers without the hassle, all in one pot. It’s ready in 45 minutes, making it a perfect pick for a quick family dinner. Great for anyone looking to whip up something hearty in no time.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

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

Why do we love this Wild Rice Mushroom Soup? Because it’s hearty, has a great nutty flavor, and you don’t need to spend all day in the kitchen. The rice and mushrooms come together while you’re doing other things, saving you time. It’s a perfect choice for a filling meal that doesn’t involve chicken but still leaves everyone at the table completely happy.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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

This Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a favorite for its simple, comforting taste. It’s creamy, it’s easy, and you can have it on the table in an hour. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a slow weekend, this soup is a great way to make mealtime stress-free and delicious without any chicken in sight.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

Our Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a crowd-pleaser and easily one of our favorite no-chicken dinners. It combines all the comfort food classics: bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, in a simple-to-make dish. What makes it stand out is you can prepare it ahead of time, ensuring a stress-free, delicious meal that everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

A great choice for a dinner that’s not chicken, this casserole mixes broccoli and cauliflower with a creamy cheese sauce and crispy bacon, all baked to golden perfection. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a solid choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a top pick for its comforting warmth and great flavors. It’s straightforward, requiring just one pot and 45 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for any day of the week. The ease of making this soup pairs well with its rich taste, proving you don’t need chicken to create a meal that’s a hit with cooks at every skill level.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

A baking sheet filled with vegetables and sausages.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dinner is a breeze to make and clean up after. Just toss sausages and veggies on a sheet pan and roast them for a hearty meal. It’s ready in 30 minutes, making it a great pick for a busy night. Plus, it’s a solid way to enjoy a meal without chicken.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A bowl of tuna noodle casserole with peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a perfect weeknight family meal that takes less than 1 hour to make. It’s straightforward to prepare and reheats well, so any leftovers will make for a convenient meal tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry with rice in a bowl with a fork.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spice up your dinner with this Sausage Curry. It mixes sausages with vegetables in a creamy sauce for a dish full of flavor. It’s a great option when you’re looking for something different and it packs plenty of protein.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a filling meal without chicken, try this Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. It features well-seasoned beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms, all cooked in one skillet for a protein-packed dinner that’s both easy and quick to make.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

Bowl of asparagus noodles with alfredo sauce and bacon with a fork.
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try something new with Asparagus Noodles topped with Alfredo sauce and bacon. It’s an inventive meal that’s ready fast. This dish brings a fun change from the usual, especially if you’re looking to switch from chicken dinners.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

This dish combines shrimp with a garlic sauce, tomatoes, and spinach for a quick, protein-packed meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great seafood alternative to your usual chicken dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp 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.

Bring the taste of Philly into your kitchen with this Cheese Steak Casserole. It has all the good stuff — steak, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cheese. It’s a filling meal that’s great for when you’re tired of chicken.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of soup with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup is a quick, 30-minute meal that brings together Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and heavy cream for a rich and hearty dinner. It’s a perfect choice for those evenings when you want something warming and filling that’s not chicken.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Hands scooping up a serving of bacon cheeseburger salad from a bowl.
Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Turn a classic favorite into a fresh meal with this Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. It’s a clever mix of bacon, ground beef, and veggies, offering all the flavors you love in a more convenient form. A great pick for a protein-rich dinner that’s easy to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A bowl of crock pot taco soup topped with sour cream and cilantro.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Taco Soup makes for a fuss-free dinner, slowly cooked to blend seasoned beef with classic pantry ingredients for a flavorful and protein-rich meal. It’s a great way to enjoy a mostly-hands-off dinner that’s packed with taste and perfect for those looking to switch up their chicken routine.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs on top of cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs are a quick, 30-minute meal that brings a burst of flavor. Ground turkey is mixed with coconut milk and curry spices for a dish that serves a delicious change from the usual.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

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

Spice up your meal with Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Ready in 30 minutes, they’re made with canned salmon, jalapeño, and cayenne pepper, all topped with a lemon dill aioli for a bold taste.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

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.

Enjoy the hearty flavors of Roasted Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. This combination is roasted to perfection and comes with a homemade dressing, making for a great meal that’s a bit different from the norm.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy Fried Cabbage with Bacon, a dish that combines cabbage, bacon, and onion for a well-rounded flavor and rich texture. It’s quick to make and ready in just 25 minutes, making it a great option for a fast and appetizing meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Curry salmon with coconut milk and bok choy in a bowl with a fork.
Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try this Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy for a flavorful dinner option. It’s a combination of curry paste, coconut milk, ginger, and spices, creating a rich, protein-packed dish.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

Prepare Lemon Garlic Scallops for a simple yet elegant meal that’s perfect for a special occasion or a regular weeknight. This dish pairs scallops with the bright flavors of lemon and garlic. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to impress with minimal effort, as it comes together in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Keto Zuppa Toscana

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

Revel in the taste of Keto Zuppa Toscana, inspired by Olive Garden’s classic soup but with a different spin — radishes replace potatoes for a hearty yet slightly lighter option. Ready in an hour, this soup is full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

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

Warm up your dinner routine with this Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup. It’s a comforting mix of cauliflower, cheddar, and bacon that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for those looking for a cozy meal that’s a break from the usual chicken dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

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.

Get dinner on the table in no time with this Cheesy Beef Casserole. It’s a mix of beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese, making it a complete meal. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a hearty dinner on a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

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.

Dive into a bowl of Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili for a mix of flavors that’s always a favorite. This one-pot recipe is easy to make, offering a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Bowls of pumpkin soup with sprigs of rosemary.
Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin for a simple, yet delicious meal. This recipe involves simmering, blending, and simmering again to create a smooth and flavorful soup, ready in 40 minutes. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for any day.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

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