So, you’ve been on a first-name basis with chicken for dinner every night, and frankly, it’s time for a breakup. We’re talking 21 dinners that will make you forget about your poultry-packed past. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a table of guests, these meals are great for getting out of that rut and into a new groove. Chicken, who? Exactly.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
If you’re tired of chicken, these Shake and Bake Pork Chops are a great alternative. They’re coated in a mix of breadcrumbs and spices and then baked until crispy, all without the need for oil or frying. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re a quick solution for weeknight meals. They’re also easy to prepare, making them perfect for beginner cooks or anyone who needs a easy-to-make dinner. Enjoy these pork chops with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that breaks the monotony of chicken.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Move away from regular chicken dinners with this hearty Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Loaded with potatoes, crisp bacon, creamy sour cream, melted cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions, it delivers a comforting taste in every bite. Prepare it ahead of time and simply reheat it for an effortless meal solution on busy nights. It’s a great dish that saves time and satisfies hunger, perfect for those evenings when you want a filling meal without the last-minute rush.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
For a lighter alternative to chicken, Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a flavorful and easy-to-make option. This dish features tender shrimp and fresh spinach cooked in a deliciously garlicky tomato sauce. It’s quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Serve this over a bed of steamed cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a seafood dish that’s both nutritious and quick to prepare, giving you more time to relax in the evening.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
White Bean Soup
White Bean Soup is a robust and comforting alternative to traditional chicken dinners. Packed with creamy white beans, carrots, celery, and onions, this soup is simmered to perfection in just 40 minutes. It’s a great choice for a nutritious meal on a chilly evening. Adding fresh herbs enhances the flavor, making it a hearty and healthy option that requires minimal effort. This soup simplifies mealtime and serves a comforting dish that makes winding down at the end of the day even more relaxing.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Turn to a Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner for a simple and savory alternative to chicken ready in 30 minutes. This dish involves tossing sausages, peppers, broccoli, and zucchini on a sheet pan and baking until everything is deliciously roasted and caramelized. It’s not only easy to prepare but also minimizes cleanup, making it perfect for a no-stress dinner. It’s a practical choice that cuts down on dinner prep and cleanup, allowing more time for yourself in the evening.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Swap out your usual chicken meal for this Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. This soup combines sweet potatoes, red peppers, onions, garlic, and broth, simmered together to create a smooth and flavorful dish. An immersion blender turns the vegetables and broth into a creamy soup base. It’s ready in about an hour and works great for meal prep as it stores well in the fridge. This soup is a comforting end to any day, a nutritious and delicious alternative that simplifies meal planning and preparation.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
If you’re tired of chicken, the Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a great alternative, loaded with ingredients like rice, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, ground beef, and plenty of cheese. It’s straightforward to prepare and takes just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. It’s a great option for a hearty meal that also incorporates extra vegetables into your diet. This dish not only satisfies hunger but also makes a sizeable quantity, leaving leftovers for a quick meal the next day.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Baked Ravioli
Baked Ravioli is a great choice for those evenings when you’re bored of chicken and want something different yet comforting. This dish layers frozen cheese ravioli with rich marinara sauce and plenty of melted cheese, mimicking the flavors of a classic lasagna without the lengthy preparation time. It’s a breeze to assemble and cook up in about an hour, serving a rich, flavorful meal that cuts down on kitchen time. This means more relaxation after dinner, making your evening smoother and more fun.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Sausage Curry
Ditch the routine chicken dinners for something more exciting like Sausage Curry. This dish blends sausages with carrots, sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, and a rich curry sauce. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for anyone looking for a quick, hearty dinner. It’s particularly good during the colder months, serving a cozy, spicy kick that’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Plus, it’s great for leftovers, which can easily be reheated for another meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Switch up your routine with the Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole, a comforting dish that’s filled with broccoli, cauliflower, loads of cheese, bacon, and cream cheese. It bakes into a cheesy, comforting casserole in just 30 minutes. It’s a great way to change up the dinner routine and make vegetables exciting. With net carbs of 5.8g, this casserole is a great choice for anyone looking to reduce their carb intake without losing out on flavor. It’s also great for making ahead and reheats well, making it an easy solution for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Choose Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup for an easy alternative to chicken-based meals. With simple ingredients like split peas, carrots, celery, onions, and ham, this soup is a stress-free dish that you can set in the morning and enjoy by dinner time. It pairs beautifully with garlic or nut-free bread for a full meal. This soup is not only easy to make but also budget-friendly and nutritious, making it perfect for meal planning and those looking to stretch their grocery budget further.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
For a fast and easy alternative to chicken, try the Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. It comes together in under an hour and features a creamy sauce made with butter, flour, and milk, combined with egg noodles, canned tuna, frozen peas, and shredded cheddar cheese. Top with more cheese and a mixture of butter and panko breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and bubbly. This casserole is perfect for those evenings when you need a meal that doesn’t require much prep but still feels like a full dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs
Move over chicken, and make way for Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. This recipe is a game changer for anyone looking for a flavorful alternative, featuring turkey meatballs soaked in a rich, creamy coconut curry sauce. The dish captures the essence of Thai cooking with its bold spices and aromatic sauce. It’s also straightforward and quick to prepare, ready in just 30 minutes. These meatballs can effortlessly brighten your dinner landscape, adding a savory and exotic escape during the midweek rush.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Escape the chicken routine with a Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. This dish combines ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms in a single skillet. The cauliflower rice is steamed separately, while the ground beef and vegetables are cooked in a skillet. Everything is then combined in the pan, simmered, and then broiled until the extra cheese topping is browned and melted. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for a quick, filling dinner with less effort. This meal is especially great for those new to cooking or anyone who needs a straightforward dinner option after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Take a break from chicken with the Creamy Italian Sausage Soup, which features Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, onions, and garlic in a creamy broth. This soup is quick to make, ready in just 30 minutes, and is perfect for warming up on a cool evening. It’s a comforting meal that combines easy prep and rich flavors, making it a popular choice for a weeknight dinner. It also stores well, allowing you to enjoy even richer flavors the next day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Hungarian Mushroom Soup is perfect for anyone wanting a break from typical chicken meals. It’s made with a rich, creamy base of mushrooms, onions, paprika, milk, and sour cream. The soup is ready in under an hour and pairs well with a slice of bread or a fresh salad. This comforting soup is not only a breeze to prepare but also serves a hearty, meatless meal that can help diversify your diet, reduce meat intake, and introduce new flavors to your table.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon
If you’re totally over chicken, Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon is a refreshing change. This dish is great for those who want to keep carbs in check while still enjoying a filling meal. Asparagus noodles are paired with a rich, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce and topped with crispy bacon, creating a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. It’s quick to prepare, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish. This meal is not only easy to make on a hectic weeknight but also adds variety to your dinner options, keeping mealtime interesting and fun.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
For a comforting meal without chicken, try the Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. The hearty soup features nutty wild rice simmered in broth with onion, garlic, mushrooms, thyme, rosemary, carrots, and celery. A quick roux is used to thicken the creamy base of chicken or vegetable broth and milk. The preparation is simple, and it’s a great recipe for making in large batches to save for later. This soup is also freezer-friendly, so you can prepare it ahead of time and have a comforting homemade meal ready whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
Keto Zuppa Toscana
For those tired of chicken, Keto Zuppa Toscana is a comforting and delicious alternative. It’s also a keto-friendly version of the popular Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana soup that uses potatoes. This superb recipe is made with Italian sausage, radishes, kale, and a creamy broth. It’s hearty and filling, ready in about an hour, and fits perfectly into a carb-conscious lifestyle. It’s a great choice for those who want a comforting meal without the carbs, making it easier to stick to dietary goals while still enjoying rich, full flavors.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana
Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli Casserole is a creamy alternative to routine chicken meals. This dish is loaded with fresh broccoli smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce and topped with a crispy cracker crust for texture. It’s prepared in about 50 minutes and is a great way to convince kids and adults alike to enjoy their vegetables. This casserole is a comforting and hearty option that helps make dinner times stress-free and serves a delicious way to meet your veggie quota for the day.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is your ticket to a no-mess, delicious meal that ditches the carbs and chicken without sacrificing taste. This dish is ready in 30 minutes and combines beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and a creamy cheese sauce that melds together into a comforting casserole. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need a quick meal that satisfies hunger without the stress, helping you streamline your cooking process without falling into the monotony of chicken dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a robust and quick meal that diverges from the usual chicken fare. Featuring a mix of ground beef, sautéed vegetables, cream cheese, and melted provolone, this dish brings all the classic Philly cheese steak flavors into a simple casserole form. It’s easy to prepare and is ready in no time, great for a busy evening. This casserole is perfect for anyone looking for a hearty and flavorful dinner option that minimizes time in the kitchen and maximizes dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
If you’re looking for a break from chicken dinners, this dish features roasted butternut squash and cauliflower mixed with crispy bacon, seasoned simply with olive oil and your choice of spices. It’s a hearty and colorful alternative that brings a new flavor to your dinner table. You can also switch things up by using sweet potatoes or pumpkin for the squash. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a nutritious meal that shakes up your usual dinner routine and gives your meal rotation a fresh boost.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
Bacon Cheeseburger Salad
Try this Bacon Cheeseburger Salad if you’re ready to switch up your usual chicken dinner. It combines the delicious flavors of ground beef, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles with a special sauce in a lighter salad form. The “Big Mac sauce” dressing contains mayonnaise, sour cream, pickles, mustard, and sweetener, adding all the signature Big Mac flavors together into one salad. This dish is not only quick to assemble but also a fun way to enjoy burger flavors without the heaviness of a bun.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Swap out the chicken for this easy and hearty Crock Pot Taco Soup. This soup mixes ground beef, onion, cream cheese, canned tomatoes with green chilies, and spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. The soup comes together easily by browning the ground beef on the stovetop first, then adding all ingredients to the slow cooker. It’s the perfect dish for a hands-off dinner that cooks itself while you handle other tasks. This makes your evening routine smoother and your dinner both easy and exciting. A great way to enjoy a flavorful dinner without relying on chicken.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
If you’re totally over chicken dinners, consider this Fried Cabbage with Bacon. It combines green cabbage, smoked bacon, white onion, and monk fruit sweetener sautéed together in a cast iron skillet. The core ingredients are fried until the cabbage is tender but still retains a slight crunch, while the bacon cooks until crispy. This creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile of salty and slightly sweet. It’s a great alternative to more common sides and can be a light meal on its own. Perfect for those who want to add variety to their meals without a lot of extra work.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Lemon Garlic Scallops
These Lemon Garlic Scallops are just the ticket if you’re looking for a great alternative to chicken dishes. Scallops are seasoned with butter, garlic, lemon, and parsley, serving a quick and memorable seafood option that cooks in less than 30 minutes. These scallops are best served fresh and are perfect for a light, impressive meal that’s easy to prepare. Great for when you want to impress guests or just treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, boosting your cooking confidence and expanding your dinner repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops