23 delicious dinner ideas that aren’t chicken

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These 23 dinner ideas that aren’t chicken are here to make a change in your meal routine. These easy-to-make, flavorful recipes include hearty soups, casseroles, and a variety of seafood, beef, and vegetarian options. Each recipe will result in a delicious dinner for you to enjoy any night of the week.

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

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.

This soup is a quick, flavorful option for dinner. Made with sweet potatoes and red peppers, it’s ready in an hour and perfect for when you want something different from chicken.
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.

This casserole is easy to make and comforting. It’s filled with potatoes, bacon, sour cream, and cheese, making it a great non-chicken dinner choice.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A spoonful of wild rice mushroom soup.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Choose this soup for a warm and filling meal. It features wild rice and mushrooms and is quick to prepare. A great alternative to chicken, it’s a great choice for a hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Sausage Curry

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

This Sausage Curry mixes sausages, vegetables, and a creamy curry sauce for a unique dinner option. It’s rich in protein and flavors, providing a wonderful change from chicken.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a great choice for a quick and flavorful meal. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s easy to make and offers a warming alternative to chicken dishes.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Enjoy a hearty meal with the Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. It combines broccoli, cauliflower, cheese sauce, and bacon, baked to perfection. It’s an excellent choice for a non-chicken dinner.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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.

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a hearty feast. Made with seasoned beef, cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms, it’s a great non-chicken dinner ready in a single skillet.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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.

For a quick and balanced meal, try the Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Roasted sausages and vegetables come together in 30 minutes, creating a protein-rich meal that’s a great alternative to chicken.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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.

This dish transforms asparagus into noodles, topped with homemade Alfredo sauce and bacon crumbles. It’s a creative and quick 30-minute meal, offering a great alternative to typical chicken dinners.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

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.

The Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a quick, well-rounded dinner choice. Combining ground beef, cauliflower rice, fresh spinach, and cheddar cheese, it’s ready in 30 minutes for a hearty non-chicken 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.

Experience the flavors of a Philly Cheese Steak in casserole form. This dish features thinly sliced steak, sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, and provolone cheese. It’s a protein-rich, flavorful alternative to chicken.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

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.

In just 30 minutes, the Creamy Italian Sausage Soup offers a rich blend of Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream. It’s a filling and flavorful option for those seeking a non-chicken dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage 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.

This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach combines shrimp with a garlicky sauce, grape tomatoes, and spinach. It’s a protein-rich dish that’s ready in half an hour, perfect for a seafood alternative to chicken.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

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

This Bacon Cheeseburger Salad is a unique twist on a classic, featuring crispy bacon, ground beef, and veggies. It’s a convenient and protein-rich salad, great for those looking for a non-chicken meal.
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 Crock Pot Taco Soup combines seasoned ground beef with pantry staples for a flavorful slow-cooked meal. It’s a great choice for a hearty dinner that’s not chicken, easily coming together for a complete meal.
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 delicious 30-minute meal. Made with ground turkey, coconut aminos, coconut milk, and curry spices, they offer a flavorful alternative to traditional chicken dinners.
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.

Try these Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties for a quick, 30-minute meal. Featuring canned salmon with a kick of jalapeño and cayenne pepper, topped with lemon dill aioli, they’re a great non-chicken option.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

Lemon Garlic Scallops combine the freshness of scallops with lemon and garlic. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a perfect seafood alternative to chicken, rich in flavor and protein.
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.

This recipe brings together butternut squash, cauliflower, and bacon in a homemade dressing. It’s a flavorful and hearty dish, offering a wonderful vegetable-based alternative to chicken meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

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.

This Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup brings warmth to your dinner table. With cauliflower, cheddar, and bacon, it’s ready in 30 minutes and offers a delicious break from chicken meals.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a simple yet delicious dish. Including cabbage, bacon, and onion, it’s prepared in just 25 minutes and serves as a great option for those looking for a meal that’s not chicken.
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, featuring radishes instead of potatoes, is a flavorful soup that’s great even if you’re not following a low-carb diet. It’s a wonderful chicken alternative, ready in an hour.
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.

For a meal that’s both sweet and spicy, try the Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili. This one-pot recipe yields a warming, heartful meal, perfect for those seeking something different from chicken.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

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