These 21 no-chicken dinners are flavorful and full of hearty ingredients. Make and enjoy simple, time-saving recipes that focus on seafood, beef, and vegetarian alternatives.
These recipes go beyond filling you up — they make mealtime more interesting by introducing new flavors and options into your regular dinner rotation. From quick weekday solutions to more elaborate weekend dishes, this variety ensures you won’t get bored with your meal choices. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a family, there’s something here to suit various tastes and dietary needs.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner offers a hassle-free, protein-rich meal completed in just 30 minutes. It’s a well-rounded choice for those seeking a break from chicken-based dinners. Roasted sausages and vegetables combine seamlessly, creating a fulfilling yet simple-to-prepare meal. The best part is that the cleanup is a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Try this Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice for a chicken-free, hearty meal. Seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms come together in a single skillet. This protein-packed dinner is not only balanced but also quick to prepare. Its one-skillet design makes for easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Sausage Curry
This Sausage Curry features a rich blend of flavors from sausages, vegetables, and a creamy curry sauce. It’s a protein-rich alternative for nights when you don’t want to make a meal with chicken. This dish is filling and full of flavor that perfectly meld together. Preparation and cooking are straightforward, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole melds frozen broccoli, cauliflower, a cheese sauce, and bacon for a protein-rich dish. It’s a particularly good option for weeknights when you’re seeking an alternative to chicken meals. Not only is it nutritious, but it also offers a comforting experience.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup
If you want a warm meal without using chicken, this Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup is a great choice. It brings together cauliflower, cheddar cheese, and bacon for a comforting dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The soup provides a filling and nourishing meal experience. Plus, its quick cooking time is perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon
For a creative, surprisingly quick, and protein-rich alternative to chicken dinners, consider this recipe for Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon. The asparagus is peeled into noodle-like shapes and pairs excellently with Alfredo sauce and bacon crumbles. This dish offers a unique twist on traditional pasta and can be prepared in just 30 minutes. It’s ideal for those looking for an unconventional yet nutritious dinner.
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Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole combines thinly sliced steak, sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, and provolone cheese for a protein-rich meal. This dish is a welcome change for those used to chicken as the main protein. Not only does it offer an abundance of flavors, but it also promises a filling meal experience. Cooking this casserole is simple, and the outcome is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach can be assembled in just 30 minutes, offering a protein-rich and well-balanced meal. It’s a reliable alternative when you’re looking for a break from chicken dishes. Ground beef, cauliflower rice, fresh spinach, and cheddar cheese come together to provide a hearty, nutritious, and filling meal. Plus, it’s a practical choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
When chicken isn’t on the menu, this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a flavorful and protein-rich alternative. The recipe includes Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy cream. It’s a nourishing soup that can be prepared and enjoyed in 30 minutes. The flavors blend seamlessly, offering a well-rounded meal experience.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a fast and protein-rich dish that is a great alternative to chicken-based dinners. Succulent shrimp, a garlicky sauce, grape tomatoes, and spinach come together in only half an hour. This dish offers not just quick preparation but also a robust flavor profile. It’s a solid option for a nutritious and quick weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs
The Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs offer a unique fusion of flavors and a protein-rich meal in 30 minutes. The meatballs include ingredients like ground turkey, coconut milk, and a blend of curry spices. The curry and coconut elements add an aromatic and flavorful depth to the meal. It’s a hassle-free yet exciting option for those seeking variety in weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs
Bacon Cheeseburger Salad
This Bacon Cheeseburger Salad balances crispy bacon, hearty ground beef, and veggies for a protein-rich, chicken-free meal. This inventive take on a classic cheeseburger transforms it into a refreshing yet fulfilling salad. It’s convenient and quick to assemble, providing a unique spin on traditional burger flavors. Perfect for when you need a fast and substantial dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad
Crock Pot Taco Soup
This Crock Pot Taco Soup combines seasoned ground beef and pantry staples for a meal that’s perfect when you want to make a meal without chicken. Its slow-cooked nature imbues the soup with rich, complex flavors. The preparation is straightforward, and the outcome is a rewarding, warm meal. It’s a fantastic choice for those who appreciate the convenience of slow-cooker recipes.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
These Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties feature canned salmon, jalapeño, and cayenne pepper for a protein-rich meal. These patties come together quickly and are enhanced by a zesty lemon-dill aioli. The combination of salmon and spices makes this dish a noteworthy change of pace. Quick to prepare, these patties are an ideal option for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy
Consider trying this Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy for a flavorful and protein-rich alternative to chicken dinners. This dish uses curry paste, creamy coconut milk, fresh ginger, and spices for a well-balanced meal. The flavors marry perfectly, providing a distinct culinary experience. It’s a fabulous option for those seeking to diversify their protein sources.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy
Lemon Garlic Scallops
These Lemon Garlic Scallops combine scallops, lemon, and garlic for a protein-rich meal that’s a fantastic change from chicken. The dish is quick to prepare, taking only half an hour from start to finish. It offers a perfect balance of flavors, making it a compelling choice for a dinner that’s both quick and nutritious. The scallops provide a tender, protein-rich element that pairs well with the zesty lemon and aromatic garlic.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops
Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili
This Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili offers a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it an intriguing substitute for chicken-based meals. This one-pot recipe yields a hearty, warming meal that’s protein-rich and satisfying. It’s a well-rounded meal, perfect for adding excitement to your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
This Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon is a top pick for a hearty, protein-rich meal without chicken. This dish combines butternut squash, cauliflower, bacon, and spinach in a homemade dressing. It provides an array of flavors and textures that make for a fulfilling dining experience. It’s also fairly simple to prepare, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon dish includes cabbage, bacon, and onion for a well-balanced taste and texture in just 25 minutes. This recipe offers a simple yet protein-rich alternative to a chicken dinner. The combination of flavors creates a meal that is both straightforward and satisfying. It’s a hassle-free and quick option for anyone needing a fast yet nutritious dinner.
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Keto Zuppa Toscana
This Keto Zuppa Toscana is reminiscent of Olive Garden’s popular soup but features radishes instead of potatoes. This soup comes together in an hour, offering a hearty, protein-rich alternative to chicken dinners. The combination of flavors is well-balanced, making it a comforting meal option. The soup features a variety of textures and flavors, presenting a great option for diversifying your dinner choices.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana
Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin
This Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin offers a quick, comforting, and protein-rich alternative to the usual chicken-based meals. This soup is as simple as simmering, blending, and then simmering again, ready to enjoy in just 40 minutes. It provides a warm, nourishing meal experience that requires minimal effort. The canned pumpkin lends a smooth texture and a rich flavor profile, making it a comforting option for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin