No-chicken dinners you’ll wish you’d tried sooner are the focus of this recipe list. If you’re tired of the same old chicken dishes, this collection offers 21 easy-to-make alternatives. From seafood to red meat, these recipes are simple and quick, ideal for anyone on a tight schedule. The convenience of these recipes allows for more time spent enjoying your meal and less time cleaning up. Plus, these options will enable you to diversify your protein sources, keeping mealtime interesting.
The recipes are designed to be practical for everyday cooking. Many take 30 minutes or less to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights. Others use a single pot or pan, making cleanup easier. Each dish is rich in protein and includes vegetables, offering a balanced meal. With this list, you can break away from the routine and introduce new, flavorful dishes to your dinner repertoire. And, because each recipe focuses on being straightforward and quick, you can easily integrate them into your weekly meal planning.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This one-skillet dish combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar cheese, and mushrooms. It’s high in protein and a great alternative to chicken-based meals. The cauliflower rice keeps the dish low-carb while providing a satisfying texture. Cooking time is quick, and you’ll have fewer dishes to clean, thanks to the one-skillet method. It’s a versatile dish that can be adjusted to your spice level preference.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Here’s a meal that goes from prep to plate in 30 minutes. It features sausages and a variety of vegetables roasted together on a single sheet pan. The convenience of a sheet pan meal makes for easy clean-up. You get a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and nutrients without chicken. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
This dish combines shrimp, garlic sauce, grape tomatoes, and spinach together for a protein-packed, non-chicken dinner. It requires just 30 minutes to complete, making it perfect for a quick evening meal. The garlic sauce adds a rich flavor that complements the shrimp and spinach well. The inclusion of grape tomatoes adds a burst of sweetness and color. It’s a solid seafood alternative to a traditional chicken dish.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
This recipe includes cabbage, bacon, and onion for a variety of flavors. The 25-minute cooking time makes it an excellent choice for a fast and delicious meal. The bacon adds a meaty, smoky flavor to the otherwise earthy cabbage. It’s a way to enjoy a balanced meal that’s both rich in nutrients and flavor. Best of all, it’s a non-chicken option that still delivers on protein.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole combines frozen broccoli and cauliflower with cheese and crispy bacon. The texture varies from the veggies’ softness to the bacon’s crispiness, creating a satisfying bite. It’s an easy weeknight dish that’s both flavorful and high in protein. You’ll love this alternative to chicken-based casseroles. Plus, the cheesy element makes it irresistibly comforting.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon
Transform asparagus into noodles and top them with homemade Alfredo sauce and bacon for a meal that’s high in protein and a creative departure from chicken recipes. The Alfredo sauce adds a creamy, rich texture to the asparagus noodles. Bacon bits contribute a smoky crunch, rounding out the dish. Overall, it’s a convenient and unique option for dinner — all ready in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon
Big Mac Salad
This recipe combines ground beef, bacon, and vegetables in a protein-rich dish and offers a hearty alternative to chicken dinners. The preparation is straightforward and quick, suitable for any night of the week. The mix of flavors will make this dish a recurring menu item in your household. The added bonus is that leftovers can serve as an excellent lunch the next day. It’s a complete meal in one bowl, saving time and effort.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
Featuring a mix of butternut squash, cauliflower, and bacon, this dish is high in protein and provides a well-balanced meal. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it suitable for weeknights. A simple dressing enhances the flavor of the vegetables and bacon. This recipe offers a break from the usual chicken dinners while still meeting protein needs. Plus, it pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a versatile dinner choice.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup
This 30-minute soup blends cauliflower, cheddar, and bacon into a comforting dinner. High in protein and rich in flavor, it is a great alternative to chicken-based soups. The cheddar and bacon work together to add complexity to the cauliflower base. It’s a convenient option for a nourishing meal on a chilly evening. Just one pot is needed, simplifying cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
This casserole is high in protein and a fantastic substitute for a chicken dinner, featuring thinly sliced steak, sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, and provolone cheese. The dish offers a balanced meal with meat and vegetables. It’s a one-pot recipe that minimizes your time spent on preparation and cleaning. This recipe brings the essence of a Philly cheese steak into a casserole, providing a filling and flavorful meal option.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Italian Sausage Soup
This 30-minute meal combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy cream for a hearty, non-chicken dinner choice. It’s quick and convenient, suitable for weeknights when time is tight. The blend of creamy and meaty elements makes for a comforting meal. The dish is also ideal for those who prefer a soup that’s rich in flavor and filling. The sausage provides a good amount of protein, making it a balanced meal option.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This 30-minute casserole combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar, serving as a filling and protein-rich alternative to chicken dinners. It offers a balanced meal that’s quick to prepare and bake. The cauliflower rice and spinach contribute a lighter texture and added nutrients. The cheddar adds a layer of richness without overwhelming the other flavors. All of these elements come together in a one-dish meal that simplifies both preparation and cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Lemon Garlic Scallops
Pairing scallops with lemon and garlic, this dish offers a high-protein and quick 30-minute alternative to chicken recipes. The lemon adds a zesty freshness, balancing the richness of the scallops. It’s an ideal meal for those who enjoy seafood and are seeking variety in their dinner menu. The dish requires minimal ingredients and steps, making it a convenient dinner option. Cooked in one pan, cleanup is also a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops
Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin
Ready in 40 minutes, this pumpkin soup offers a comforting and warm alternative to chicken-based soups. It’s straightforward to prepare, requiring only basic cooking skills. The recipe yields a nourishing meal that’s ideal for colder weather. While simple, the flavors are well-balanced and filling. It can be garnished with pumpkin seeds or a dollop of cream for extra texture and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin
Sausage Curry
Combining sausages, vegetables, and a creamy curry sauce, this dish is high in protein and makes for an engaging chicken-free dinner option. It’s easy to put together and offers robust flavors that both kids and adults will enjoy. The cooking time is moderate, making it suitable for a weeknight meal. It pairs excellently with steamed jasmine rice or naan bread, rounding out the dish.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry
Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy
This dish combines curry paste, coconut milk, ginger, and spices, offering a protein-rich alternative to chicken dinners. The salmon provides healthy fats, while the bok choy adds a vegetable component for a balanced meal. It’s straightforward to prepare and can be ready in under an hour. The flavors meld together well, creating a nutritious and enjoyable dish. It makes for a fulfilling dinner that can serve as a refreshing change of pace.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy
Keto Zuppa Toscana
This Keto Zuppa Toscana provides a low-carb alternative to the popular Olive Garden soup, ideal for those on a keto diet looking for a chicken-free dinner. It substitutes radishes for potatoes, delivering a similar texture while maintaining a low carb count. The dish is relatively quick to prepare, with just one hour of cooking time. It’s a one-pot recipe, simplifying both cooking and cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs
These meatballs combine ground turkey, coconut milk, and curry spices to create a dish that’s rich in flavors and ready in 30 minutes. This no-chicken option is great for a quick dinner and requires minimal preparation. Coconut milk lends the dish a creamy texture, while the spices give it an exciting kick. This recipe offers a great way to enjoy a fusion of Thai and Western flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Given its quick cooking time and single-pan requirement, it’s a convenient option for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
A blend of canned salmon, jalapeño, and cayenne pepper gives these patties a spicy kick, offering a unique protein source that’s chicken-free. These are quick to assemble and cook, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish. The lemon dill aioli serves as a flavorful topping, adding a tangy contrast to the spiciness of the patties. Because the recipe uses canned salmon, it’s a convenient choice when you don’t have fresh fish available.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Mix ground beef and pantry staples in a slow cooker for a protein-rich, hearty alternative to chicken dinners. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the taste. It’s a convenient choice for busy days when you have little time to prepare dinner. The dish is not only filling but also offers a comforting warmth. Given its crockpot preparation, cleanup is minimal, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili
This one-pot chili offers a mix of sweet, savory, and spicy elements. The turkey and bacon contribute a good amount of protein, making it a substantial alternative to a chicken dinner. The dish is both warming and hearty, suitable for colder days or when you’re in the mood for comfort food. It comes together quickly, making it a practical choice for a weeknight dinner. The flexibility of adding toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream allows you to adjust the dish to your liking.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili