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21 Simple Chicken Dinners That Feel Right When Red Meat Is Off the List

21 Simple Chicken Dinners That Feel Right When Red Meat Is Off the List

There are weeks when beef just does not sound appealing, but dinner still has to feel filling. Chicken steps in quietly during those moments, offering lighter meals that still hold real flavor and substance. These recipes keep prep simple while delivering the kind of comfort families rely on when the menu needs a reset. Every dish here makes skipping red meat feel like the easy choice.

21 Simple Chicken Dinners That Feel Right When Red Meat Is Off the List
Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

French Onion Chicken and Rice Casserole

A white plate holds a serving of cheesy casserole garnished with chopped parsley, placed on a blue-striped cloth next to a wooden spoon, an onion, and green leafy parsley in the background.
French Onion Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

French Onion Chicken and Rice Casserole is a baked dinner that takes about 75 minutes using chicken, rice, onions, broth, and herbs. The flavor is savory with a gentle sweetness from the onions. Rice stretches a small amount of meat across the whole dish. French Onion Chicken and Rice Casserole works well when beef is off the table.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken Hash Brown Casserole

A dish in a black baking pan filled with baked casserole. The top is golden brown with crispy edges and garnished with sliced green onions. A portion has been removed, revealing a creamy interior.
Chicken Hash Brown Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Chicken Hash Brown Casserole is a creamy bake ready in about 60 minutes using chicken, hash browns, cheese, and milk. The taste is rich, salty, and filling without feeling heavy. Freezer staples keep costs down. Chicken Hash Brown Casserole feels steady when dinner needs to land softly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hash Brown Casserole

Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

A bowl of penne pasta topped with shredded meat and garnished with fresh basil leaves. A fork is placed in the bowl. Red tomatoes and additional fresh basil leaves are on the marble surface nearby.
Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara is a hands-off meal that cooks in about 6 hours using chicken breasts, marinara sauce, garlic, and herbs. The flavor is tomato-forward and savory. Pantry sauce makes prep minimal. Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara fits nights when red meat sounds like too much.
Get the Recipe: Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Casserole

A close-up of a baked pasta dish in a rectangular metal pan with a golden breadcrumb topping, pieces of pasta, baked cheese, and green herbs visible.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Casserole is a baked dish ready in about 55 minutes with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and pasta. The taste is rich with a gentle tang from the tomatoes. A small amount of chicken carries the whole pan. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Casserole makes lighter dinners still feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Casserole

Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers

A plate of chicken stir-fry with sliced carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms, garnished with cilantro and almond slices. A fork rests on the plate, and a yellow cloth is visible in the background.
Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers is a pressure-cooked stew that takes about 35 minutes using chicken thighs, bell peppers, onion, and broth. The flavor is savory with soft vegetables throughout. One pot keeps cleanup simple. Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers lands well when beef is off the menu.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers

Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast

Two pieces of stuffed and grilled chicken breast with a browned, crispy exterior are served on a plate next to a portion of mashed potatoes. The chicken stuffing appears to contain herbs and cheese.
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast is a baked meal ready in about 50 minutes using chicken breasts, broccoli, and cheddar cheese. The taste is savory with a mild sharpness from the cheese. A few ingredients make the plate feel full. Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast feels satisfying without heaviness.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast

Chicken Pumpkin Risotto

A black bowl filled with creamy pumpkin oatmeal garnished with fresh thyme and pumpkin seeds. A spoon rests inside the bowl. The background is a light gray marble surface scattered with a few pumpkin seeds.
Chicken Pumpkin Risotto. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Chicken Pumpkin Risotto is a stovetop dinner that takes about 45 minutes using chicken, rice, pumpkin puree, broth, and onion. The flavor is mildly sweet with a creamy finish. Rice and pumpkin stretch the meat. Chicken Pumpkin Risotto works when comfort is needed but beef is not.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pumpkin Risotto

Chicken Butternut Squash Casserole

A person lifts a spoonful of cooked macaroni and cheese from an oval black baking dish. The dish is topped with a breadcrumb crust, and a blue cloth is partially visible underneath. The table surface is white.
Chicken Butternut Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Chicken Butternut Squash Casserole is a one-pan meal that cooks in about 60 minutes using chicken, squash, onion, and cream. The flavor is gently sweet with a savory base. Seasonal squash keeps this affordable. Chicken Butternut Squash Casserole makes skipping beef easy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Butternut Squash Casserole

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

A plate of glazed barbecue chicken drumsticks garnished with small parsley leaves. The chicken is coated in a shiny, dark sauce, suggesting a rich, flavorful marinade. The dish is arranged to highlight the crispy, caramelized skin.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are juicy pieces ready in about 35 minutes using chicken drumsticks and barbecue sauce. The taste is sweet, smoky, and savory. Family packs stretch the budget. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks hold up well when burgers are not happening.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning

21 Simple Chicken Dinners That Feel Right When Red Meat Is Off the List
Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning are a quick dinner that takes about 40 minutes using wings and dried herbs. The flavor is savory with crisp skin and juicy meat. Bulk wings keep costs low. Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning satisfy without beef.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning

Ajiaco Colombiano (Colombian Chicken and Potato Soup Recipe)

A bowl of ajiaco colombiano soup with chicken, corn on the cob, and avocado.
Ajiaco Colombiano (Colombian Chicken and Potato Soup Recipe). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Ajiaco Colombiano is a hearty soup that comes together in about 90 minutes using chicken, potatoes, corn, and herbs. The broth tastes rich and lightly herbal. Potatoes carry much of the weight. Ajiaco Colombiano feels grounding on meat-free weeks.
Get the Recipe: Ajiaco Colombiano (Colombian Chicken and Potato Soup Recipe)

Chicken Colombian Tamales (Tamales Colombiano)

Colombian tamales on a plate.
Chicken Colombian Tamales (Tamales Colombiano). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chicken Colombian Tamales is a wrapped dish that takes about 2 hours using chicken, cornmeal, vegetables, and spices. The taste is savory and filling. One batch feeds several people. Chicken Colombian Tamales offers substance without relying on red meat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Colombian Tamales (Tamales Colombiano)

Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi

Close up on ottolenghi chicken marbella on plate.
Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi is a baked dinner ready in about 70 minutes using chicken, olives, capers, and dried fruit. The flavor is tangy, salty, and lightly sweet. Pantry items keep prep simple. Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi feels like a reset meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks on a plate.
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks are oven-baked in about 50 minutes using drumsticks, citrus, garlic, and spices. The taste is bright, savory, and juicy. Drumsticks stay budget friendly. Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks stand in easily for heavier meats.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Chicken skewers on skewers with lemon wedges.
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab is a skewer dinner that cooks in about 30 minutes using ground chicken, herbs, and spices. The flavor is savory with a mild warmth. Ground chicken keeps this affordable. Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab makes skipping beef feel natural.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes

Ethiopian beef stew served with spices and fresh herbs on a decorative plate. Traditional immigrant cuisine.
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes is a sheet pan meal ready in about 70 minutes using chicken, potatoes, and buttermilk. The taste is tangy, savory, and filling. Potatoes stretch the dish. Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes suits nights when beef is off the list.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes

Pomegranate Chicken With Walnuts

A close-up image of a slow-cooked meat dish garnished with fresh parsley and pomegranate seeds served in a rustic pot.
Pomegranate Chicken With Walnuts. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pomegranate Chicken With Walnuts is a stovetop meal that takes about 45 minutes using chicken, pomegranate molasses, walnuts, and onion. The flavor is sweet-tart with a rich finish. Walnuts add body without extra meat. Pomegranate Chicken With Walnuts brings variety when menus feel tired.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Chicken With Walnuts

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken And Veggies

Hands holding paprika chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken And Veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken And Veggies is a one-pan dinner ready in about 50 minutes using chicken, potatoes, carrots, and paprika. The taste is savory with gentle spice. Vegetables keep portions generous. Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken And Veggies works when red meat is not wanted.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken And Veggies

Chicken Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe

Close-up of roasted meatballs with a mix of colorful, chopped bell peppers and zucchini slices.
Chicken Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chicken Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe is a fast bake that cooks in about 40 minutes using chicken sausage, zucchini, peppers, and onion. The taste is savory with a slight snap from the sausage. Chicken sausage costs less than beef links. Chicken Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe keeps dinners simple.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe

Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary

A creamy citrus‑rosemary chicken thigh on a white plate.
Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary is a stovetop dinner ready in about 45 minutes using chicken, cream, citrus, and rosemary. The flavor is tangy, savory, and soft. Few ingredients make this accessible. Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary replaces heavier meals easily.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

A bowl of white rice topped with stir-fried chicken pieces and chopped green onions, with chopsticks beside it.
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken is a crisp dinner that takes about 30 minutes using chicken pieces, salt, pepper, and oil. The taste is clean, savory, and juicy inside. Minimal ingredients keep this budget friendly. Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken feels right when beef is not calling.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

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