23 Pork and Chicken Dinners to Make While Beef Prices Are High

Keep dinner satisfying when beef prices are high with comforting meals built around pork and chicken. Creamy casseroles, spicy noodle soup, tender pork tenderloin, pulled barbecue chicken, and rich ragu give you plenty of options for weeknights and family suppers. Plenty of ways to keep your menu varied without relying on beef.

Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Roasted Vegetables

Sheet pan with roasted pork chops, apple slices, Brussels sprouts, and diced sweet potatoes. — Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Roasted Vegetables. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Juicy pork chops and oven-roasted vegetables make this one-pan dinner both hearty and convenient. The oven does most of the work, leaving you with a satisfying meal and fewer dishes to clean after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Roasted Vegetables

Crispy Hoosier Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Close-up of a fried chicken sandwich with lettuce, pickles, and fries, with a drink in the background. — Hoosier Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

A crunchy, breaded coating surrounds juicy pork in this classic Hoosier sandwich, delivering savory flavor in every bite. It’s a filling choice for a casual dinner when you want something more substantial than an ordinary sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Hoosier Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Without Canned Soup

A baked casserole with a golden crumb topping, served with a wooden spoon, surrounded by cheese and toppings. — Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Without Canned Soup. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

A homemade creamy sauce gives this chicken casserole its rich, comforting texture, while smoky bacon and sweet peas make every bite satisfying. The buttery cracker topping adds a crisp finish, making this an inviting choice for family dinners without canned soup.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Without Canned Soup

Pepperidge Farm Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for Family Dinners

Pepperidge Farm Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Tender chicken and creamy sauce sit beneath a golden stuffing topping in this nostalgic casserole. Its homey flavor and hearty texture make it a welcome centerpiece for family gatherings, potlucks, or an easy dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Pepperidge Farm Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for Family Dinners

Slow Cooker Texas Roadhouse-Style Smothered Chicken

Texas Roadhouse-Style Smothered Chicken. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Tender chicken, pepper jack cheese, and a rich mushroom sauce come together in this hearty restaurant-inspired dinner. The slow cooker keeps preparation simple, while serving it over mashed or baked potatoes makes the meal feel especially satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Texas Roadhouse-Style Smothered Chicken

Slow-Braised Pork Ragu for a Comforting Pasta Dinner

Slow-Braised Pork Ragu. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Slow cooking gives this pork ragu a deep, savory flavor and a rich sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta. It’s a relaxed, comforting meal that tastes even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Slow-Braised Pork Ragu for a Comforting Pasta Dinner

Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken in a Creamy Sauce

Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This slow cooker chicken turns wonderfully tender in a creamy sauce that balances sweet honey with tangy mustard. Spoon it over rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner that requires little hands-on effort on a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken in a Creamy Sauce

Hearty Colorado Pork Green Chili

Close up of a bowl of chili with tortilla chips — Colorado Pork Green Chili. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Tender pork pieces simmer with spicy peppers in this hearty Colorado favorite, creating a warm, bold-flavored stew. Serve it when you’re craving a filling, rustic dinner with a little Southwestern character.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Colorado Pork Green Chili

Classic Buttermilk Fried Chicken with a Crispy Crust

Plates of fried chicken with mashed potatoes and corn on the cob, garnished with chopped herbs. — Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Buttermilk fried chicken delivers the comforting combination of a crisp, well-seasoned coating and juicy meat inside. Bring it to the table for a relaxed family dinner or a weekend meal that feels like a special treat.
Get the Recipe: Classic Buttermilk Fried Chicken with a Crispy Crust

Skillet Sausage and Pepper Pasta for Busy Nights

Skillet Sausage and Pepper Pasta. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Savory sausage, sweet peppers, and tender onions bring hearty flavor to this easy pasta dinner. Made in a skillet, it offers the familiar comfort of an Italian-inspired meal without requiring a complicated evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Sausage and Pepper Pasta for Busy Nights

Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken That’s Tender and Saucy

Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Tender shredded chicken is coated in a sweet, tangy barbecue sauce with a gentle smoky note. The Instant Pot makes this crowd-friendly dinner easy for busy evenings, and the leftovers reheat easily for another meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken That’s Tender and Saucy

Sweet and Savory Chicken with Pears

Chicken with Pears. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

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Naturally sweet pears and a touch of maple flavor give this chicken dinner a distinctive sweet-savory balance. It’s a welcoming option when you want to change up your usual chicken routine with a dish that feels both cozy and a little special.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Savory Chicken with Pears

Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with a Crispy Topping

A baked casserole topped with breadcrumbs in a white dish, surrounded by cheese, bread, ham, and utensils. — Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Enjoy the familiar flavors of chicken cordon bleu in a cozy baked casserole that fits easily into a busy weeknight. Layers of tender chicken and ham meet a creamy Dijon-Parmesan sauce, finished with a golden, crunchy topping.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with a Crispy Topping

Southern Chicken and Dumplings with Steamed Biscuits

Southern Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Tender chicken and savory broth form the foundation of this comforting Southern-style meal, while soft dumplings add a pillowy texture to every spoonful. It’s a homestyle favorite for chilly nights or whenever your table needs a warm, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Southern Chicken and Dumplings with Steamed Biscuits

One-Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Creamy orzo with chunks of chicken, garnished with parsley, in a pot with a gold ladle. — Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Bright lemon flavor balances the creamy sauce in this easy chicken and orzo dinner. Everything comes together in one pot in about 30 minutes, making it a refreshing yet comforting choice for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Baked Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with a Spicy Kick

Baked Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Creamy macaroni and cheese gets a bold upgrade with tender chicken and the tangy heat of buffalo sauce. Baked until bubbly with a golden top, this hearty dish is perfect for game day or whenever your dinner plans call for a little spice.
Get the Recipe: Baked Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with a Spicy Kick

Creamy, Cheesy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Dinner

A forkful of creamy tortellini pasta with basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and grated cheese. — Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Cheese-filled tortellini and tender chicken make this creamy pasta dinner feel extra comforting without taking hours to prepare. Sun-dried tomato sauce adds savory, tangy richness, making it a welcome option for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Dinner

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole with Golden Biscuit Crumbles

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This easy-to-serve casserole brings together the cozy appeal of chicken pot pie, with tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy filling. Golden biscuit crumbles add a satisfying finish, making it a comforting choice for chilly evenings or family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Casserole with Golden Biscuit Crumbles

30-Minute Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

Bowl of chicken noodle soup with carrots, celery, egg noodles, and a spoon in a white bowl. — Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

A little jalapeño and hot sauce give this familiar chicken noodle soup a gentle kick while keeping its cozy appeal. Ready in about half an hour, it’s a warming choice when you want a satisfying bowl of comfort with a touch of heat.
Get the Recipe: 30-Minute Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

Savory Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Apples

Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Apples. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Juicy pork and tender, caramelized apples create a pleasing balance of savory richness and natural sweetness. This cozy main dish is especially fitting for autumn dinners, though its comforting flavors are welcome any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Savory Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Apples

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole for Weeknights

A baked pasta casserole with penne, broccoli, chicken, and melted cheese in a white dish. — Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Creamy Alfredo sauce brings tender chicken and broccoli together in this cheesy, oven-baked dinner. Bake everything in one dish to serve a comforting family meal without spending the evening juggling pots and pans.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole for Weeknights

Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut with Apples

Slowly cooked pork becomes tender as sauerkraut, apples, and onion develop a mellow, tangy-sweet flavor around it. This old-fashioned comfort meal is ideal for a relaxed family dinner, especially when you want the slow cooker to handle most of the work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut with Apples

Roasted Pork with Prosciutto and Rosemary-Fig Butter

A tender pork roast becomes an elegant centerpiece with salty prosciutto and rich fig butter, adding layers of savory and sweet flavor. Serve it for a holiday meal, a special occasion, or an intimate dinner when you want something that feels a little more celebratory.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pork with Prosciutto and Rosemary-Fig Butter