• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
always use butter
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Blogging Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Blogging Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Resources
    • Blogging Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Thanksgiving

    19 Easier Thanksgiving Dinners for When You Don’t Want to Cook a Full Turkey

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated November 10, 2025 · Published November 13, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    These 19 Thanksgiving dinners are perfect for those who want a festive meal without the stress of cooking a full turkey. From easy casseroles to roast whole chicken and turkey breasts, these options will help you enjoy the holiday with less time in the kitchen and more time with family and friends.

    Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

    Chicken and Stuffing Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Little Chef Within.

    Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a cozy dish that brings the flavors of Thanksgiving right to your table in a super easy way. With rotisserie chicken, fresh vegetables, and a layer of cornbread stuffing on top, it's a simple way to enjoy a festive meal without the fuss of a full turkey dinner. This dish is perfect for when you want something hearty and satisfying, but don't want to spend all day in the kitchen.

    Save This Recipe Form

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from us each week!

    Get the Recipe

    Herb Roasted Spatchcock Cornish Hens

    Herb Roasted Spatchcock Cornish Hens.
    Photo Credit: Sweet Tea & Thyme.

    Cornish hens are a great alternative to a big turkey for Thanksgiving. Seasoned with rosemary, sage, thyme, and lemon zest, they roast quickly over a bed of apples and onions, creating a delicious aroma. In just 35 minutes, you'll have juicy, golden hens with crispy skin, perfect for a festive meal without the fuss of a full turkey.

    Get the Recipe

    Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner

    Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner.
    Photo Credit: Budget Delicious.

    This sheet pan turkey dinner is ideal for smaller get-togethers. It features roasted turkey alongside a mix of vegetables and tasty stuffing, making it a satisfying meal. It's simple to prepare and perfect for when you want a festive dinner without the fuss of a full turkey.

    Get the Recipe

    Crockpot Turkey Breast

    Crockpot Turkey Breast.
    Photo Credit: Food Meanderings.

    Thanksgiving can be a lot of work, especially when it comes to cooking a whole turkey. If you're looking for a simpler option, this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Stuffing is just what you need. It's a great choice for smaller gatherings and still gives you that festive feel without the fuss of a big dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Stuffed Cornish Hens

    Stuffed Cornish Hens.
    Photo Credit: Beyond the Chicken Coop.

    Oven roasted Cornish hens filled with a flavorful wild rice stuffing and cooked until golden brown. This dish is perfect for a Thanksgiving dinner when you want something special without the effort of preparing a whole turkey. It's a simple yet satisfying option that brings a festive touch to your table.

    Get the Recipe

    Oven Roasted Chicken and Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs

    Oven roasted chicken and potatoes with garlic and herbs.
    Photo Credit: Food Exit.

    Oven roasted chicken and potatoes is a simple one-pan meal that features juicy chicken and crispy golden potatoes, all seasoned with garlic and herbs. It's a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas. This dish is comforting and satisfying, making it a favorite for family dinners.

    Get the Recipe

    Roast Cornish Game Hens

    Cornish Game Hen Recipe.
    Photo Credit: The Art of Food and Wine.

    Cornish game hens with root vegetables offer a simple yet flavorful option for Thanksgiving. This dish combines tender hens with hearty veggies, creating a comforting meal that doesn't require a lot of effort. It's perfect for those who want a festive dinner without the fuss of cooking a whole turkey.

    Get the Recipe

    Crispy Roast Chicken with Pan Gravy

    Crispy Roast Chicken with Pan Gravy.
    Photo Credit: Dash of Jazz.

    Crispy roast chicken is a delicious and simple dish that you can easily prepare at home. It's juicy and packed with flavor, making it a great alternative to a full turkey. This recipe shows you how to roast a whole chicken from scratch, and it's even better than what you'd find at the store. Plus, it comes with a fantastic pan gravy that adds even more taste.

    Get the Recipe

    Thanksgiving Turkey Breast

    Thanksgiving Turkey Breast.
    Photo Credit: Dash of Jazz.

    Thanksgiving turkey breast is a great option-it's juicy, tender, and packed with flavor from Creole Cajun spices. This dish is simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for those who want a delicious meal without the fuss of cooking a whole turkey. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the holiday without spending all day in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Tater Tot Turkey Casserole

    Tater Tot Turkey Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This turkey casserole is a great way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey, or make an easier turkey dinner for the big day.It's warm and filling, making it ideal for those cozy nights when you want something comforting. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish brings everyone together around the table without requiring a lot of effort.

    Get the Recipe

    Rachel Sandwich

    Rachel Sandwich (Turkey Reuben).
    Photo Credit: Life Love Good Food.

    A Rachel Sandwich is a delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese, made with turkey instead of ham, but still packed with savory flavors and a satisfying crunch. It's perfect for a filling lunch or a simple dinner when you want something tasty without too much effort. This sandwich is sure to become a go-to option for anyone looking for a comforting meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

    Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie.
    Photo Credit: Healthful Blondie.

    This sweet potato shepherd's pie is a comforting dish that's lighter than the traditional version. It features lean protein and plenty of vegetables, all topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes made with Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. This dish is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free, making it a great option for various dietary needs. It's a family-friendly meal that you can have on the table in under 45 minutes.

    Get the Recipe

    Turkey Breast & Crispy Potatoes

    Turkey breast stewed with spices with crispy potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Sonia's Recipes/

    This dish features turkey breast cooked with spices alongside crispy potatoes. It offers all the delicious flavors of a traditional turkey dinner without the fuss of preparing a whole bird. With a simple gravy made from just three ingredients, this meal is perfect for a cozy holiday gathering.

    Get the Recipe

    Cranberry Turkey Sliders

    Leftover Cranberry Turkey Sliders.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    This recipe is great for making a simpler hoiday meal, or using up leftovers from the big day. Simply stack turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese on Hawaiian rolls, then bake them until they're warm and melty. Topping them with poppy seed butter adds a nice touch.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Casserole

    Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Thanksgiving Casserole brings all the classic flavors of a holiday meal right to your slow cooker. You can enjoy a taste of Thanksgiving whenever you want, without having to wait for the big day or cook a whole turkey.

    Get the Recipe

    Juicy Cast-Iron Brie Stuffed Roast Chicken

    Juicy Cast-Iron Brie Stuffed Roast Chicken.
    Photo Credit: My Chef's Apron.

    This dish features a beautifully roasted chicken stuffed with creamy Brie cheese, all cooked in a cast-iron skillet. The chicken comes out golden brown and is surrounded by flavorful grape pan juices infused with garlic. It's a great option for family dinners and has a festive touch that's perfect for the holidays.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Cranberry Turkey London Broil

    Slow Cooker Cranberry Turkey London Broil.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Cranberry Turkey London Broil is a simple and tasty dish. The turkey turns out tender and juicy, with a nice balance of sweet and tart from the cranberry sauce. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but also feels special enough for a small holiday get-together.

    Get the Recipe

    Turkey Melt Sandwich with Cranberry Relish

    Turkey Melt Sandwich with Cranberry Relish.
    Photo Credit: Food Exit.

    A crispy and cheesy turkey melt sandwich comes together quickly in the air fryer, featuring a zesty cranberry relish. This dish is perfect for using up leftover turkey and is a great option for a fast lunch or a simple dinner. It's a satisfying way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving without the fuss of a full turkey meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Boneless Turkey Breast Roast

    Boneless Turkey Breast Roast.
    Photo Credit: Little Chef Within.

    A Boneless Turkey Breast Roast offers a great way to enjoy a classic holiday meal without the effort of preparing a whole turkey. It's an ideal choice for small families or intimate Thanksgiving and Christmas get-togethers. This dish provides all the flavors of the season while keeping things simple and stress-free.

    Get the Recipe

    More Thanksgiving Recipes

    • Bacon potato casserole.
      20 Dump-and-Cook Sides That Will Save Your Thanksgiving
    • Fig and Prosciutto Salad with Mozzarella and Poppyseed Vinaigrette
      11 Side Salads That Will Steal the Show This Thanksgiving
    • Meatballs.
      The Best Cranberry Dishes on the Internet Right Now - From Sweet to Savory
    • Brussels sprouts with bacon.
      4 Secrets to Making Anyone Love Brussels Sprouts

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Sliced air fryer roast beef.
      Air Fryer Roast Beef
    • top down view of a tortellini casserole
      Cheesy Tortellini Casserole with Spinach
    • Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake [Dump and bake!]
    • sliced rib eye steak topped with salt
      How to Cook a Rib Eye Steak Without a Cast Iron Skillet (3 Methods)

    Popular Articles

    • Roast chicken with potatoes.
      19 Easier Thanksgiving Dinners for When You Don’t Want to Cook a Full Turkey
    • Lazy lasagna.
      Set It and Forget It: 22 Cozy Casseroles for Easy Dinners
    • Shrimp scampi in a pan.
      7 Appetizers I Always Have to Make a Double Batch Of
    • Spicy sausage pasta.
      24 Hearty Dinners That Are Easy on Your Wallet

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    All affiliate links are always marked with "*" or "affiliate".

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    A collage of sites where always use butter content has been featured.

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosures
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • info@alwaysusebutter.com
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2018-2025 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB