Gluten Free Garlic Chicken

This gluten-free garlic chicken lasagna is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh spinach, and three types of cheese layered between perfectly cooked gluten-free noodles. It’s a hearty dinner option that makes gluten sensitivity feel less limiting without losing any of the classic lasagna charm.

I whipped this up on a busy weeknight when I wanted something special yet easy. The family loved that it didn’t taste like a “gluten-free” recipe at all and went back for seconds.

Ingredients

• 12 pieces gluten-free lasagna noodles: choose a brand that recommends boiling and draining to ensure they soften well
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast: leftovers work perfectly or poach fresh chicken for juiciness
• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves: select vibrant green leaves with no wilting or yellow spots for freshness
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: fresh garlic is essential for that punch of savory aroma
• 2 cups ricotta cheese: creamy and mild, it balances the spices and eases the blend of textures
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully giving that classic stringy cheese pull
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: adds a nutty and sharp finish on top
• 2 cups chicken broth: provides moisture to keep noodles tender and layers saucy
• ¼ cup olive oil: use good quality extra virgin olive oil for better depth in the garlic sauté
• 1 teaspoon salt: enhances all flavors gently
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: freshly ground preferred for robust aroma
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: use dried because it infuses well during baking
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: complements oregano and ties the Italian herbs together

Instructions

Build The Noodles:

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook the gluten-free lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them carefully to avoid tearing and set aside on a clean towel so they don’t stick.

Sauté The Garlic And Spinach:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute or until fragrant but not browned. Add fresh spinach leaves and cook for three to four minutes until wilted and reduced in volume. Remove skillet from heat and set aside.

Prepare The Chicken Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated. This mixture forms the flavorful creamy layer.

Layer The Lasagna:

Spread a thin layer of chicken broth on the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking. Lay four noodles across the dish. Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over noodles. Spoon half of the sautéed spinach over the chicken mixture. Repeat with another layer of four noodles, the remaining chicken mixture, and the rest of the spinach. Finish with the last four noodles on top.

Add Broth And Cheese:

Pour the remaining chicken broth over the final noodle layer to keep everything moist during baking. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top layer.

Bake And Rest:

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Remove the foil carefully and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Once out of the oven, let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes so it sets and slices neatly.

My favorite part of this dish is how the garlic infused olive oil sings through each layer. I remember making this for a family dinner when my picky eater surprised us by asking for a second helping. That made all the time worthwhile.

Storage Tips

Store leftover lasagna covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For best texture, avoid freezing cooked gluten-free noodles as they may become mushy.

Ingredient Swaps

Swap fresh spinach with chopped kale or Swiss chard for more bite and extra nutrients. Use cottage cheese in place of ricotta for a lighter filling. Try smoked mozzarella for a subtle smoky flavor twist.

Serving Ideas

Serve this lasagna with a fresh green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for brightness. Garlic bread or roasted vegetables work well as hearty sides. A chilled glass of crisp white wine complements the cheesy richness beautifully.

This lasagna balances rich flavors with wholesome ingredients, making it a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What noodles work best for gluten free lasagna?

Gluten-free lasagna noodles made from rice or other gluten-free grains hold their shape well and provide a pleasant texture when layered and baked.

→ How do you prevent the dish from drying out during baking?

Using chicken broth between the layers adds moisture, ensuring the noodles stay tender and the final dish remains juicy.

→ Can fresh spinach be substituted with frozen spinach?

Yes, but be sure to thoroughly drain excess liquid from frozen spinach to avoid sogginess in the layers.

→ How should the garlic be prepared for best flavor?

Minced garlic is gently sautéed in olive oil until fragrant, which mellows its sharpness and enhances overall flavor without overpowering the dish.

→ What’s the best way to serve this dish after baking?

Allow it to rest about 10 minutes after baking to let the layers set. This makes slicing clean and the texture tender but firm.