Weeknights can get busy, and figuring out dinner is often the hardest part of the day. When you eat gluten free, it can feel even trickier because you want something quick but still safe and satisfying for the whole family.
Here are easy gluten free dinners that come together fast and taste great. You will find takeout favorites, cozy comfort food, and easy pasta dishes. All of them are simple enough for a regular weeknight, even when you are short on time.
Gluten Free Chicken Katsu
Chicken katsu is one of those dishes that feels like a treat but is actually easy to make at home. The chicken comes out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and the homemade katsu sauce ties everything together.
The best part is that you only need a few pantry items to pull it off. Serve it over rice with some shredded cabbage on the side, and you have a full dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Gluten Free Classic Italian Meatballs
Classic Italian meatballs are a weeknight win because they work with so many meals. You can serve them with pasta, over rice, in a sub, or just on their own with marinara for dipping.
This recipe uses a mix of beef and pork, which keeps the meatballs tender and full of flavor. The gluten free breadcrumbs soaked in milk make them soft inside, just like the traditional version.
They bake in the oven in about 20 minutes, so there is no standing over the stove. Make a double batch and freeze half for an even quicker dinner later in the week.
Gluten Free Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant parmesan is a great option when you want something hearty without meat. The eggplant gets coated in gluten free panko and baked until crispy, then layered with marinara and lots of melty cheese.
Baking the eggplant instead of frying it saves time and keeps things lighter. The final dish is bubbly, cheesy, and tastes like something you would order at an Italian restaurant.
Gluten Free Bang Bang Shrimp
Bang bang shrimp is crispy, a little spicy, and totally addictive. The shrimp fry up in just a couple of minutes, which makes this a perfect weeknight meal when you are tired and hungry.
The sauce is creamy with a kick from sriracha and a touch of sweetness from chili sauce and honey. Serve it over rice for dinner or on its own as a fun appetizer.
Gluten Free Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is rich, creamy, and full of warm spices. The chicken gets marinated in yogurt and spices, which keeps it tender and packs in a ton of flavor.
The sauce comes together in one pan with tomatoes, butter, and cream. It tastes like the kind of meal you would get at a good Indian restaurant, but you can make it at home in under an hour.
Serve it over basmati rice with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. It is the kind of dinner that fills the kitchen with great smells and makes everyone come running.
Gluten Free Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala is a classic for a reason. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices, seared until charred in spots, then simmered in a creamy tomato sauce.
This version is just as good as takeout but completely gluten free. Pair it with basmati rice or your favorite gluten free naan for a full meal.
Gluten Free Mongolian Beef
Mongolian beef is one of those takeout dishes you might miss when going gluten free, but this version brings it right back. The beef gets coated in cornstarch and seared until crispy on the edges.
The sauce is sweet, savory, and sticks to every piece of beef. With green onions tossed in at the end, you get a meal that tastes like your favorite Chinese spot but is safe to eat.
Gluten Free Honey Garlic Chicken
Honey garlic chicken is a quick dinner that hits all the right notes. The chicken thighs are crispy on the outside thanks to the cornstarch coating, and the sauce is sweet, garlicky, and a little spicy.
It all comes together in one skillet in under 30 minutes. Serve it over rice with some steamed veggies and you have a complete meal.
Gluten Free Kung Pao Chicken
Kung pao chicken is a stir fry classic with a nice mix of textures. You get crispy chicken, crunchy peanuts, and tender bell peppers all coated in a savory sauce with a little heat.
The whole thing comes together fast in a wok or large skillet. It is a great way to use up veggies in the fridge and get dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.
Make sure your hoisin sauce is labeled gluten free, since some brands include wheat. Serve it over steamed rice and dinner is done.
Gluten Free Orange Chicken
Orange chicken is a takeout favorite that is easy to make gluten free at home. The chicken gets coated and fried until crispy, then tossed in a sticky orange sauce that is both sweet and tangy.
Fresh orange juice and zest give the sauce a bright flavor you do not get from the bottled stuff. Serve it over rice with sesame seeds and green onions on top.
Gluten Free Crispy Sweet & Sour Chicken
Crispy sweet and sour chicken is another takeout classic that works great as a weeknight meal. The chicken stays crunchy under a glossy sauce that has just the right balance of sweet and tangy.
Pineapple chunks and bell peppers add color and a little freshness to the dish. Serve it over rice and you have a meal the kids will actually ask for again.
Gluten Free Meatloaf
Meatloaf is classic comfort food, and this gluten free version does not skip on flavor. Gluten free breadcrumbs soaked in milk keep the loaf tender, and the ketchup glaze on top gets sticky and a little caramelized in the oven.
It is the kind of dinner that feels homey and filling without much effort. Pair it with mashed potatoes and a simple veggie for a full meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
Gluten Free Penne Alla Vodka
Penne alla vodka is creamy, comforting, and quick to put together. The sauce gets its rich pink color from heavy cream stirred into a simple tomato and garlic base.
The vodka cooks off and leaves behind a subtle depth of flavor that makes this pasta feel special. With gluten free penne and fresh basil on top, it is a dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes.
Gluten Free Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Creamy Tuscan chicken is one of those dishes that looks fancy but is actually pretty simple. The chicken thighs are seared until golden, then simmered in a creamy parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup at the end of the night. Serve it over rice, gluten free pasta, or with crusty gluten free bread to soak up the sauce.
It is the kind of meal that feels a little indulgent but still uses regular ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
Gluten Free Shepherd's Pie
Shepherd's pie is the ultimate cozy dinner for cooler nights. The savory meat and veggie filling is topped with creamy mashed potatoes that get golden and crispy under the broiler.
Using cornstarch and tamari keeps this version completely gluten free without losing any of the classic flavor. It takes a little more time than some other meals on this list, but most of it is hands off while things cook.