Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Lemon Garlic Mediterranean Chicken Skillet (One-Pan, Fresh & Flavorful)

Sarah Smith
6 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Grilled chicken breasts garnished with herbs on a white plate, surrounded by lemon slices. Blue textured background, lemon-patterned napkin.

This Lemon Garlic Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is a bright, cozy one-pan dinner made with tender chicken, fresh garlic, olive oil, lemon, and Mediterranean herbs. Juicy, golden chicken cooks alongside tomatoes and herbs in a light, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for guests. It’s naturally gluten-free, easy to make, and packed with fresh Mediterranean flavor.

Serve it with Cucumber Tomato Olive Salad with Lemon Dressing, Creamy Mediterranean Orzo with Spinach & Feta, or finish the meal with Greek Yogurt with Honey, Walnuts & Berries for a balanced Mediterranean-style dinner.

Why You’ll Love This

Juicy chicken cooked in a bright lemon garlic sauce
Bold Mediterranean flavor that feels fresh yet comforting
One-skillet dinner with minimal prep and cleanup
Perfect for busy weeknights or an easy, wholesome family meal

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4

Nutrition Information (Approximate, Per Serving)

Calories: 360–390 kcal
Protein: 36 g
Total Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugars: 2 g
Sodium: 520 mg

Ingredients

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup chicken broth or dry white wine
Optional garnish: fresh parsley, basil, or crumbled feta

Instructions

Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, paprika, and lemon zest.
Sear: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Build the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, tomatoes, and broth.
Simmer: Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top, cover, and simmer 6–8 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F).
Finish & serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh herbs or feta and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Extra veggies: Add spinach, zucchini, or artichokes during the last few minutes
Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or greens
Creamy twist: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt at the end
Meal prep: Keeps well refrigerated up to 3 days

FAQ

Is this Mediterranean Diet–friendly? Yes. Olive oil, lean protein, garlic, lemon, and herbs are all Mediterranean staples.

Can I use chicken thighs? Absolutely. Thighs stay extra juicy and work beautifully here.

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

What can I serve with this? Salads, orzo, roasted vegetables, or warm pita all pair perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is proof that simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. Bright lemon, savory garlic, and golden chicken come together in one pan for a cozy, satisfying dinner that feels fresh and nourishing. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again when you want something easy, comforting, and full of Mediterranean charm.