Print

One Pot Chicken and Lentils

One Pot Chicken and Lentils
Print Recipe

This One Pot Chicken and Lentils recipe is a comforting, nutritious, and effortless meal combining tender chicken thighs, hearty lentils, and aromatic spices cooked all in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it delivers a satisfying, protein-packed dinner with minimal prep and cleanup, bursting with rich flavors and a vibrant finish of fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Lentils and Vegetables

  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 3 cups chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Spices and Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Others

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the onion and carrots, mince the garlic. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika to enhance flavor during cooking.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin side down and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove chicken from pot and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onions and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, cumin, turmeric, and tomato paste, cooking for a minute more to release the spices’ fragrance.
  4. Add Lentils and Broth: Pour in rinsed lentils and chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir together and bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Simmer with Chicken: Return chicken thighs to the pot, skin side up, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 30 to 35 minutes until lentils are tender and chicken is cooked through.
  6. Finish and Garnish: Check seasoning, add more salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro over the top to add brightness before serving.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for juicier meat and more flavorful broth.
  • Don’t skip browning the chicken; it enhances flavor and adds a beautiful crust.
  • Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove debris and improve texture.
  • Avoid overcooking lentils to keep a pleasant bite and prevent mushiness.
  • Let the dish rest off heat for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot chicken lentils recipe, easy chicken lentils, healthy chicken dinner, gluten free chicken lentils, comfort food chicken lentils

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/one-pot-chicken-and-lentils/