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One Pot Chicken and Lentils

One Pot Chicken and Lentils
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This One Pot Chicken and Lentils recipe is a simple, wholesome, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken thighs, protein-rich lentils, and a harmonious blend of spices. Perfect for busy weeknights, it cooks everything in a single pot for minimal cleanup while delivering hearty, nutritious, and comforting flavors to satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Lentils and Legumes

  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed thoroughly

Aromatics and Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

Liquids

  • 4 cups chicken broth

Flavorings

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)

Herbs

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and brown the chicken skin-side down until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and brown the other side briefly, then remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken. Add minced garlic and remaining spices, stirring for 1-2 minutes to bloom the flavors.
  3. Add Lentils and Liquids: Stir in the rinsed lentils and tomato paste until well combined. Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together. Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the pot, skin-side up to maintain crispiness.
  4. Simmer Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender and chicken is fully cooked. Check occasionally and add more water or broth if the mixture becomes too thick.
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove the lid and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to slightly thicken. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top before serving for a fresh, bright finish.

Notes

  • Brown the chicken well to create crispy skin and lock in flavor.
  • Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any debris and ensure cleaner cooking.
  • Avoid over-stirring during simmering to prevent lentils from breaking down.
  • Adjust liquid levels as lentils absorb a lot of moisture—add broth or water if necessary.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to retain their vibrant flavor and freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot chicken, lentils, easy dinner, healthy recipe, gluten free, weeknight meal, protein packed, comfort food

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