Print

One Pot Chicken and Lentils

One Pot Chicken and Lentils
Print Recipe

A comforting and nourishing one pot meal featuring tender bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs cooked with protein-packed brown or green lentils, aromatic vegetables, and warm spices. Easy to prepare in under 45 minutes, this flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Legumes

  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed

Vegetables & Aromatics

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

Liquids & Condiments

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spices & Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika / chipotle powder)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken and aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down in the pot and sear until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add lentils and spices: Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, and any additional spices you prefer. Mix well to coat the vegetables and toast the spices lightly. Add the rinsed lentils and stir to combine everything before adding the broth.
  3. Cook everything together: Return the seared chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the lentil mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  4. Finish with fresh herbs and seasoning: Remove the lid and check seasoning. Add salt, pepper, and fresh chopped parsley or cilantro to brighten the dish. Let it sit uncovered for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving warm.

Notes

  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken to keep meat tender and juicy and add flavor.
  • Don’t skip searing the chicken and aromatics first to build deeper flavor layers.
  • Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove dust and prevent bitterness.
  • Monitor liquid levels as lentils absorb a lot; add extra broth if needed to avoid drying out.
  • Let the dish rest uncovered briefly before serving to thicken the sauce nicely.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot, chicken and lentils, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten free, healthy, meal prep, comforting, protein packed

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