Easy Chicken and Lentils Recipe

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Hey friends!

Are you in the mood for a hearty meal? I’ve got a fantastic recipe that you’ll want to try.

Today, we’re diving into a delicious dish of chicken and lentils.

It’s packed with protein, flavor, and it’s super filling.

Perfect for a cozy dinner that’s easy to whip up!

Let’s get cooking!

chicken and lentils
Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly
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Preparation Time 15-20 minutes
Cooking Time 30-35 minutes
Total Time 45-55 minutes
Level of Difficulty Medium

Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 15 – 30 ml (1-2 tbsp) ras el hanout
  • 1 (398 ml or 14 ounce) can whole cherry tomatoes
  • 30 ml (2 tbsp) vinegar (pomegranate, date, red wine, etc)
  • 250 ml (1 cup) brown lentils, rinsed
  • 8-10 dates, chopped
  • 500 ml (2 cups) chicken stock, + 1 cup extra

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Brown the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 200ºC (400ºF).

In an ovenproof fry pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium/high heat.

Season 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

Place the chicken thighs in the pan and brown on both sides until golden.

Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Check the oil level in the pan and pour out any excess if necessary.

Add 1 medium chopped onion to the pan and cook until softened but not browned.

Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Spices and Tomatoes

Stir in 15-30 mL (1-2 tablespoons) of ras el hanout spice mix, allowing it to toast for a few seconds to release its flavors.

Add 1 can (398 mL or 14 ounces) of whole cherry tomatoes and stir to combine.

Step 4: Add Liquid and Legumes

Pour in 30 mL (2 tablespoons) of vinegar (pomegranate, date, red wine, etc.) for added depth of flavor.

Add 250 mL (1 cup) of rinsed brown lentils and 8-10 chopped dates to the pan, mixing well.

Finally, pour in 500 mL (2 cups) of chicken stock and stir everything together.

Step 5: Bake in the Oven

Return the browned chicken pieces to the pan, nestling them among the other ingredients.

Place the pan, uncovered, in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

Check the dish at about 15-20 minutes to see if more liquid (stock or water) is needed to keep the lentils hydrated.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Continue cooking until the lentils and chicken are completely cooked through.

Once done, carefully remove the pan from the oven.

Let it cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your flavorful, hearty chicken and lentil dish!

chicken and lentils
Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly
SAVE NOW

chicken and lentils
Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly
SAVE NOW

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