Discover the delightful fusion of flavors in our "Easy Chicken and Red Lentils" recipe, a comforting dish that brings the essence of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen! With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 35 minutes of your time, you can create a hearty meal that’s not only delicious but also packed with protein and nutrients. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive in and learn how to whip up this creamy, aromatic dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris or dust, then drain and set aside.
- Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and allow it to warm up for about 30 seconds.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the onions, stirring quickly to prevent burning and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle curry powder over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring to coat and release the spices' aromatics for about 1 minute.
- Add diced chicken breast to the skillet, stirring to coat with the spices and onion mixture. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the chicken begins to turn white and is partially cooked.
- Pour in the rinsed red lentils and chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and chicken is fully cooked through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. The dish should have a creamy consistency with lentils softened and chicken tender.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro or a dollop of yogurt for added richness.
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse red lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any dust or debris. This step ensures a clean and fresh flavor in your dish.
- Sauté for Flavor: Take your time when sautéing the onions and garlic. Allow them to become translucent and slightly golden to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to modify the amount of curry powder to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, start with less and add more as needed.
- Simmer Gently: Once you add the broth and lentils, bring the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing the heat. This helps the lentils cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the dish sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly for a creamier consistency.
- Garnish for Appeal: Elevate your dish by garnishing with fresh cilantro or a dollop of yogurt. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also enhances the richness of the meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 90mg
