Soups & Stews

Chicken And Lentil Stew

Name: Chicken And Lentil Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

By Delia Ingram · June 19, 2026 · Soups & Stews

Prep20 min

Cook40 min

Total60 min

Serves6

Warm, comforting Chicken And Lentil Stew

There's something special about a warm, comforting bowl of stew on a chilly evening. For me, it's a reminder of family dinners and cozy nights by the fire. My Chicken And Lentil Stew recipe is a staple in our household, and I'm excited to share it with you. This hearty stew is made with tender chicken, flavorful lentils, and aromatic spices that will fill your kitchen with the most wonderful aromas.

I love that this recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part? It's a one-pot wonder, so you can cook everything in one large pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

One of the things that sets this stew apart is the combination of chicken and lentils. The chicken adds protein and flavor, while the lentils provide a boost of fiber and nutrients. I also love that this recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make a delicious and comforting Chicken And Lentil Stew. From prep to finish, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure that your stew turns out perfect every time. So, let's get started and make some memories around the dinner table!

As we cook, I'll share some of my favorite stories and tips for making this recipe. From the importance of using high-quality ingredients to the secret to making the fluffiest, most tender lentils, I'll cover it all. By the end of this recipe, you'll be a pro at making Chicken And Lentil Stew, and you'll have a new favorite recipe to add to your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour.
It's a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
The combination of chicken and lentils provides a boost of protein, fiber, and nutrients.
This recipe is highly customizable, so you can add your favorite vegetables or spices.
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The stew is hearty and comforting, making it a great option for a chilly evening.

Why This Recipe Works

So, what makes this Chicken And Lentil Stew recipe so special? For starters, it's all about the layers of flavor. By sautéing the onions, garlic, and spices in olive oil, we create a rich and aromatic base for the stew. Then, by adding the chicken and lentils, we build on that flavor and create a hearty and satisfying dish.

Another key element is the use of chicken broth and diced tomatoes. These ingredients add moisture and flavor to the stew, and help to create a rich and creamy sauce. I also love that this recipe uses a variety of spices, including cumin, paprika, and thyme, which add depth and warmth to the dish.

Finally, it's all about the cooking technique. By cooking the stew over medium-low heat, we can simmer the ingredients gently and create a tender and flavorful dish. This technique also helps to prevent the lentils from becoming mushy or overcooked, which can be a common problem in lentil stews.

Overall, this Chicken And Lentil Stew recipe is a winner because it's easy to make, flavorful, and nutritious. Whether you're a busy weeknight cook or a weekend meal prep enthusiast, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, let's get started and make some delicious Chicken And Lentil Stew!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Now that we've talked about the recipe, let's take a look at the ingredients. For this Chicken And Lentil Stew, you'll need a variety of pantry staples, including olive oil, onions, garlic, and spices. You'll also need some fresh ingredients, such as chicken, lentils, and diced tomatoes.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality items. For example, look for fresh and flavorful spices, and opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish. You can also customize the recipe to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.

2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is used to sauté the onions, garlic, and spices, and adds flavor to the stew. You can also use other oils, such as avocado or grapeseed, if you prefer.
1 large onion, choppedOnions add a sweet and savory flavor to the stew. You can use any type of onion, but I prefer yellow or white onions for this recipe.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the stew and is a key ingredient in many savory dishes. You can use more or less garlic to taste.
1 teaspoon ground cuminCumin adds a warm and earthy flavor to the stew. You can use more or less cumin to taste, depending on your personal preference.
1 teaspoon smoked paprikaSmoked paprika adds a smoky and savory flavor to the stew. You can use sweet or hot paprika if you prefer.
1/2 teaspoon dried thymeThyme adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the stew. You can use more or less thyme to taste, depending on your personal preference.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp and peppery flavor to the stew. You can use more or less pepper to taste, depending on your personal preference.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch piecesChicken is the protein source for this stew and adds flavor and texture. You can use breast or thighs, depending on your preference.
1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drainedLentils are a key ingredient in this stew and add protein, fiber, and nutrients. You can use brown or green lentils, depending on your preference.
4 cups low-sodium chicken brothChicken broth adds moisture and flavor to the stew. You can use low-sodium broth to control the salt content of the dish.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoesDiced tomatoes add flavor and moisture to the stew. You can use fresh or canned tomatoes, depending on your preference.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatulaInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Chicken And Lentil Stew

1
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and cook until it's softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4
Add the ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, until the spices are fragrant.
5
Add the chicken to the pot and cook until it's browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
6
Add the lentils, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
7
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the stew, covered, for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the chicken is cooked through to 165 F (74 C).
8
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken in the thickest part of the breast.
9
Remove the pot from the heat and let the stew rest, covered, for 10-15 minutes.
10
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of yogurt, if desired.
11
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh spices and low-sodium broth, to enhance the flavor of the stew.
Customize the recipe to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Serve the stew with a side of crusty bread or over rice or noodles for a filling meal.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the stew for a burst of bright, citrusy flavor.
Experiment with different types of lentils, such as red or yellow lentils, for a varied texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the chicken to a safe internal temperature, which can lead to foodborne illness.
Overcooking the lentils, which can make them mushy and unappetizing.
Not using enough liquid, which can result in a thick and dry stew.
Not seasoning the stew adequately, which can lead to a bland and unflavorful dish.
Not letting the stew rest before serving, which can result in a stew that's not fully flavored and textured.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the overall flavor and texture of the stew.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced carrots or potatoes to the stew for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of protein, such as beef or pork, for a varied flavor and texture.
Add a can of diced green chilies for a spicy and smoky flavor.
Use fresh or frozen spinach instead of kale for a different flavor and texture.
Add a splash of red wine or beer for added depth and complexity.
Use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth for a richer and more savory flavor.
Add some heat to the stew with a diced jalapeno or serrano pepper.

What to Serve With Chicken And Lentil Stew

This Chicken And Lentil Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for a chilly evening. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or over rice or noodles for a filling meal. You can also add a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor and texture.

Some other ideas for serving this stew include:

Crusty bread: Serve the stew with a side of crusty bread for a filling and satisfying meal.

Rice or noodles: Serve the stew over rice or noodles for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Roasted vegetables: Serve the stew with a side of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or broccoli, for a healthy and well-rounded meal.

Salad: Serve the stew with a side salad for a light and refreshing meal.

Crusty breadRice or noodlesRoasted vegetablesSaladYogurt or sour creamFresh herbs

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Chicken And Lentil Stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To store, let the stew cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.

To reheat, simply thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the stew is hot and steaming.

Some tips for storing and reheating this stew include:

Let the stew cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing to prevent bacterial growth.

Use an airtight container to store the stew and prevent moisture and other flavors from getting in.

Label and date the container so you know how long it's been stored.

Reheat the stew over low heat, stirring occasionally, to prevent scorching or burning.

Add a splash of water or broth to the stew if it's too thick or dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of lentils should I use for this recipe?

You can use brown or green lentils for this recipe. Brown lentils have a slightly nutty flavor and hold their shape well, while green lentils are milder and more prone to breaking down.

Can I use canned lentils instead of dried lentils?

Yes, you can use canned lentils, but keep in mind that they may be more prone to breaking down and may have added salt.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should be at least 165 F (74 C) in the thickest part of the breast.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Brown the chicken and cook the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

How do I store and reheat this stew?

Let the stew cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze. Reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the stew is hot and steaming.

Can I customize this recipe to my taste?

Yes, you can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Feel free to experiment and make the recipe your own!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, but be sure to check the ingredients of the chicken broth and diced tomatoes to ensure they are gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by substituting the chicken with a plant-based protein source, such as tofu or tempeh, and using a vegan-friendly broth.

The Full Recipe

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