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For this Rustic Chicken Lentil Stew, you will need: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks - 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 2 carrots, chopped - 2 celery stalks, chopped - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil These ingredients come together to create a warm and hearty meal. The chicken thighs add rich flavor, while the lentils give it a nice texture. You might want to add: - Fresh parsley for garnish - Additional spices or herbs These optional ingredients can elevate your stew's look and taste. Fresh parsley adds a bright touch and some freshness. You can also play with spices to match your taste. To start, I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. I add the diced onion and sauté it until it turns translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. This step builds the base for great flavor. Next, I toss in the minced garlic, chopped carrots, and chopped celery. I cook these together for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften. This mix brings a nice aroma and color to the stew. Once the vegetables are ready, I transfer them into my slow cooker. I then place the chicken thighs right on top of the veggies. This layering helps the chicken soak in all those good flavors. After the chicken, I stir in the rinsed lentils along with dried thyme, smoked paprika, and a bay leaf. Then, I pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. If I want, I add salt and pepper to taste. This mix of ingredients creates a hearty and tasty stew. Now it's time to set the slow cooker. I can choose to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This option makes the chicken very tender. If I'm in a hurry, I can set it to high for 3 to 4 hours. Both ways yield a warm and filling stew, perfect for any day. To boost the taste of your rustic chicken lentil stew, consider these spices: - Dried thyme gives a warm, earthy flavor. - Smoked paprika adds a hint of smoky depth. - Bay leaf infuses a subtle aroma. Choosing the right broth matters too. I prefer low-sodium chicken broth. It lets the stew's flavors shine without being too salty. For tender chicken and lentils, follow these tips: - Cut chicken thighs into smaller chunks for even cooking. - Rinse lentils well before adding them. This helps remove dirt and debris. - Keep the slow cooker covered. This traps steam and helps the chicken and lentils cook gently. Prep can make cooking easier: - Chop your veggies a day ahead. Store them in the fridge to save time. - Use frozen vegetables. They cook well and add convenience. Just toss them in the slow cooker without thawing. These tips will help you create a delicious rustic chicken lentil stew with ease. Enjoy the process! {{image_2}} For a vegetarian version, use hearty vegetables or plant-based protein. Great substitutes for chicken include: - 1 can of chickpeas, drained - 1 cup of diced mushrooms - 1 block of firm tofu, cubed These options add protein and flavor. When using vegetables, adjust cooking times. Cook for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Always check for tenderness. You can make this stew your own by adding more veggies. Try: - 2 medium potatoes, diced - 1 cup of fresh spinach - 1 bell pepper, chopped Feel free to adjust the spice level. Add more smoked paprika for heat or a pinch of cayenne. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. If you prefer to use an Instant Pot, here are quick steps: 1. Sauté the onions and garlic using the sauté function. 2. Add all ingredients to the pot. 3. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. For stovetop preparation, follow these steps: 1. Sauté the vegetables in a large pot. 2. Add chicken and other ingredients. 3. Simmer for about 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked and lentils are tender. This way, you can enjoy the stew no matter your cooking style! To keep your Rustic Chicken Lentil Stew fresh, store it in proper containers. Use airtight containers to help keep the flavors in. This stew can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing and storing. This step helps prevent bacteria growth. If you want to freeze the stew, let it cool completely first. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remember to leave some space at the top, as the stew will expand when frozen. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy your stew again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Stir well to ensure even warming. If it seems thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. Enjoy the warmth of this cozy dish! Yes, you can use canned lentils. They cook faster than dried lentils. If you use them, add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This keeps them from becoming mushy. Canned lentils are already cooked, so they just need to warm up. Remember to drain and rinse them before adding. This helps reduce sodium and improves flavor. You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. They are leaner but still tasty. Another option is to use turkey thighs or drumsticks. Both will add rich flavor to the stew. If you want a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or mushrooms. They bring a nice texture and absorb flavors well. To thicken your stew, you can mash some lentils. After cooking, take out a cup of lentils and mash them with a fork. Then stir them back in. Another way is to mix a bit of cornstarch with water and add it to the stew. Let it cook for another 15 minutes to thicken up. You can also add more vegetables, like potatoes, to help absorb some liquid. This blog covered how to make a hearty chicken stew with lentils. You learned about the main and optional ingredients, from chicken thighs to fresh parsley. We discussed step-by-step instructions for prepping and cooking. Tips for flavor and texture improvements help make your stew shine. Variations let you customize it, while storage info keeps leftovers fresh. Remember, cooking can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy creating your own delicious twist on this recipe!

Rustic Chicken Lentil Stew Slow Cooker

Warm up with this delicious Cozy Rustic Chicken Lentil Stew that’s perfect for chilly days! Packed with tender chicken, nutritious lentils, and vibrant veggies, this slow-cooked delight is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Ideal for meal prep or a comforting family dinner, this hearty stew will quickly become a favorite. Click through to explore the full recipe and warm your soul with every spoonful!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks

1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

    Add the minced garlic, carrots, and celery to the skillet, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.

      Transfer the sautéed vegetables into the slow cooker.

        Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker on top of the vegetables.

          Stir in the lentils, thyme, smoked paprika, bay leaf, and chicken broth. If desired, season with salt and pepper.

            Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours) until the chicken is tender and the lentils are cooked through.

              Once done, remove the bay leaf and shred the chicken using two forks. Stir the mixture to combine. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

                Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley on top.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 6