Moroccan-Spiced Chicken & Lentil Delight
Savor the flavors of North Africa with this Moroccan-inspired recipe combining tender chicken thighs and hearty brown lentils, infused with aromatic spices. Perfect for a cozy meal, this dish is cooked slowly in a Crock-Pot to allow the ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a vibrant and satisfying dinner. Although this isn't an authentic Moroccan recipe, it captures the essence of Moroccan cuisine with a delightful array of spices. Ideal for meal prepping, it's simple to adapt based on your taste preferences. Serve it over fluffy couscous with a side of roasted cauliflower for a complete meal that your family will love.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs
6 (bone-in, skin off)
Cornstarch
1 teaspoon (for dusting)
Onion
1 small (sliced)
Garlic Cloves
4 (sliced)
Brown Lentils
1/2 lb (rinsed)
Paprika
2 teaspoons (ground)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
Turmeric
1 teaspoon (ground)
Cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons (ground)
Ground Coriander
1 teaspoon (ground)
Chicken Broth
2 cups (or stock)
Salt
to taste
Black Pepper
to taste
Olive Oil
1 teaspoon (for browning chicken)
Nonstick Cooking Spray
as needed
Instructions
1
Spray the inside of the Crock-Pot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
Layer the sliced onions at the bottom of the Crock-Pot, followed by the sliced garlic. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3
Rinse the brown lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and lightly season them with salt.
4
Sprinkle cornstarch evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring an even coating and rub it in gently.
5
In a large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken thighs in batches, giving them enough space to brown (this may take 2-3 batches). Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and remove from heat.
6
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, ground coriander, and a dash of salt. Sprinkle about one-third of this spice mixture over the onions and garlic in the Crock-Pot.
7
Place the browned chicken thighs on top of the onions, and then sprinkle another one-third of the spice mixture over the chicken.
8
Add the rinsed lentils on top of the chicken, followed by the remaining spice mixture. Pour the chicken broth over all ingredients in the Crock-Pot.
9
Cover and cook on high for about 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the lentils are cooked through. Stir gently before serving.
10
For the best experience, serve this Moroccan-spiced chicken and lentils over steamed couscous and alongside roasted cauliflower.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
19g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moroccan-Spiced Chicken & Lentil Delight?
This is a Moroccan-inspired Crock-Pot dish featuring tender bone-in chicken thighs and hearty brown lentils infused with an aromatic blend of North African spices.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
Each serving contains 400 calories.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This recipe provides 19g of protein per serving.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 bone-in chicken thighs with the skin removed.
Which type of lentils are best for this Crock-Pot meal?
Brown lentils are recommended for this recipe as they hold their shape well during the slow-cooking process.
How long does it take to cook this dish in a slow cooker?
It takes approximately 4 hours on the High setting for the chicken to become tender and the lentils to cook through.
Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the Crock-Pot?
Yes, browning the chicken in a skillet with olive oil for 3-5 minutes per side is recommended to develop flavor and color.
What should I serve with Moroccan-Spiced Chicken & Lentils?
For the best experience, serve it over fluffy couscous with a side of roasted cauliflower.
What spices are included in the Moroccan spice blend?
The spice blend consists of paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, and ground coriander.
Is this an authentic Moroccan recipe?
While it captures the essence and aromatic flavors of Moroccan cuisine, it is a Moroccan-inspired adaptation rather than a strictly traditional recipe.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch is used to dust the chicken thighs before browning, which helps create an even coating and thickens the sauce slightly.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The dish contains 17.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates in one serving of this dish.
How do I prepare the lentils before cooking?
You should rinse the brown lentils under cold water until the water runs clear before adding them to the slow cooker.
Can I use chicken broth or stock?
Yes, you can use 2 cups of either chicken broth or chicken stock for the cooking liquid.
How are the spices layered in the Crock-Pot?
The spice mixture is divided into thirds: one-third over the onions and garlic, one-third over the browned chicken, and the final third over the lentils.
How many garlic cloves are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 sliced garlic cloves.
Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, this recipe is ideal for meal prepping as it holds up well and the flavors meld together beautifully when reheated.
What is the first step when setting up the Crock-Pot?
Spray the inside of the Crock-Pot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
How much cumin is needed for the spice mix?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin.
What type of onion should I use?
Use one small onion, sliced, to layer at the bottom of the Crock-Pot.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests seasoning the onions, garlic, and chicken thighs with salt and pepper to taste.
What is the recommended amount of brown lentils?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of brown lentils.
Should the chicken be dried before browning?
Yes, you should pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning and dusting them with cornstarch.
How much turmeric is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric.
How much ground coriander is required?
One teaspoon of ground coriander is needed for the spice blend.
What oil is recommended for browning the chicken?
One teaspoon of olive oil is used to brown the chicken thighs in a skillet.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 15 distinct ingredients in this recipe.
What is the heat setting for browning the chicken?
The chicken should be browned in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Should I stir the dish during cooking?
The recipe suggests cooking it covered for 4 hours and then stirring gently just before serving.