Spiced Chicken with Creamy Red Lentils
This Spiced Chicken with Creamy Red Lentils is a hearty and nutritious dish perfect for any day of the week. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with aromatic cumin and cooked to perfection, served atop a bed of creamy, flavorful red lentils simmered in rich chicken stock. Enhanced with zesty lemon juice and fresh parsley, this dish not only satisfies your hunger but also delights your palate. An excellent source of protein and fiber, this meal is both comforting and healthy—ideal for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.
4
Servings
180
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1/2 teaspoon
Small onion
1, chopped
Garlic
1-2 cloves, chopped
Red lentils
2 cups
Chicken stock
2 cups
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon
Flat leaf parsley
1/3 cup, chopped
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Boneless skinless chicken breast halves
2, cut in half (single breasts)
Cumin
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a non-stick saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until they have softened and become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Incorporate the red lentils and chicken stock, then bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 10 minutes or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
5
Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6
While the lentils are cooking, prepare the chicken. Season each chicken breast with cumin, ensuring an even coating on both sides.
7
In a separate non-stick frying pan, lightly spray with cooking oil and heat over medium-high heat.
8
Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C).
9
To serve, spoon a generous portion of the lentil mixture onto a plate, and place the seasoned chicken on top.
10
Garnish with additional parsley if desired and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
18g
Protein
6.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in Spiced Chicken with Creamy Red Lentils?
The main protein in this dish is boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains 180 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 18g of protein per serving.
How much fiber is in one serving of this meal?
This meal is fiber-rich, providing 6.25g of fiber per serving.
What type of lentils are used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 2 cups of red lentils for a creamy texture.
What spice is used to season the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of aromatic cumin.
How long should the lentils simmer?
The lentils should simmer for about 10 minutes or until they are tender.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C).
How long do you cook the chicken breasts on each side?
Cook the chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
What liquid is used to cook the red lentils?
The lentils are simmered in 2 cups of chicken stock.
Is there any fat in this recipe?
Yes, there is 2.5g of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 20g of carbohydrates in each serving.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 1 to 2 chopped cloves of garlic.
When should the lemon juice be added?
Stir in the lemon juice after the lentils are removed from the heat.
What fresh herb is recommended for garnish?
Flat leaf parsley is used both in the lentils and as a garnish.
Should the onion be cooked until soft?
Yes, cook the chopped onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
What equipment is needed for the lentils?
A non-stick saucepan is recommended for cooking the lentils.
What equipment is used to cook the chicken?
A separate non-stick frying pan is used to cook the chicken.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is described as ideal for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.
How much chicken stock is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of chicken stock.
How much parsley should be added to the lentils?
Incorporate 1/3 cup of chopped flat leaf parsley into the lentil mixture.
Do you season the lentils with salt and pepper?
Yes, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste after cooking.
Should the pan be covered while simmering lentils?
Yes, cover the pot after the mixture reaches a boil and reduce the heat.
Can I use cooking oil spray?
The recipe suggests lightly spraying the frying pan with cooking oil before cooking the chicken.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is heating olive oil in a non-stick saucepan over medium heat.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
How is the chicken prepared before seasoning?
The 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves should be cut in half to make four portions.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is described as a healthy and nutritious dish that is an excellent source of protein and fiber.