Ingredients

6 chicken thighs ( bone-in , skin off )
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 small onion , sliced
4 garlic cloves , sliced ( to taste , or depending on how strong the garlic is )
1/2 lb brown lentils
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
2 cups chicken broth or 2 cups stock
salt
pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil
nonstick cooking spray
This Crock-Pot Moroccan Chicken and Lentils recipe is a hearty and delicious blend of tender chicken and flavorful spices, slow-cooked with brown lentils for a healthy and filling meal that will warm you up on a cold winter night. Traditional Moroccan spices like paprika, cinnamon, and cumin come together for a rich and complex flavor that will transport your taste buds to North Africa. The combination of chicken and lentils makes for a nutritious and wholesome meal that is also easy to prepare, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home with minimal effort.

Instructions

1.In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in 1 tablespoon cold water and set aside.
2.Place sliced onion and garlic in the slow cooker. Top with brown lentils.
3.In another small bowl, combine paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, coriander and a pinch of salt and pepper. Rub spice mixture evenly over chicken thighs.
4.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Arrange chicken on top of lentil mixture in slow cooker.
5.Add chicken broth to the skillet and stir to scrape up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and pour over chicken in slow cooker.
6.Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and lentils are cooked through.
7.Stir in cornstarch mixture and let cook for an additional 30 minutes, until sauce has thickened.
8.Serve hot.

PROS

This dish is perfect for a cozy winter dinner, with a hearty blend of flavorful spices and tender chicken that will warm you from the inside out.
Its slow cooker preparation makes it easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time.

CONS

With six chicken thighs, this recipe makes a large amount of food, so it may not be suitable for singles or couples.
The lentils can be an acquired taste for some.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Lentils are a great source of vegetarian protein and fiber, making them a healthy and filling addition to any meal. This dish is also loaded with anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric, which has been linked to a range of health benefits, from reducing inflammation to improving brain function.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.