Are you craving a mouthwatering, hassle-free meal that will have your entire family begging for seconds? Look no further than this incredible Garlicky Green Crock Pot Chicken Lentils recipe! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of tender chicken, hearty lentils, and aromatic garlic, all perfectly slow-cooked to create a gluten-free masterpiece that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious. This one-pot wonder is about to become your new go-to meal for busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup green lentils
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables: mince the garlic cloves, dice the onion and carrots, and measure out the herbs and seasonings.
- Rinse the green lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any dust or debris, then drain well.
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot as the first layer, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, chopped onions, and diced carrots over the chicken breasts.
- Add the rinsed green lentils on top of the vegetables, spreading them evenly across the crock pot.
- Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, making sure the lentils and chicken are mostly covered.
- Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over the entire mixture.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat for 6 hours, allowing the chicken and lentils to cook slowly and absorb the flavors.
- After 6 hours, check that the chicken is cooked through and the lentils are tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Using two forks, shred the chicken breasts directly in the crock pot, mixing it with the lentils and vegetables.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, consider searing the chicken breasts briefly before placing them in the crock pot to enhance their depth of taste.
- Use fresh, high-quality chicken broth for the best possible flavor profile. Homemade broth can elevate this dish to restaurant-quality.
- Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any potential debris and prevent a gritty texture in your final dish.
- Don't rush the cooking process - the low and slow method is crucial for developing rich, complex flavors and ensuring tender chicken.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- For added nutrition, feel free to include additional vegetables like spinach or kale in the last hour of cooking.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- This recipe freezes beautifully - portion and store in airtight containers for quick future meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 195kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 62mg
