Half-and-Half Grilled Chicken with Spiced Lentil Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices, served alongside a vibrant spiced lentil salad that balances tangy and earthy flavors. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (high protein) ready in about 65 minutes pairs plain yogurt, ground cumin, ground coriander for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Add 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While chicken marinates, rinse 1 cup red lentils under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine lentils with 2 cups water, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, and 1/4 tsp ground black pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped red onion and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro into the lentils. Season with additional salt to taste and toss gently. Set aside.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the surface is nicely charred.
  5. Step 5: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve sliced chicken over a bed of spiced lentil salad for a balanced and flavorful meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-and-Half Grilled Chicken with Spiced Lentil Salad take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (40 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Half-and-Half Grilled Chicken with Spiced Lentil Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep plain yogurt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-and-Half Grilled Chicken with Spiced Lentil Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Half-and-Half Grilled Chicken with Spiced Lentil Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Half-and-Half Grilled Chicken with Spiced Lentil Salad high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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