Spiced Chicken and Lentil Stew

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

A protein-packed, budget-friendly stew with warming spices and hearty lentils. Great for cold days or meal prep. This middle eastern-inspired chicken (vegetarian option) ready in about 60 minutes pairs chicken thighs, lentils, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 6, 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: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 260 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pot. Sauté 1 diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves for 3 minutes until fragrant. Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and stir for 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Add 600g chicken thighs (cut into chunks), 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, and 200g lentils. Stir to coat. Pour in 1L vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until chicken is tender and lentils are soft. Stir in 200g chopped spinach and cook 5 minutes until wilted.
  4. Step 4: Season with salt and pepper. Serve with crusty bread or rice for a complete meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Chicken and Lentil Stew take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Spiced Chicken and Lentil Stew?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Chicken and Lentil Stew?

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 Spiced Chicken and Lentil Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Spiced Chicken and Lentil Stew vegetarian option?

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

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