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High Protein Lentil & Chicken Power Meals - Simple, Satisfying, and Meal-Prep Friendly

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup dry green or brown lentils (rinsed)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced (optional but recommended)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes, no salt added
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (plus more as needed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional for color and warmth)
  • 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
  • Salt and black pepper

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season all over with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Set aside while you chop vegetables.
  2. Heat the pot: In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear 3–4 minutes per side until browned. You’re building flavor here, not fully cooking. Transfer chicken to a plate.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Add onion, carrot, and celery with a pinch of salt. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, turmeric, and dried thyme for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Build the base: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the rinsed lentils, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Simmer with chicken: Nestle the seared chicken (and any juices) back into the pot. Cover and simmer on low for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender but not mushy and chicken is cooked through.