Recipe: Chicken and Lentil Slow Cooker Stew

This hearty slow cooker stew makes for an easy weeknight dinner. Simply add all the ingredients into your slow cooker, give it a good stir, and cook on high for four hours or on low for eight hours. The leftovers are great for lunch the next day. This stew is loaded with protein, fiber, iron, and potassium. Serve with a colorful garden salad.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours, 15 minutes
Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast, cubed
• 16 ounces brown lentils, sorted and picked over, rinsed
• 32 ounces low-sodium chicken stock
• 15 ounces low-sodium chopped tomatoes
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 3 medium stalks celery, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon dried ground cayenne (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
2. Cook on high for four hours or on low for eight hours. Stir well again.
3. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

Recipe notes:

• Lentils are a type of legume and make a great kitchen staple because they’re shelf stable, affordable, nutritious, and don’t require pre-cooking or soaking time like dried beans do. They have a rich, earthy flavor and are a great source of plant protein. There are many different kinds varying in color, size, and texture. This recipe uses common brown lentils, which are great in soups and stews, salads, and side dishes.
• Always rinse and sort lentils prior to cooking to remove debris.

Nutrition facts per serving

Calories: 390 / Total Fat: 6g (8% DV) / Saturated Fat: 0.5g (3% DV) / Trans Fat: 0g / Cholesterol: 65mg (22% DV) / Sodium: 160mg (7% DV) / Total Carbohydrate: 43g (16% DV) / Dietary Fiber: 23g (82% DV) / Total Sugars: 4g / Added Sugar: 0g (0% DV) / Protein: 41g / Vitamin D: 0mcg (0% DV) / Calcium: 89mg (6% DV) / Iron: 6mg (35% DV) / Potassium: 744mg (15% DV)

Allergen statement: N/A, unless the chicken stock contains wheat (gluten). For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, make sure you are choosing a gluten-free chicken stock.

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