One-Pot Harissa Chicken and Lentils Recipe
A flavorful and hearty one-pot dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with spicy harissa paste, lentils, and vegetables in a rich tomato and chicken stock base. This comforting meal is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean/North African
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 50 g harissa paste
- 500 g chicken thighs, skinless, boneless, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 200 g dried puy lentils
- 800 g chopped tomatoes (2 x 400g cans)
- 1.2 l chicken stock
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large saucepan or pot, warm the olive oil over low heat. Add the chopped onion and fry until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Add the crushed garlic and cook, stirring, for about one more minute.
- Add Harissa and Chicken: Stir in the harissa paste, then add the chopped chicken thighs. Increase the heat and cook until the chicken is browned on all sides.
- Add Vegetables and Lentils: Stir in the grated carrot, dried puy lentils, chopped tomatoes, and chicken stock. Make sure the stock fully covers the chicken and lentils.
- Simmer Until Cooked: Reduce the heat to low and cook the dish uncovered, stirring occasionally, for approximately 35-45 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the lentils will absorb most of the stock, resulting in a thick, flavorful stew.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot as a wholesome and comforting meal.
Notes
- Ensure to stir occasionally while simmering to prevent lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Puy lentils hold their shape well; avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
- Harissa paste adds a spicy and smoky flavor, adjust amount to taste if you prefer milder or spicier dishes.
- This dish can be served with rice, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Keywords: harissa chicken, one-pot meal, lentils, healthy chicken stew, spicy chicken recipe, Mediterranean chicken dish
