Braised chicken with spinach and lentils

Savor the delightful flavors of our Braised Chicken with Spinach and Lentils recipe. Tender chicken breasts are perfectly cooked with red onion, celery, garlic, and fresh thyme, then simmered in savory chicken gravy. This wholesome dish is complemented by nutritious spinach and hearty lentils for a comforting, healthy meal. Simple, nutritious, and delicious!

  • 10 Apr 2024
  • Cook time 30 min
  • Prep time 15 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 9 Ingredients

Braised chicken with spinach and lentils

Braised chicken with spinach and lentils is a hearty and nutritious meal that's perfect for any time of the year. This recipe brings together tender chicken breasts, wholesome lentils, and fresh spinach in a savory, flavorful broth. It's a fantastic option for a balanced dinner that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
14g
1.50 lb chicken breasts
680g
1 red onion
160g
1 stalk celery
130g
2 garlic cloves
6g
1 tsp fresh thyme
5g
1 cup chicken gravy
200g
3 cups spinach
90g
1 can canned lentils
400g

Instructions:

2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet, cooking until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the finely chopped red onion and sliced celery.
- Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme. Cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
4. Combine and Simmer:
- Return the browned chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
- Pour in 1 cup of chicken gravy, stirring to combine everything well.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Add Spinach and Lentils:
- Stir in the roughly chopped spinach and canned lentils, mixing everything together.
- Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the lentils are heated through.
6. Finish and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, ideally with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice or quinoa.

Tips:

- To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in some olive oil, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

- If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with water to the chicken gravy.

- Make sure to rinse the canned lentils under cold water to remove any excess salt and preserve their texture.

- For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the pan after browning the chicken and before adding the chicken gravy.

- If fresh spinach is not available, you can substitute with 1 cup of frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding.

- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.

This braised chicken with spinach and lentils is a simple yet satisfying dish that combines the richness of braised chicken with the earthiness of lentils and the freshness of spinach. Not only is it packed with nutrients, but it also offers comforting flavors that are perfect for any meal. Enjoy your delicious and healthy creation!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size420 grams
Energy
Calories 380kcal15%
Protein
Protein 50g33%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 30g8%
Fiber 10g26%
Sugar 4.79g5%
Fat
Fat 10g11%
Saturated 1.85g6%
Cholesterol 130mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 90ug10%
Choline 180mg33%
Vitamin B1 0.39mg32%
Vitamin B2 0.47mg36%
Vitamin B3 18mg111%
Vitamin B6 1.71mg100%
Vitamin B9 240ug60%
Vitamin B12 0.36ug15%
Vitamin C 13mg14%
Vitamin E 1.66mg11%
Vitamin K 120ug100%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 77mg6%
Copper, Cu 0.38mg0%
Iron, Fe 4.43mg40%
Magnesium, Mg 110mg27%
Phosphorus, P 590mg47%
Potassium, K 1240mg36%
Selenium, Se 44ug77%
Sodium, Na 320mg22%
Zinc, Zn 2.69mg24%
Water
Water 330g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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