Chermoula chicken on braised lentils

Savor the delightful flavors of Chermoula Chicken on Braised Lentils. This mouthwatering recipe features a succulent 3 lb whole chicken marinated in a zesty blend of ground cumin, dried coriander, paprika, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Paired with braised lentils, cherry tomatoes, onion, and leek simmered in rich chicken gravy, and garnished with fresh coriander leaves and parsley, it promises a wholesome, aromatic meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy a hearty dish that's both nutritious and packed with Mediterranean-inspired taste!

  • 18 Feb 2025
  • Cook time 100 min
  • Prep time 20 min
  • 8 Servings
  • 13 Ingredients

Chermoula chicken on braised lentils

Treat yourself to a flavorful and hearty meal with this Chermoula Chicken on Braised Lentils recipe. The combination of aromatic spices and tender chicken, served over a bed of nutritious lentils, is sure to please your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.

Ingredients:

3 lb whole chicken
1360g
2 tbsp olive oil
27g
1 onion
160g
1 leek
180g
1 cup cherry tomatoes
180g
1.50 cup canned lentils
300g
2 cups chicken gravy
400g
2 tsp ground cumin
6g
1 tsp dried coriander
5g
1 tsp paprika
5g
1/2 cup coriander leaves
8g
1/2 cup fresh parsley
30g
1/3 cup lemon juice
63g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chermoula Marinade:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the coriander leaves, fresh parsley, ground cumin, dried coriander, paprika, and lemon juice. Blend until you have a smooth paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
- Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag and coat it thoroughly with the chermoula marinade. Make sure to get the marinade under the skin and inside the cavity as well. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator, for best flavor.
3. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Sear the Chicken:
- In a large oven-safe skillet or roasting pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and sear it on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
5. Prepare the Lentils:
- In the same skillet or roasting pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and sliced leek until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Stir in the drained and rinsed lentils. Pour in the chicken gravy and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Bake the Chicken:
- Place the seared chicken on top of the lentil mixture in the skillet or roasting pan. Transfer the entire pan to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
- Serve the carved chermoula chicken on a bed of the braised lentils, garnishing with extra fresh coriander and parsley leaves if desired.

Tips:

- Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked by using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

- You can use either brown or green lentils for this recipe, but make sure they are pre-cooked or canned for convenience.

- Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference. Add more paprika or cumin if you enjoy a stronger spice kick.

- For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in the chermoula mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking.

- Serve with a side of crusty bread or a light salad to round out the meal.

Enjoy this delightful Chermoula Chicken on Braised Lentils as a wholesome and delicious meal. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and comforting textures. Don't forget to garnish with fresh coriander and parsley for an extra burst of freshness.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size340 grams
Energy
Calories 610kcal31%
Protein
Protein 50g33%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 18g5%
Fiber 4.60g12%
Sugar 3.83g4%
Fat
Fat 40g48%
Saturated 11g36%
Cholesterol 150mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 240ug27%
Choline 130mg23%
Vitamin B1 0.23mg19%
Vitamin B2 0.43mg33%
Vitamin B3 12mg78%
Vitamin B6 0.66mg39%
Vitamin B9 110ug28%
Vitamin B12 0.46ug19%
Vitamin C 20mg22%
Vitamin E 1.16mg8%
Vitamin K 100ug79%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 90mg7%
Copper, Cu 0.31mg35%
Iron, Fe 5mg50%
Magnesium, Mg 70mg17%
Phosphorus, P 370mg30%
Potassium, K 740mg22%
Selenium, Se 40ug73%
Sodium, Na 350mg24%
Zinc, Zn 4.59mg42%
Water
Water 230g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

More recipes

Tilapia, pepper, asparagus and egg stir-fry

Ready in minutes for a delicious and balanced meal.

24 Jan 2025

Chicken spinach quesadillas

Try it today and indulge in a cheesy, savory delight.

21 Apr 2025

Spicy barbecued fish

Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it's the ideal dish for a summer barbecue or a family dinner.

18 Mar 2025

Cucumber, mint & feta salad

Rejuvenate your taste buds with this easy-to-make, Mediterranean-inspired salad that's ideal for warm weather dining.

15 Mar 2025

Chicken with orange and feta salad

Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a quick and delicious meal that will delight your taste buds and nourish your body.

07 Mar 2025

Soy-glazed salmon with rice

Perfect for a nutritious and delicious meal.

28 Feb 2025

Pumpkin & red onion tarte tatin

Try this hearty, sweet, and savory dish today.

20 Mar 2025

Creamy fish pie

Perfect for a cozy meal with a gourmet touch.

24 Mar 2025

Posts