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Schmaltzy Lentils with Chicken, Olives & Lemon

Schmaltzy Lentils with Chicken, Olives & Lemon
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Schmaltzy Lentils with Chicken, Olives & Lemon is a comforting and vibrant dish featuring juicy chicken thighs cooked in their own rendered fat, hearty brown or green lentils, briny Kalamata olives, and bright lemon zest and juice. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of rich, savory, and zesty flavors with a satisfying mix of textures, ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Protein

  • 4 skin-on chicken thighs

Lentils and Vegetables

  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Flavors and Seasonings

  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)

Liquids and Oils

  • 3 cups chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and cook for 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan with the rendered chicken fat, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir occasionally and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, forming the flavorful base of the dish.
  3. Cook the Lentils: Add rinsed lentils to the pan with the aromatics, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
  4. Add Chicken Back and Olives: Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the lentils. Stir in the chopped Kalamata olives. Cover and cook on low heat for another 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
  5. Finish with Lemon and Herbs: Just before serving, stir in fresh lemon juice and zest to brighten the dish. Sprinkle chopped parsley or thyme on top for a fresh, herbal touch that enhances the savory and zesty flavors.

Notes

  • Use skin-on chicken thighs for the best schmaltz and flavor.
  • Do not overcook lentils to keep them firm and avoid mushiness.
  • Add lemon juice gradually to balance the brightness without overpowering the dish.
  • Deglaze the pan well after cooking chicken to incorporate flavorful browned bits into the dish.
  • Allow chicken to rest before serving to redistribute juices and keep the meat tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken lentils, schmaltz recipe, Mediterranean chicken, healthy chicken dish, lentils with chicken, gluten free dinner, lemon chicken olives

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/schmaltzy-lentils-with-chicken-olives-lemon/