As the autumn leaves begin to fall, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the table for a comforting, flavorful meal that brings the family together. Today, we’re diving into a bowl of heartwarming Crockpot Moroccan Chicken and Lentils. This dish embodies the essence of cozy family dinners with its robust blend of spices, tender chicken, and rich lentils, perfectly capturing the essence of Moroccan cuisine. Whether you’re looking to introduce your loved ones to new flavors or seeking a dish that simmers with warmth and creativity, this recipe is a must-try.
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low, 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Skill Level: Easy
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup dried green lentils
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, chop the carrot and red bell pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of your Crockpot. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, ground cumin, cinnamon, coriander, turmeric, ginger, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the lentils, diced onion, garlic, carrot, red bell pepper, and the entire can of diced tomatoes (undrained) on top of the chicken.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours, until the chicken and lentils are tender.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the golden raisins to the Crockpot and stir to combine.
- Once done, taste and adjust for seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the Moroccan Chicken and Lentils over a bed of couscous, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for an added zesty flavor. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- To save time, you can prep the vegetables and measure out the spices the night before.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, don’t hesitate to add more cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder.
- Feel free to use chickpeas instead of lentils if that’s what you have on hand; they work fabulously in this recipe.
- For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like sweet potatoes and zucchini.
- Leftovers are great and will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Pairings
- Side Dish: Serve with warm, fluffy couscous to soak up the rich sauce.
- Drink: Pair with a light, fruity white wine like a Riesling or a mint tea for a traditional touch.
- Dessert: Complete your meal with a serving of baklava or honey-drizzled yogurt with fresh fruit.
Conclusion
We hope this Crockpot Moroccan Chicken and Lentils becomes a new family favorite in your household. There’s nothing like the aroma of spices filling your home and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. If you try this recipe, please share your creations using #ZynahzRecipes or tag us on Instagram. We love seeing how you bring our recipes to life!
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