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Easy

Baked Chicken with Lentils

A happy combination of chicken, lentils and herbs. The dish is easy, economical and close to fail-safe. Serve alone or with bread and butter.

KeyChicken. Use a whole chicken cut into four large parts. Or just thighs. Or just drumsticks. Or a mixture. In other words, use whatever parts of the chicken you have. Trim excess fat; remove skin if you wish.

KeyLentils. Select common green or brown lentils (red lentils will turn to mush). Inspect lentils carefully for seeds, stones, etc., and then rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt.

KeyOven-proof pot. Choose a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid that can be used both on the stovetop and in the oven.

Total time about 90 minutes. Serves 4.

SHOPPING LIST:
  • Carrots
  • Bay leaf
  • Marjoram
  • Thyme or savory
  • Optional: Rosemary, cinnamon, sweet paprika
  • Fresh parsley
  • Chicken
  • Bacon
  • Chicken stock
  • Green or brown lentils

1
On stove top over medium heat, brown chicken pieces—about 5 minutes on each side. Set aside cooked pieces on plate covered with paper towels.
  • 1 tablespoon canola or other heat-tolerant oil
  • 2-3 pounds chicken (see above)
2
In same pot, fry until bacon renders fat and begins to brown
  • 4-5 strips bacon, chopped
3
Add and cook gently a few minutes until onions begin to turn translucent
  • 1 medium to large onion, sliced
  • 2-3 carrots, sliced in 1/4" rounds
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, chopped

4
Stir in
  • about 1 quart (32oz) chicken stock
  • 1 lb dry lentils (see above)
  • 1-2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 5-6 fresh parsley sprigs (chopped optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp dry marjoram
  • 1/2 tsp dry thyme or savory
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp dry rosemary leaves, minced
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
5
Place chicken on top of lentil mixture, then cover and cook in preheated 375-degree oven for 40-50 minutes. Remove from oven and let pot rest 5-10 minutes before lifting cover.
  • Browned chicken pieces
  • Sprinkle with fresh ground black pepper
  • Optional: sprinkle with sweet paprika


    To serve
  • Scoop lentils on plates with chicken alongside or on top.
  • Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.

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