Schmaltzy lentils with chicken, olives & lemon
A cozy and flavorful one-pan dish combining golden chicken thighs, earthy lentils, briny olives, and zesty lemon for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs (bone-in, skin-on): 6 pieces. These provide rich flavor and render schmaltz as they cook.
- Brown or Green Lentils: 1 cup, rinsed. Earthy and hearty, they absorb all the juices and flavors.
- Yellow Onion: 1 large, finely chopped. Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized.
- Garlic Cloves: 4, minced. Infuses the dish with savory warmth.
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced. Adds a hint of sweetness and color.
- Celery Stalks: 2, chopped. Lends aromatic base flavor for the lentils.
- Chicken Broth: 3 cups. Keeps everything juicy and flavorful while the lentils cook.
- Bay Leaf: 1. Adds subtle herbal aroma.
- Fresh Thyme: 1 tablespoon, chopped. Bright herbal notes to lighten the dish.
- Green Olives (pitted): ½ cup. Adds briny contrast that cuts through the richness.
- Lemon Zest: From 1 lemon. Fresh citrus note that ties everything together.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Helps start the browning and soften vegetables if needed.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until hot.
- Combine Ingredients: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down in the pan and cook until the skin is deep golden and crispy (about 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of fat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 6–8 minutes until soft and golden.
- Assemble the Dish: Stir in lentils, thyme, bay leaf, and broth. Nestle chicken thighs (skin-side up) into the mixture. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30–35 minutes, or until lentils are tender and chicken is fully cooked.
- Finishing Touches: Remove bay leaf. Stir in olives and lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon into bowls and serve warm with a slice of rustic bread or over rice if desired.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for maximum flavor and schmaltz rendering.
- Taste before seasoning with extra salt due to the brininess of the olives.
- Let the dish rest before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
- Perfect for meal prep—flavors deepen beautifully overnight.
Find it online: https://tastyze.com/schmaltzy-lentils-with-chicken-olives-lemon/