Baked Chicken And Lentils
A comforting baked chicken and lentils dish featuring hearty flavors from sausage, vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, perfect for a wholesome family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 3-quart casserole, combine dry lentils, sliced carrots, chopped onion, instant chicken bouillon granules, bay leaves, salt, poultry seasonings, and pepper.
- Add hot water to the casserole and stir gently to mix.
- Place the chicken or chicken breasts on top of the mixture.
- Sprinkle the bulk Italian sausage over the top if desired.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding garlic or celery to the vegetable mix. If you don't have bulk Italian sausage, substituting with ground turkey or chicken sausage can lighten the dish while still providing great taste. Be sure to rinse the lentils before adding them to remove any debris, which ensures a cleaner final dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley can enhance the flavors. For heartier sides, consider serving with crusty bread or a side of rice to soak up the delicious broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Chicken And Lentils contains roughly 459 calories, with 37g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (74% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), and potassium (38% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2770mg per serving (120% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lentil and vegetable mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the chicken and sausage before baking to ensure it's fresh and tender. This can save time on busy weeknights.
What can I substitute for lentils?
If you don't have lentils, you can use canned beans like chickpeas or black beans as an alternative. Keep in mind that this will change the cooking time, so adjust accordingly to ensure everything is heated through.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. If you don't have one, ensure the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).