Moroccan Chicken and Lentils Recipe

Moroccan Chicken and Lentils Recipe

  • 8 cups water
  • 3 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 1 pound dried brown lentils, rinsed, drained
  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons ground cumin, divided
  • 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 1/2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast halves, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
  1. Combine 8 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt in heavy large saucepan over high heat. Add lentils; bring to boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and simmer until lentils are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain well; rinse with cold water and drain again. Place in large bowl.
  2. Whisk 1 cup olive oil, vinegar, 2 tablespoons cumin, 2 tablespoons chili powder, garlic, and 1 teaspoon salt in large measuring cup. Pour 1 cup dressing over warm lentils and toss. Cool.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large skillet over high heat. Add onion; sauté until dark brown and soft, about 5 minutes. Add chicken; sauté 2 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon cumin, 2 teaspoons chili powder, and cinnamon. Sauté until chicken is cooked through, about 3 minutes longer.
  4. Arrange lentils on large platter. Place sliced chicken atop lentils. Drizzle with remaining dressing and sprinkle with parsley. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)