Cubed chicken breast keeps this chicken lentil soup recipe lean, but feel free to swap in chicken thighs for more flavor.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups chopped carrots
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped leek
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
5 cups chicken stock
1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
Directions
In a Dutch oven or stock pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add carrot, onion and leek, cook until tender, 7-10 minutes. Stir in chicken; cook until chicken is browned and no longer pink, 4-5 minutes.
Add garlic, salt, cumin, thyme, pepper, smoked paprika and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute longer. Add stock; bring to a simmer. Stir in lentils.
Cook, covered, until lentils have softened, 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.