If you are looking for a high-protein meal then you should try this slow cooker chicken and lentil soup. It is also packed with lots of important vitamins, minerals, and fibers to keep you healthy. This soup is a calorie boost to keep you going. It is ideal for lazy and restless cooks who don't like to stay in the kitchen for long.
Why the slow cooker method of cooking is healthy
This style of cooking makes meat tender and helps to retain all its nutrients. You will notice that steam is created inside the pot as the lid remains tight on top throughout the cooking process. The slow cooker method is healthier than frying, baking, or other cooking styles. It is also a safer option for cooking food. You can store food cooked like this for a long time.
Ingredients
- Lentils – 1 pound dried, green or brown
- Chicken thighs or breasts– 6 ( approximately 24 ounces)
- Chicken stock – 64 ounces
- Rotel tomatoes – 1 10-oz can of chopped tomatoes
- Carrots – 1.5 cups diced
- Sofrito - quarter cup
- Seasoning – half teaspoon Adobo seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste; turmeric (optional)
Ingredients Explained
You may not be familiar with all the ingredients mentioned here. Also, you need to know why some of the ingredients are included in this dish. Here is a short explanation of all these.
Dried lentils
The reason you must use dried lentils is for a better texture of the soup. It won't take much extra time to cook compared to the pre-cooked lentils you get in the market. However, it will bring a great change to the texture and taste of the soup.
Chicken thighs
If you use chicken thighs for the soup, make sure you remove all the fat to make the soup healthier. Alternatively, you can use chicken breasts.
Rotel tomatoes
Rotel tomato is a mixture of sliced tomatoes with green chilies. It is juicy and at the same time spicy. It will jazz up your meal completely. If you don't find Rotel tomatoes then just use fresh tomatoes and green chilies to get a similar flavor.
Sofrito
It's a wonderful blend of tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and cilantro. It is used in many Puerto Rican dishes. You will get a burst of flavor when you add it to your soup. Use red or white onions, red or green bell pepper, a few cloves of garlic, cilantro, and a little extra virgin olive oil. Chop all the ingredients and put them in a food processor or blender to get a semi-smooth consistency. Make sure the ingredients do not form a paste; they must be chunky. Put the mixture in an airtight container and freeze it overnight. Then you can transfer it into a zip-lock bag and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Adobo seasoning
It is a common seasoning in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine. You mix salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and oregano in a mixer and get a blend of dry spices to boost the taste and smell of your soup.
How to make
It is one of the easiest recipes you will find. Just put everything in the slow cooker. First, cook on high heat for about 4 hours and then on low heat for 8 hours. Take out the chicken thighs or breasts and shred them with two forks. Put them back in the soup. Add seasoning and taste the soup for salt. You can serve the soup with cucumber and tomato salad. Alternatively, you can have a toasted bread or cracker with it.
Variations
You can add your favorite vegetables to it, like bell peppers and leafy greens. Instead of using Adobo seasoning, you can use other seasoning. If you want you can exclude the chicken. In such case, you will need less time to cook.
Storage
You can refrigerate this soup for up to 4 days. Before reheating, add some water so that the soup doesn't become too thick. It is better to heat it on the stove, rather than putting it in the microwave.
This protein-rich dish is a perfect lunch or dinner choice for the family. As it can be stored easily, you can quickly grab it before going to the office. The quantity of the soup will be enough to serve more people and store for later use. It's a delicious fat-free meal that you can cook easily in your slow cooker. Nutritious ingredients and healthy cooking methods make this soup a favorite choice for the health cautious people. If you don't have a slow cooker at home, then this super yummy chicken and lentil soup can be the reason to buy one.
