Amazing Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot

If you’re like me, you dream of dinner being on the table fast without sacrificing that huge, comforting flavor. That’s why I’m so excited to share my absolute favorite weeknight lifesaver: the Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot. Seriously, this dish is magic because it tastes like you simmered it all day, but it’s ready in about 35 minutes total!

Hi there, I’m Anna, and as a passionate food lover, my mission is sharing simple and flavorful chicken recipes to make everyday cooking easier and more joyful for busy families. Over the years, I’ve tested hundreds of quick meals, and I only keep the ones that are foolproof, reliable, and always taste incredible. This Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot is at the top of that reliable list. It hits all the marks: tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and just the right warm spices to make everything sing. You absolutely need this recipe in your rotation!

Why You Need This Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot Recipe

I know you’re juggling a million things, so I only share recipes that truly simplify your evening routine while delivering big on taste. This incredibly satisfying Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot is the perfect answer for when you want something nourishing and exciting without the mountain of dishes afterward. It’s my go-to for getting a full, flavorful meal on the table fast.

• It’s ready in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for hectic weeknights.
• The combination of lentils and chicken provides great protein and fiber for a truly filling meal.
• You only dirty one single pan. Yes, just one!

Quick Prep and Minimal Cleanup

Since everything cooks together in the same pot, the cleanup is ridiculously fast. We’re talking about 10 minutes of chopping tops before you walk away while it simmers. This one-pot method means you spend less time scrubbing and more time relaxing, trust me on this one.

Flavor Profile and Comfort Factor

The flavor here is just gorgeous. That creamy coconut milk marries perfectly with the warm hug of turmeric, cumin, and coriander. It’s rich, savory, and comforting—like a warm blanket on a chilly evening, but it still feels bright thanks to that splash of lemon juice at the end. It’s pure comfort food, elevated.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot

To make this truly spectacular Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot, you need to focus on the quality of your spices and layering those flavors right from the start. Don’t worry about running to the store for a million things; the ingredient list is short, but every component pulls its weight. I’ve listed the exact amounts you’ll need in the recipe card above, but let’s talk about the stars of the show here.

Getting these elements right makes all the difference between a good curry and a truly memorable one. It’s all about building that base layer of flavor before the liquids even hit the pan!

Chicken and Aromatics

We’re using boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into nice, even 1-inch pieces. This size cooks quickly and evenly in the pot. For the sautéing, I prefer avocado oil because it has a high smoke point, which is perfect for getting that initial sear. You’ll need one small yellow onion, diced up small, and then get ready with the fresh stuff: minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Don’t skimp on the ginger; its brightness cuts through the richness of the coconut milk beautifully.

Spices for Depth of Flavor

This is where the magic happens! We’re using a mix of curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and a little kick from red pepper flakes. I always tell people that the single biggest flavor boost comes from “blooming” these spices—which just means cooking them in the hot oil for about 30 seconds before adding liquid. It wakes up all those essential oils and makes the whole house smell incredible. Remember to season with salt and pepper, too!

Liquids and Lentils

For the liquid base, we keep it simple but rich. Low-sodium chicken broth is my choice here so I can control the saltiness later. We use a full can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain them!) and, most importantly, a can of coconut milk. If you can swing it, use the full-fat coconut milk; it makes the curry wonderfully creamy, which is exactly what you want in this one-pot wonder.

Finally, the red lentils. Make sure you rinse them really well under cold water until the water runs clear before adding them in. They cook down fast, which is why this recipe is so quick!

Equipment Required for This Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot

Because this is the Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot, you don’t need a whole arsenal of pots and pans cluttering your cabinets. You just need one good, large, deep skillet or, even better, a Dutch oven. That’s it! You’ll also need a sturdy spoon for stirring and a good cutting board and knife for your prep work. See? Minimal fuss, maximum flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot

Now for the fun part! Putting it all together is so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made this Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot sooner. Just follow these steps, and dinner is served before you know it. Remember to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you turn on the heat!

Searing the Chicken and Blooming the Spices

First things first, get your big skillet or Dutch oven hot over medium-high heat and drizzle in that avocado oil. When it shimmers a bit, toss in your chicken pieces and the diced onion. You want to cook these for about four to five minutes, stirring now and then, until that chicken starts looking lightly browned on the outside. Don’t worry about it being cooked through yet!

Next, scrape in your minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook those for just 30 seconds—seriously, don’t walk away, or they’ll burn! Now, quickly add all your lovely spices: the curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together constantly for only 30 seconds. This is the blooming step, and it releases all the amazing flavor. You’ll smell the difference immediately!

Simmering the Curry Base

Time to get saucy! Pour in the chicken broth, the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all!), and the full can of coconut milk. Give that a good stir to mix everything up, then add in your rinsed red lentils. Bring the whole pot up to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Once it’s simmering nicely, immediately reduce the heat down to medium-low. Now, cook this uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes. This is important: stir it occasionally while it cooks down. The lentils need that stirring so they don’t stick to the bottom of the pot, which they love to do! Keep simmering until those lentils are nice and tender and the curry has thickened up beautifully.

Finishing and Resting the Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot

Once the lentils are soft, take the pot off the heat. Stir in that tablespoon of fresh lemon juice—it brightens everything up! Let it simmer for just one more minute, then kill the heat entirely. The final, crucial step for safety and tenderness is letting the curry rest, uncovered, for five whole minutes before you serve it. This allows the chicken to finish cooking gently in the residual heat. Always check the chicken with a thermometer to make sure it has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74°C) internally before anyone digs in!

Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot

Even though this Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot is super straightforward, sometimes things happen in the kitchen, right? Don’t panic if your curry seems a little too thick or if it needs a little extra something before it hits the bowls. A few quick adjustments at the end make sure it’s absolutely perfect every single time you make it.

Controlling Consistency

Red lentils are hungry little things, and sometimes they soak up all the liquid faster than you expect! If, during that 20 to 25 minute simmer time, you notice the curry is getting too thick or the lentils are sticking badly, just add a splash more chicken broth. A quarter cup at a time works perfectly. You want it thick, but still spoonable, not like solid cement!

Flavor Adjustments Before Serving

The spices are locked in once the lentils are tender, but the final seasoning is key. Always taste it right before you stir in that lemon juice. Does it need a little more salt? Maybe a tiny fresh grind of black pepper? This is your last chance to adjust the seasoning so that every bite of your Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot sings exactly the way you want it to.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot

Oh, you are in luck if you have leftovers of this Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot because it tastes even better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three or four days. When you are ready to eat it again, the best way to reheat it is slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. You might need to splash in just a tiny bit of water or broth because those lentils absorb moisture as they sit overnight. It reheats beautifully, honestly!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot Recipe

I get so many questions about this recipe because everyone loves how fast it comes together! Here are a few things people ask me most often when they are getting ready to make their first batch of this amazing Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot.

Can I Make This Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot Vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is so adaptable. If you want to skip the chicken, you have a couple of great options. You can swap the chicken out for about one 15-ounce can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained, added right in with the lentils in Step 5. Or, if you want more veggies, toss in about two cups of chopped sweet potato or cauliflower florets when you add the broth. They cook down beautifully with the lentils!

What Kind of Rice Pairs Best With This Dish?

There are no hard rules here, but I always lean toward something simple so the curry flavor can really shine. Fragrant Basmati rice is classic and cooks up light and fluffy, which contrasts nicely with the thick curry. If you prefer something heartier, brown rice works well, though you might need to add an extra half cup of broth during simmering since brown rice takes longer to cook.

How Long Do the Red Lentils Take to Cook Fully?

Because red lentils are split, they cook much faster than other varieties, which is why this is such a quick dish! Generally, you are looking at 20 to 25 minutes of simmering time on low heat. You’ll know they are done when they have completely broken down and thickened the sauce, and they are very tender when you test one.

Sharing Your Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot Experience

I truly hope this Chicken Red Lentil Coconut Curry One Pot brings some much-needed speed and flavor to your busy weeknights. If you try it out, please come back and let me know what you thought! Drop a rating below or leave a comment telling me how your family loved it. Your feedback means the world to me as I keep developing these simple, soulful recipes just for you! You can also follow along for more quick dinner ideas on Pinterest.

Print