If you own a slow cooker, you know it’s probably the most convenient and versatile device ever created. (And it’s the perfect way to make great-tasting meals without being in the kitchen for hours!) Tonight, enjoy our slow-cooked chicken and lentil chili, a nutritious dish that’s hearty, healthy and full of budget-friendly veggies.

RD Tip: You’ll notice that we don’t add the tomato sauce until the beans have had some time to cook. This is because adding dried black beans to the slow cooker at the same time as an acidic ingredient (tomato sauce) can prevent the beans from ever fully softening.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 8 hours, 15 minutes

Slow Cooker Chicken and Lentil Chili

Ingredients

• 1 medium (110g) onion, chopped
• 2 cups (255g) chopped carrots
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb. (455g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 cup (190g) dried brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup (190g) dried black beans, rinsed
• 4 cups (960g) no-salt-added, fat-free chicken broth (certified gluten-free if necessary)
• 1 8 oz.can (227g) no-salt-added tomato sauce
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 1/2 tbsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (120g) reduced-fat sour cream
• 1/2 cup (57g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves (or more to taste)

Directions

Coat slow cooker with cooking spray. Place onion, carrots and garlic in the bottom. Top with chicken, lentils and black beans. Stir in broth, chili powder, cumin and salt.

Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, adding the tomato sauce during the last hour or so of cooking.  Stir before serving. Top each serving with 1 tbsp sour cream and 1 tbsp cheese. Garnish with a few fresh cilantro leaves per serving.

Serves: 8 |  Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups 

Nutrition (Per serving): Calories: 339; Total Fat: 7g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 40mg; Sodium: 419mg; Carbohydrate: 42g; Dietary Fiber: 14g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 28g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 1036mg; Iron: 28%; Vitamin A: 130%; Vitamin C: 10%; Calcium: 16%

Originally published October 19, 2016; Updated May 2026

The post Slow Cooker Chicken and Lentil Chili appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Your slow cooker is an ally in the kitchen, especially when you crave a comforting, satisfying stew where red lentils are fall-apart tender, and the vegetables are soft as butter. A little curry spice keeps it interesting. Plus, it’s loaded with fiber and high quality plant-based protein.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 5 hrs 15min (cooked on high) 8hrs 15min (cooked on low)

Slow Cooker Turmeric Lentil Stew

Ingredients

• 1 cup (192g) dry red lentils
• 1 cup (128g) chopped carrot
• 2 cups (214g) chopped cauliflower
• 1 large onion (150g), chopped
• 4 cups (960g) low-sodium vegetable stock or water
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 2 cups (134g) kale, chopped

Directions

In a slow cooker, combine red lentils, carrots, cauliflower, onion, vegetable stock, curry powder, and salt. Cover tightly and turn the cooker to high. Cook on high for 5 hours or low for 8 hours.

When the time is up, remove the lid and stir. The lentils should be falling apart. Stir in the kale, cover, and let stand for about five minutes to soften the kale.

Serve hot, or cool completely and portion into containers to refrigerate, tightly covered, for up to 4 days.

Serves 4 | Serving size: 1 1/4 cup

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 223; Total Fat: 2g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 154mg; Carbohydrate: 41g; Dietary Fiber: 9g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 14g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 742mg; Iron: 24%; Vitamin A: 307%; Vitamin C: 69%; Calcium: 9%

Originally published November 13, 2018; Updated May 2026

The post Slow Cooker Curry Lentil Stew appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Grilling peaches makes them extra juicy and sweet, providing a perfect counterpoint to grilled chicken and earthy French lentils in this warm, main course salad. Dark green French lentils hold their shape while cooking, which makes them ideal for salads. Find them in the bulk section of the supermarket.

 Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Grilled Chicken, Lentil and Peach Salad

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (95g) French green lentils (lentils du puy)
• 3 cups (720g) water 
• 3/4 tsp salt, divided
• 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp shallots, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 (6 oz./170g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 large (175g)  peaches, halved and pitted
• 1/2 cup (12g) loosely packed mint leaves, torn
• 1/2 cup (12g) loosely packed basil leaves, torn

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine the lentils with 3 cups (720g) water and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until the lentils are just tender, about 25 minutes. Drain. 

While the lentils are cooking, preheat a grill over medium heat (350°–450°F or 177°–232°C).

 In a medium bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 tsp salt, oil, shallots, vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic, and pepper.

Transfer 4 tbsp of the dressing to another bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes. Set the remaining dressing aside for serving.

 Place the chicken and peach halves (cut side down) on the grill. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes per side, or until it reaches 165°F (74°C). Grill the peaches for about 5 minutes, until lightly charred and softened.

Transfer the chicken and peaches to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice the chicken and cut the peaches into bite-size pieces.

Divide the warm lentils among 4 plates. Arrange the chicken and peaches over the top, then sprinkle with mint and basil. Drizzle each salad with 1 1/2 tbsp of the remaining dressing and serve warm.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1/4 of the lentils, 1 chicken breast, 1/2 peach, 1/4 cup herbs, 1 1/2 tablespoons dressing

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 490; Total Fat: 15g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 8g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 145mg; Sodium: 617mg; Carbohydrate: 27g; Dietary Fiber: 8g; Sugar: 12g; Protein: 59g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 640mg; Iron: 15%; Vitamin A: 13%; Calcium: 5%

Originally published July 2018; Updated May 2026

The post Grilled Chicken, Lentil and Peach Salad appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.