Recipe: Chicken and Lentil Slow Cooker Stew

This hearty slow cooker stew makes for an easy weeknight dinner. Simply add all the ingredients into your slow cooker, give it a good stir, and cook on high for four hours or on low for eight hours. The leftovers are great for lunch the next day. This stew is loaded with protein, fiber, iron, and potassium. Serve with a colorful garden salad. 

Prep time: 15 minutes 
Cook time: 4 hours 
Total time: 4 hours, 15 minutes 
Serves: 8 

Ingredients 

• 2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast, cubed
• 16 ounces brown lentils, sorted and picked over, rinsed
• 32 ounces low-sodium chicken stock
• 15 ounces low-sodium chopped tomatoes
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 3 medium stalks celery, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon dried ground cayenne (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste 

Instructions 

1. Combine all ingredients in a large slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
2. Cook on high for four hours or on low for eight hours. Stir well again.
3. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve.