High Protein Chicken, Chickpea & Lentils Curry

Nourishing Curry Delight

If you're looking for a hearty, flavourful meal that's as good for your body as it is for your taste buds, this protein-rich curry has you covered. Packed with lean chicken, fibre-filled chickpeas, and iron-rich lentils, it’s a wholesome blend of plant and animal proteins that will leave you feeling full and energised. Infused with warming spices and finished with a touch of greens, this curry strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and clean eating. Ideal for meal prep or a cosy dinner, it’s one of those dishes you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Serves 4 | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min

Ingredients:

Protein Base:

• Skinless chicken breast or thigh, diced - 400g (~14 oz / about 2 large breasts)

• Chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1 tin (400g) (15 oz can)

• Red lentils (dry), rinsed - 100g (½ cup)
  
  

Veg & Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced - (or 1½ tsp pre-minced garlic)

• Fresh ginger, grated - 1 tbsp (or 1 tbsp ginger paste)

• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped - (or 1 tin / 14 oz can chopped tomatoes)

• 1 green chilli, finely chopped (optional) - (or ¼–½ tsp chilli flakes)

• Spinach or kale - 100g (3–4 cups loosely packed)

• Fresh coriander to garnish aka cilantro – (a handful)
  
  

Spices:

• Cumin seeds - 1 tsp

• Ground turmeric - 1½ tsp

• Garam masala - 2 tsp

• Ground coriander - 1 tsp

• Paprika - 1 tsp

• Salt & pepper to taste
  
  

Other:

• Olive or coconut oil - 15ml (1 tbsp)

• Low-sodium chicken or veg stock - 500ml (2 cups)

• Juice of ½ lemon or lime - (or 1 tbsp bottled juice)

• Optional: Low-fat Greek yoghurt or coconut yoghurt - 30 ml (2 tbsp )
  
  

How to Make Chicken, Chickpea & Lentil Curry (Step-by-Step)

1. Sauté aromatics
   Heat oil in a large pan. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds. Add onion, cook until golden (5–7 mins). Stir in garlic, ginger, and chilli for 2 mins.

2. Cook the chicken
   Add chicken, season, and brown on all sides.

3. Spice it up
   Add turmeric, garam masala, coriander, and paprika. Stir to coat.

4. Add lentils & tomatoes
   Stir in lentils and tomatoes. Cook 2–3 mins.

5. Simmer
   Add stock. Bring to boil, then simmer covered for 20 mins, stirring now and then.

6. Add chickpeas & greens
   Stir in chickpeas and spinach/kale. Simmer 5–10 mins until soft and wilted.

7. Finish
   Add lemon/lime juice, adjust seasoning. Stir in yoghurt if using.

8. Serve
   Pair with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.

Tips for the Best Flavor and Texture

Want your curry to taste rich, layered, and perfectly balanced? These tips will help you elevate every bite:

• Sauté your aromatics well. Take time to cook down the onions, garlic, and ginger until golden and fragrant—this builds the flavor foundation.

• Toast the spices. Briefly cooking your spices in oil or with the aromatics helps unlock their full aroma and depth.

• Brown the chicken. Searing the chicken before simmering adds an extra layer of savory richness.

• Add lentils at the right time. Red lentils cook quickly—add them mid-way to avoid them turning mushy.

• Simmer low and slow. Letting the curry gently simmer helps the flavors meld and thickens the sauce naturally.

• Adjust the consistency. If it gets too thick, stir in a bit of broth or coconut milk to loosen it up.

✅ Taste and adjust salt, heat, or acidity right before serving to dial in the balance.

How to Store & Reheat

This curry is even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep!

• To Store: Let the curry cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.

• To Freeze: Portion into individual freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

• To Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. For quicker reheating, microwave in 60-second intervals until hot.

✅ Stir well while reheating to maintain that creamy, hearty texture.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty curry pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try these serving ideas to round out the meal:

• Steamed basmati or jasmine rice – for soaking up every bit of that flavorful sauce.

• Warm naan or flatbread – perfect for scooping and dipping.

• Cauliflower rice – a lighter, low-carb option.

• Cucumber raita or plain Greek yogurt – to cool down the spice and add creaminess.

• Fresh herbs – chopped cilantro, mint, or parsley for a vibrant finish.

• A squeeze of lime or lemon – adds brightness and balance to the rich curry base.

✅ For extra fiber and nutrients, serve with a side of sautéed greens or a simple salad.

Nutrition Info & Macros (Per Serving)

Nourishing Curry

Hearty, protein-rich meal with spices and wholesome ingredients.

This protein-rich curry is a game changer! Hearty, flavorful, and packed with goodness. Perfect for meal prep and always satisfying. Highly recommend!

Max W.

★★★★★