Why This Stew is Perfect for the Post-Holiday Reset

After a season of indulgent meals and sugary treats, your body craves balance. This stew is a one-pot wonder that’s not only easy to prepare but also brimming with ingredients to help you feel your best:

1. Supports Gut Health
   The combination of lentils and butternut squash provides a rich source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and supports a balanced gut microbiome. This is particularly important after consuming heavy holiday foods that can disrupt your system.
2. Packed with Immune-Boosting Nutrients
   With the colder months in full swing, staying healthy is a priority. The garlic, ginger, and turmeric in this recipe are known for their immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to ward off seasonal illnesses.
3. Sustained Energy for Busy Days
   The mix of complex carbohydrates from sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and lentils, along with lean protein from chicken, offers long-lasting energy. Whether you’re tackling a post-holiday to-do list or simply relaxing, this stew keeps you full and energized without the crash.
4. Stress-Reducing Ingredients
   Curry spices like turmeric and cumin are known for their calming properties and ability to reduce inflammation, which can be heightened during stressful times. The fragrant coconut milk adds a creamy, indulgent touch while providing healthy fats for brain and hormone health.

Why Slow Cooker Meals Are a Game-Changer

Between wrapping up the year and prepping for the next, time is a precious commodity. The beauty of this stew lies in its simplicity:

• Minimal Effort, Big Flavor: Toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it do the work.
• Hands-Free Cooking: Spend your time doing what matters most—whether that’s connecting with loved ones, reflecting on the year, or simply relaxing.
• Meal Prep Made Easy: This stew stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. Enjoy leftovers as a quick, healthy lunch or dinner option.

Serve It Your Way

While this stew is delicious on its own, you can customize it to fit your preferences. Pair it with warm, whole-grain bread or a side of fluffy basmati rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and a pop of color.

A Bowl Full of Nourishment and Comfort

As you close out the year, let this Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken Lentil Stew be a part of your reset. It’s not just a meal; it’s an act of self-care, helping you transition into the new year feeling nourished, balanced, and ready to take on what’s ahead.

Looking for more inspiration to eat well and live well as the new year begins? Stay tuned for more nourishing recipes and wellness tips to kick off 2025 with your healthiest self!

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Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken Lentil Stew

Cozy up with this Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken Lentil Stew, a nourishing blend of tender chicken, hearty lentils, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a fragrant coconut curry broth—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Packed with warming spices and rich flavors, this easy recipe is a comforting, nutrient-dense dinner that satisfies.

Course dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword chicken curry with lentils, chicken lentil stew recipe, chicken stew with vegetables, coconut curry chicken stew, coconut curry slow cooker recipe, coconut milk curry stew, curry chicken and lentil stew, curry lentil stew, easy slow cooker curry, gluten-free slow cooker recipes, healthy slow cooker stew, hearty curry stew, slow cooker coconut curry chicken lentil stew, slow cooker curry recipes, slow cooker meal prep recipes

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 8 hours hours

Total Time 8 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 423kcal

Equipment

• slow cooker
• cutting board
• knife
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• mixing spoon
• Ladle

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (or turkey breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup dried brown or green lentils rinsed
• 1 can 13.5 oz full-fat coconut milk
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth low-sodium
• 1 large sweet potato peeled and diced
• 1 carrot peeled and sliced
• 1 cup butternut squash peeled and cubed
• 1 onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder optional for heat
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

• Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker.
• Add the lentils, sweet potato, carrot, butternut squash, onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder.
• Pour in the coconut milk and broth, stirring to combine.
• Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked, and the vegetables and lentils are tender.
• Optional Instructions for Red Lentils:
• If using red lentils instead of brown or green, add them during the last 1-2 hours of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
• Once the stew is done, squeeze the juice of one lime into the pot and stir for added brightness.
• Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with a side of warm, whole-grain bread or naan if desired.

Video

Notes

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 423

Fat: 16.5g

Protein: 34g

Carbohydrates: 52g