Irish Chicken Dhansak Flavorful and Simple Recipe

by Emily on March 31, 2025

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, we’re diving into a warm and tasty dish: Irish Chicken Dhansak. This recipe blends the rich flavors of chicken and lentils with vibrant spices that will make your taste buds dance. I promise it’s simple, even if you’re new to cooking. Get ready to explore fresh ingredients, easy steps, and tips that will help you serve a delicious meal anyone will love! Let’s get started!

$To make Irish Chicken Dhansak, you need a few simple ingredients. Each one contributes to the rich flavor of this dish. Here’s what you’ll need: - Chicken thighs and lentils - 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup red lentils, rinsed - Vegetables and spices - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece of ginger, grated - 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise - 1 teaspoon mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder - 2 teaspoons garam masala - 1 teaspoon coriander powder - 2 medium potatoes, diced - 1 carrot, diced - Salt to taste - 4 cups chicken stock - Garnishing ingredients - Fresh cilantro for garnish These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both hearty and comforting. Each spice adds depth, while the chicken and lentils provide protein and texture. The fresh cilantro on top gives a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy gathering these ingredients to start cooking this delightful meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heating oil and cooking spices Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for a few seconds. This step wakes up the spices and fills your kitchen with great smells. 2. Adding and cooking chicken Next, add 500g of boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes. Make sure it is no longer pink. Stir the chicken so it cooks evenly and soaks up the spices. 3. Incorporating lentils and vegetables Once the chicken is ready, add 1 cup of rinsed red lentils, 2 medium diced potatoes, and 1 diced carrot. Pour in 4 cups of chicken stock. Bring this mix to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This helps the lentils and veggies soften. 4. Final simmering and seasoning Cover the pot and let it cook for about 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally. The lentils should become soft, and the chicken should be fully cooked. Finally, season with salt to taste. If needed, simmer for an extra 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your warm, hearty dish! Ingredient freshness is key. Fresh chicken and spices make a big difference in taste. Always choose bright vegetables. They add color and flavor. Adjust spice levels to suit your taste. You can add more green chilies for heat or reduce them for mildness. Taste as you cook. This way, you can find the right balance. Perfect lentil texture is vital. Rinse the lentils well before cooking. This removes dust and helps them cook evenly. Stir them gently while they simmer. This prevents them from becoming mushy. Serve in deep bowls for a nice look. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color. It also adds a fresh taste. Pair with naan or rice. These sides soak up the tasty sauce. They make your meal more filling. You can also serve a green salad for crunch. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh herbs and spices for the best flavor in your Dhansak. It makes a significant difference in taste. Cooking Lentils: Rinse the lentils well before cooking to remove any impurities and achieve a smoother texture. Adjusting Spice Levels: Modify the number of green chilies based on your spice tolerance. You can also remove the seeds for a milder dish. Leftover Variations: Use leftover Dhansak as a filling for wraps or serve it with different types of bread for a tasty twist. {{image_2}} For your Irish Chicken Dhansak, feel free to play with the ingredients! - Alternatives for chicken: You can use turkey or firm tofu. Both options work well and keep the dish tasty. - Different lentil varieties: While red lentils are great, yellow or green lentils can also be used. Just check their cooking times, as they may need more time. - Adding other vegetables: Try adding bell peppers, peas, or spinach. They add color and nutrition to the dish. You can serve Irish Chicken Dhansak in many fun ways! - Ways to serve as a main dish: Serve it in deep bowls, topped with fresh cilantro. Pair it with naan or steamed rice for a hearty meal. - Incorporating into other meals: Use the leftovers for wraps or sandwiches. You can also turn it into a filling for tacos or quesadillas. To store your Irish Chicken Dhansak, let it cool to room temperature first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing. For freezing, use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn and keeps it tasty. You can freeze the dish for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, warm it on the stove until hot. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. Enjoy your meal without losing any flavor! Irish Chicken Dhansak blends Indian and Irish cooking styles. Dhansak comes from India, where it is a popular dish. It combines lentils and meat with spices. The Irish twist uses chicken thighs for a hearty meal. This dish reflects cultural flavors and creativity, making it unique. To make your Irish Chicken Dhansak spicier, add more green chilies. You can also use red chili powder for heat. For a milder dish, reduce the number of chilies. You can also omit the green chilies altogether. Adding coconut milk can cool the spice level, too, giving a nice balance. Yes, you can prepare Irish Chicken Dhansak ahead of time. Cook it fully and let it cool before storing. Place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last up to three days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This can enhance the flavors, making it even better! This blog post shared a simple way to make Irish Chicken Dhansak with chicken thighs, lentils, and fresh veggies. You learned important cooking tips, like using fresh ingredients and adjusting spice levels. I also covered how to store leftovers and freeze the dish. As you try this recipe, think about your own twists and flavors. Enjoy experimenting with ingredient swaps and presentations. Cooking is fun, and I hope you’ll love this dish as much as I do. Happy cooking!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Comforting Meal: This dish is a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy nights in.
Flavor Explosion: The blend of spices creates a rich and vibrant flavor profile that’s unforgettable.
Nutritious Ingredients: With chicken, lentils, and vegetables, it’s a healthy and balanced meal.
Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

To make Irish Chicken Dhansak, you need a few simple ingredients. Each one contributes to the rich flavor of this dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

List of Ingredients

– Chicken thighs and lentils

– 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

– 1 cup red lentils, rinsed

– Vegetables and spices

– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

– 1 large onion, finely chopped

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

– 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise

– 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

– 2 teaspoons garam masala

– 1 teaspoon coriander powder

– 2 medium potatoes, diced

– 1 carrot, diced

– Salt to taste

– 4 cups chicken stock

– Garnishing ingredients

– Fresh cilantro for garnish

These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both hearty and comforting. Each spice adds depth, while the chicken and lentils provide protein and texture. The fresh cilantro on top gives a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy gathering these ingredients to start cooking this delightful meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Heating oil and cooking spices

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for a few seconds. This step wakes up the spices and fills your kitchen with great smells.

2. Adding and cooking chicken

Next, add 500g of boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes. Make sure it is no longer pink. Stir the chicken so it cooks evenly and soaks up the spices.

3. Incorporating lentils and vegetables

Once the chicken is ready, add 1 cup of rinsed red lentils, 2 medium diced potatoes, and 1 diced carrot. Pour in 4 cups of chicken stock. Bring this mix to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This helps the lentils and veggies soften.

4. Final simmering and seasoning

Cover the pot and let it cook for about 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally. The lentils should become soft, and the chicken should be fully cooked. Finally, season with salt to taste. If needed, simmer for an extra 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your warm, hearty dish!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

Ingredient freshness is key. Fresh chicken and spices make a big difference in taste. Always choose bright vegetables. They add color and flavor.

Adjust spice levels to suit your taste. You can add more green chilies for heat or reduce them for mildness. Taste as you cook. This way, you can find the right balance.

Perfect lentil texture is vital. Rinse the lentils well before cooking. This removes dust and helps them cook evenly. Stir them gently while they simmer. This prevents them from becoming mushy.

Presentation Tips

Serve in deep bowls for a nice look. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color. It also adds a fresh taste.

Pair with naan or rice. These sides soak up the tasty sauce. They make your meal more filling. You can also serve a green salad for crunch.

Pro Tips

Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh herbs and spices for the best flavor in your Dhansak. It makes a significant difference in taste.
Cooking Lentils: Rinse the lentils well before cooking to remove any impurities and achieve a smoother texture.
Adjusting Spice Levels: Modify the number of green chilies based on your spice tolerance. You can also remove the seeds for a milder dish.
Leftover Variations: Use leftover Dhansak as a filling for wraps or serve it with different types of bread for a tasty twist.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

For your Irish Chicken Dhansak, feel free to play with the ingredients!

– Alternatives for chicken: You can use turkey or firm tofu. Both options work well and keep the dish tasty.

– Different lentil varieties: While red lentils are great, yellow or green lentils can also be used. Just check their cooking times, as they may need more time.

– Adding other vegetables: Try adding bell peppers, peas, or spinach. They add color and nutrition to the dish.

Other Serving Ideas

You can serve Irish Chicken Dhansak in many fun ways!

– Ways to serve as a main dish: Serve it in deep bowls, topped with fresh cilantro. Pair it with naan or steamed rice for a hearty meal.

– Incorporating into other meals: Use the leftovers for wraps or sandwiches. You can also turn it into a filling for tacos or quesadillas.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store your Irish Chicken Dhansak, let it cool to room temperature first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing.

Freezing Instructions

For freezing, use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn and keeps it tasty. You can freeze the dish for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, warm it on the stove until hot. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. Enjoy your meal without losing any flavor!

FAQs

What is the origin of Irish Chicken Dhansak?

Irish Chicken Dhansak blends Indian and Irish cooking styles. Dhansak comes from India, where it is a popular dish. It combines lentils and meat with spices. The Irish twist uses chicken thighs for a hearty meal. This dish reflects cultural flavors and creativity, making it unique.

How can I make it spicier or milder?

To make your Irish Chicken Dhansak spicier, add more green chilies. You can also use red chili powder for heat. For a milder dish, reduce the number of chilies. You can also omit the green chilies altogether. Adding coconut milk can cool the spice level, too, giving a nice balance.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Irish Chicken Dhansak ahead of time. Cook it fully and let it cool before storing. Place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last up to three days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This can enhance the flavors, making it even better!

This blog post shared a simple way to make Irish Chicken Dhansak with chicken thighs, lentils, and fresh veggies. You learned important cooking tips, like using fresh ingredients and adjusting spice levels. I also covered how to store leftovers and freeze the dish.

As you try this recipe, think about your own twists and flavors. Enjoy experimenting with ingredient swaps and presentations. Cooking is fun, and I hope you’ll love this dish as much as I do. Happy cookin

Irish Chicken Dhansak

A hearty and flavorful dish combining tender chicken and lentils with aromatic spices.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine Irish/Indian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

500 g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch piece of ginger, grated
2 pieces green chilies, slit lengthwise
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 cup red lentils, rinsed
4 cups chicken stock
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 medium carrot, diced
to taste salt
for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds; let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle in the turmeric powder, garam masala, and coriander powder. Mix well to coat the chicken with the spices.
Add the rinsed red lentils, diced potatoes, diced carrot, and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cover and cook for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and the chicken is cooked through.
Season with salt to taste and simmer for an additional 5 minutes if needed.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls, garnished with extra cilantro. Pair with naan bread or steamed rice.

Keyword chicken, dhansak, hearty, lentils, spicy