Boondocking Budget Lentil Curry One Pot Meal (Grilled Chicken Option)
This smoky, one-pot lentil curry is the ultimate boondocking meal, but we’re taking it up a notch with a simple grilled chicken breast on the side. Imagine tender, juicy chicken with light char marks from your charcoal grill, served over a rich, budget-friendly lentil curry. It’s the perfect combo of hearty comfort food and that irresistible smoky flavor you crave from outdoor cooking.
Whether you’re camping off-grid or just want an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is beginner-friendly. We’ll use a gas grill or charcoal grill for the chicken while the curry simmers away in one pot. It’s a complete meal with minimal cleanup – exactly what you need for a simple, satisfying dinner.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Lentil Curry:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Grilled Chicken (Optional):
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Start the curry: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, curry powder, and cumin; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add lentils and liquids: Stir in red lentils, diced tomatoes (with juices), and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender and curry has thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your grill: While the curry simmers, preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). If using a charcoal grill, arrange coals for direct heat and let them burn until covered with white ash.
- Prepare the chicken: Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This adds a lovely smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the curry.
- Grill the chicken: Place chicken on the grill grates. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You’ll get beautiful grill marks and juicy, tender meat.
- Rest and serve: Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice it. Serve over a bowl of lentil curry. Enjoy your BBQ recipe with a camping twist!
Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken & Curry
- Avoid dry chicken: Don’t overcook! Use a meat thermometer to nail 165°F. For extra juiciness, brine the chicken for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Get perfect grill marks: Place chicken at a 45-degree angle on the grates. After 3-4 minutes, rotate 90 degrees for crosshatch marks.
- Control heat zones: On a charcoal grill, push coals to one side for a two-zone fire. Sear chicken over direct heat, then move to indirect to finish cooking.
- Marinade timing: If you have time, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and spices for 2-4 hours for deeper flavor.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Version: Add 1-2 chopped chili peppers or a teaspoon of cayenne to the curry.
- BBQ Sauce Version: Brush the grilled chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes of grilling for a sticky glaze.
- Healthy Version: Use coconut milk instead of broth for a richer curry, or add extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers.
- Smoky Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the curry and use smoked paprika on the chicken.
- International Flavor: Swap curry powder for garam masala and add a dollop of yogurt on top for an Indian-inspired twist.
Storage Instructions
Leftover lentil curry can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water to loosen it.
Grilled chicken should be stored separately. Wrap in foil or place in a container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat without drying, place in a covered skillet with a little broth or water over low heat, or microwave at 50% power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a gas grill instead of charcoal?
Absolutely! A gas grill is convenient and easy to control. Just preheat to medium-high and follow the same grilling times. You’ll still get great flavor, though you might miss a bit of that deep smoky flavor from charcoal.
How long do I grill chicken breast for?
Depending on thickness, grill chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Always check the internal temperature – it should reach 165°F for safe eating.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the grilled chicken and enjoy the lentil curry on its own. It’s packed with plant-based protein and is delicious with rice or naan.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! You can cook the chicken in a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. It won’t have the same char, but it’ll still be tasty.
How do I get more smoky flavor without a smoker?
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke to both the chicken and the curry. You can also use wood chips on your charcoal grill for an authentic BBQ taste.
