Bourbon Baked Lentil Power Bowl

Directions

1. Preheat an oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large rondeau or Dutch oven, render bacon over medium-high heat until browned and crispy.
3. Add onion and garlic and sauté until translucent and aromatic.
4. Add water, BBQ sauce, sugar, ketchup, molasses, bourbon, mustard, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil then, reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add lentils, cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Bake for roughly 3 hours, stirring every 45 minutes. Add more water if the dish gets too dry.
6. Remove lid and increase oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) for the last hour.
7. Remove from oven and thin with water if desired. Fold through the shredded chicken and set aside for the bowl build.
8. To plate this dish, prepare a base of rice and pour a spoonful of baked lentil and chicken mixture to the side. Top with lettuce, corn, peppers, almonds, and a drizzle of ranch.