Chicken and barley stew is a comforting, hearty dish packed with tender chicken, wholesome barley, and flavorful vegetables. This stew is perfect for cold nights, offering a rich, savory broth that warms you from the inside out. With its simple ingredients and one-pot preparation, it’s an easy and satisfying meal for the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and filling – Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
- One-pot meal – Easy to make and minimizes cleanup.
- Great for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day!
- Customizable – Easily swap ingredients to suit your taste.
- Comforting and hearty – A warm, satisfying dish perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, diced
- Pearl barley
- Onion, chopped
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Chicken broth
- Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Bay leaf
- Dried thyme
- Dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Sauté the aromatics – In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened.
- Brown the chicken – Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
- Add garlic and seasoning – Stir in minced garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute.
- Pour in broth and barley – Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, and pearl barley. Stir well.
- Simmer – Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the stew has thickened.
- Adjust seasoning – Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf.
- Serve – Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
- Vegetarian Option – Swap the chicken for chickpeas or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
- Creamy Style – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer texture.
- Different Grains – Replace barley with farro, brown rice, or quinoa for variety.
- Lemon Herb Twist – Add lemon zest and extra fresh herbs for a brighter flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding extra broth if needed to loosen the stew.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Add shredded rotisserie chicken in the last 10 minutes of cooking to heat through.
Do I need to soak the barley before cooking?
No, pearl barley does not require soaking, but rinsing it before use helps remove excess starch.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the barley is tender.
What can I serve with chicken and barley stew?
It pairs well with crusty bread, cornbread, or a side salad.
Can I make this stew gluten-free?
Barley contains gluten, so substitute with brown rice or quinoa for a gluten-free version.
How do I thicken the stew?
If the stew is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender, but chicken breasts work well too.
Can I add potatoes to this stew?
Yes! Diced potatoes can be added for extra heartiness.
How long does barley take to cook?
Pearl barley takes about 40-45 minutes to become tender.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
Conclusion
Chicken and barley stew is a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and full of rich flavors. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this stew is a comforting dish that only gets better over time. Try it out and enjoy a warm, nourishing bowl of goodness!
PrintChicken and Barley Stew
This Chicken and Barley Stew is a hearty, comforting, and nutritious dish, packed with tender chicken, wholesome barley, and vibrant vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for cold days or when you need a healthy, one-pot meal, this stew is both flavorful and satisfying!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
- Category: Soup, Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food, Healthy
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 1 cup pearl barley (rinsed and drained)
- 6 cups chicken broth (or more, as needed)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra warmth)
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale (chopped, optional for added greens)
- Juice of ½ a lemon (for brightness, optional)
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
- Crusty bread (for dipping, optional but recommended!)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken & Aromatics
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, season with a little salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, then sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and bay leaf, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the Stew
- Add the barley, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (if using), and cooked chicken back into the pot.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer, covered, for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check the barley—it should be tender but slightly chewy. Add more broth if needed to adjust consistency.
Step 3: Finishing Touches
- Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until wilted.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve with crusty bread for the ultimate cozy meal!
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap barley for brown rice or quinoa.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer texture.
- Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.