Chicken and Barley Stew

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

  1. Sauté the aromatics – In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened.
  2. Brown the chicken – Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
  3. Add garlic and seasoning – Stir in minced garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute.
  4. Pour in broth and barley – Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, and pearl barley. Stir well.
  5. 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.
  6. Adjust seasoning – Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf.
  7. 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!

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Chicken and Barley Stew

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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!

  • Author: Beth
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken pieces, season with a little salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, then sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in the garlic, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and bay leaf, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Simmer the Stew

  1. Add the barley, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (if using), and cooked chicken back into the pot.
  2. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer, covered, for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Check the barley—it should be tender but slightly chewy. Add more broth if needed to adjust consistency.

Step 3: Finishing Touches

  1. Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until wilted.
  2. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  3. 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.

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