Chicken Barley Stew
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Introduction
If you’re searching for a warm, hearty, and flavorful dish to make on a chilly evening, look no further than Chicken Barley Stew. This comforting recipe, brimming with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, is perfect for satisfying your hunger and warming your soul. Made with tender chicken, healthy vegetables, and nutty barley, this stew is a delight for your taste buds and is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– ½ yellow onion, diced
– 2 stalks celery, sliced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– ½ teaspoon dried thyme
– ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
– ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 6 cups chicken stock
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Prep Time
This Chicken Barley Stew is surprisingly easy to prepare, needing just 15 minutes of prep time. Chopping vegetables and chicken, along with gathering all the ingredients, will leave you ready to cook this delicious dish effortlessly.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cook time for this stew is about 40 minutes, allowing all ingredients to simmer together and develop their rich flavors. In total, this recipe takes approximately 55 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner. This recipe yields four servings, ensuring everyone at the table gets a generous portion of this delicious, warming stew.
Recipe and More
To make this Chicken Barley Stew, start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned, then remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, sauté onion, celery, and carrots until softened, followed by garlic. Stir in the spices and barley, ensuring everything is coated in delicious seasonings. Pour in the chicken stock, return the chicken to the pot, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, allowing the barley to cook and soak up the rich flavors. Serve bowls of the stew garnished with chopped parsley.
This Chicken Barley Stew is as nourishing as it is flavorful, packing healthy ingredients and savory goodness in every bite. The combination of pearl barley, vegetables, and chicken creates a dish that’s not only satisfying but also full of texture. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or even a small gathering, this recipe is sure to become a household staple.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, seasoned with a little salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same pot, add the onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to avoid burning the garlic.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Barley
Pour in the chicken broth and add the barley to the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken with the Soup
Return the cooked chicken thighs to the pot. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Add Bay Leaf
Add the bay leaf to the pot for additional flavor. Check for seasoning, and add more salt and pepper if needed. Stir gently.
Step 6: Simmer Until Barley is Tender
Simmer the stew for about 30-40 minutes more, until the barley is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 7: Remove Chicken and Shred
Remove the chicken thighs from the pot onto a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Discard any bones if present.
Step 8: Return Shredded Chicken to the Stew
Add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Mix well and let the stew simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 9: Serve
Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy while warm.
Notes
Note 1: Additional Adjustments
If the stew becomes too thick, simply add more chicken broth until the desired consistency is reached.
Note 2: Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Note 3: Substitution Options
You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs if preferred. However, thighs tend to be more flavorful and remain tender during cooking.
Note 4: Barley Variations
Pearled barley is typically used in this recipe, but hulled barley can also work. Note that hulled barley takes longer to cook.
Note 5: Freezing Suggestions
This stew freezes well. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Cook Techniques
Searing the Chicken
Sear the chicken thighs in the pot before adding other ingredients. This step locks in the flavor and provides a better texture for the stew.
Layering Flavors
Start by sautéing the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots before combining other ingredients. This helps develop a deep, rich flavor profile for the stew.
Simmering for Perfect Texture
Allow the stew to simmer slowly once all ingredients are combined. This ensures that the barley absorbs the flavors and provides a hearty consistency.
Using Fresh Herbs
Adding fresh herbs like thyme and parsley toward the end of cooking brightens the flavor of the stew.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast, but the thighs tend to provide a richer and juicier texture for the stew.
Is it possible to make this stew gluten-free?
Barley contains gluten, so for a gluten-free version, you can replace barley with a gluten-free grain like quinoa or rice.
How long can I store this stew?
The stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the stew?
Yes, you can freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost and reheat on low heat for best results.
What can I use instead of chicken stock?
If you don’t have chicken stock, vegetable stock or even water with bouillon cubes can be used as a substitute.
Can I make this stew vegetarian?
Yes, simply skip the chicken and use vegetable stock. You can add more vegetables or chickpeas for extra heartiness.
How do I prevent the barley from becoming mushy?
To ensure the barley doesn’t turn mushy, monitor the simmering process and avoid overcooking. Add the barley based on the cooking times provided for the recipe.
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Conclusion
This Chicken Barley Stew is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days. It’s a wonderful combination of tender chicken, wholesome barley, and a medley of flavorful vegetables that come together to create a nutritious and satisfying meal. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or a cozy option for meal prepping, this stew is sure to impress with its rich flavors and comforting warmth.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Barley Soup
For a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken with your favorite hearty vegetables like potatoes or squash and enhance the broth with herbs for a simple yet deeply satisfying soup.
Beef Barley Stew
Replace the chicken with tender chunks of beef for a heartier option that pairs beautifully with the chewy texture of barley.
Chicken and Rice Soup
If you’re looking for something similar but lighter, try substituting the barley with rice for a more delicate soup option.
Mediterranean Barley Salad
Use cooked barley in a refreshing cold salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives for a completely different way to enjoy this nutritious grain.
Chicken and Lentil Stew
Experiment with lentils as an alternative to barley, combining them with chicken and a similar mix of vegetables for another filling, protein-packed dish.
