Rustic Chicken and Barley Stew Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Cold winter nights call for a comforting hearty chicken and barley stew that warms you from the inside out.

Packed with tender chicken, wholesome grains, and rich vegetables, this stew delivers deep, satisfying flavors in every spoonful.

Barley adds a delightful chewy texture that makes this dish both nutritious and filling.

Aromatic herbs and slow-simmered broth create a robust base that elevates this classic comfort meal.

Each bite promises a hearty blend of protein and vegetables that feels like a warm embrace.

Home cooks will love how simple yet delicious this stew comes together with minimal effort.

Serve this soul-nourishing meal and watch as smiles spread around the dinner table.

Steps To Make Chicken And Barley Stew

• Kickstart the Flavor Base

Brown chicken pieces in a pot with olive oil, creating a golden crust that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing. Scoop out the chicken and toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery, letting them dance and soften. Sprinkle in garlic and spices, awakening a symphony of aromas that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

• Build the Hearty Stew

Return the chicken to the pot and pour in broth and diced tomatoes. Let everything bubble gently, transforming into a rich, comforting meal. Stir in barley and let it simmer, absorbing all the delicious flavors while becoming perfectly tender. Watch for a thick, inviting consistency that promises warmth in every spoonful.

• Final Magic Touch

Gently fold in fresh greens like spinach or kale, letting them wilt into the stew. Squeeze a bit of lemon to brighten the entire dish, adding a surprise twist that elevates the flavor. Give it a quick taste and adjust seasonings until it sings with deliciousness. Serve hot and watch everyone fall in love with this soul-warming creation.

Cooking Tips For Chicken And Barley Stew

• Stove-to-Oven Magic: Transfer the stew to an oven-safe Dutch oven after initial sautéing and simmer at 350°F for more even, gentle cooking that develops deeper flavors.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with lean turkey, white fish, or plant-based protein like tofu for diverse dietary needs while maintaining the stew's hearty texture and nutritional profile.
• Grain-Free Alternative: Substitute barley with cauliflower rice, diced zucchini, or quinoa for low-carb, gluten-free, or paleo-friendly versions without compromising the dish's comforting essence.
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Double the recipe and freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick, nutritious meal is always ready when time is tight or meal prep feels overwhelming.
• Spice Adventure: Experiment with global flavor profiles by adding harissa for North African heat, garam masala for Indian warmth, or smoked chipotle for a southwestern twist that transforms the classic stew into an exciting culinary journey.

Ways To Serve Chicken And Barley Stew

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty stew in deep ceramic bowls to showcase its rich colors and textures.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Pair with crusty sourdough or whole grain bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Fresh Green Garnish: Top with chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions to add brightness and a pop of color to the dish.
• Winter Wellness Bowl: Enjoy as a complete meal packed with protein and vegetables, perfect for cold nights and boosting immunity.

Store Chicken And Barley Stew For Later

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare a double portion of this stew, storing extra batches in airtight containers for quick weekday meals that stay fresh up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion cooled stew into individual freezer containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. These meals will maintain excellent quality for 2-3 months, offering convenient future dining options.
• Ingredient Freshness Tip: Store uncooked barley in a cool, dark pantry space inside sealed containers. Properly stored, dry barley remains stable for 12-18 months, ensuring consistent quality for multiple cooking sessions.
• Leftover Transformation: Revive refrigerated stew by adding a splash of fresh chicken broth when reheating. Gently warm on stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore original texture and prevent bottom burning. Microwave works well with careful stirring, maintaining moisture and flavor integrity.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything In Chicken And Barley Stew

• Chicken: Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, flavorful meat that absorbs the stew's rich spices perfectly.
• Bay Leaf: Adds subtle depth and aromatic complexity to enhance the chicken's natural flavor profile.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic mirepoix blend creates a robust, savory foundation with sweet and earthy undertones.
• Garlic: Brings intense, pungent flavor that complements the hearty chicken and adds nutritional boost.
• Spinach or Kale: Introduces vibrant green color, fresh texture, and nutrient-dense leafy goodness to the stew.

• Barley: Wholesome grain that provides hearty texture, nutty flavor, and excellent nutritional value with high fiber content.
• Chicken Broth: Provides rich, savory liquid base that intensifies overall taste and ensures perfect stew consistency.
• Diced Tomatoes: Optional ingredient that adds tangy brightness and subtle acidity to balance the stew's richness.
• Thyme, Oregano, Smoked Paprika: Aromatic herbs and spices that create complex, layered flavor profile with warm, earthy notes.
• Olive Oil: Healthy cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and develop deep, caramelized flavors.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic finish that elevates and balances the stew's deep, comforting flavors.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and harmonize all ingredients' natural tastes.

Gear Needed For Chicken And Barley Stew

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for sautéing chicken and creating the stew base, with enough space to simmer ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and chicken cutting.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and oil.
• Measuring Cup: Useful for measuring broth and checking liquid levels.
• Colander: Optional for rinsing barley before cooking.

Hearty Chicken And Barley Stew Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and barley stew delivers comfort from French countryside kitchens with robust flavor profiles. Rich ingredients blend perfectly for satisfying meals that nourish you deeply.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (700g) 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 fresh spinach or kale (chopped, optional)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 cup pearl barley (rinsed and drained)
• 6 cups chicken broth (or more, as needed)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 0.5 lemon juice
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Crusty bread (for dipping, optional)

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Instructions

1. Searing Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high temperature. Brown chicken pieces on all sides, seasoning with salt and pepper, until a golden crust forms (5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
2. Aromatic Vegetable Base: In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and bay leaf, stirring to release their vibrant flavors and prevent burning.
3. Assembling the Stew: Reintroduce browned chicken to the pot. Pour in barley, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes, creating a robust foundation for the dish.
4. Simmering Process: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and cover. Allow ingredients to simmer and integrate for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Finishing Touches: Check barley for tender yet slightly chewy consistency. Add fresh spinach or kale, letting greens wilt for 2-3 minutes. Splash with fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor profile. Conduct a final seasoning adjustment, balancing salt and pepper to perfection.

Notes

• Enhance Chicken Browning: Pat chicken pieces dry before searing to achieve a deeper golden-brown crust, ensuring maximum flavor development and preventing soggy meat.
• Barley Cooking Precision: Monitor barley’s absorption rate carefully; different varieties might require slight liquid adjustments to maintain ideal texture without becoming mushy.
• Vegetable Layering Technique: Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and balanced flavor distribution throughout the stew.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for vegetarian version; use gluten-free barley alternatives like quinoa for gluten-sensitive individuals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg