Heartwarming Chicken and Barley Stew Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty chicken and barley stew invites comfort on chilly evenings with its rich, warming embrace.

Cold nights demand something special from our kitchen repertoire.

My grandmother taught me this traditional recipe decades ago in her cozy Polish farmhouse.

Tender chicken pieces nestle between plump barley kernels, creating a deeply satisfying meal.

Aromatic herbs and root vegetables contribute layers of rustic flavor to this classic dish.

Robust ingredients meld together, promising a bowl filled with nourishment and warmth.

Grab a spoon and let this stew transport you to a place of culinary contentment.

Why Chicken And Barley Stew Fills You With Warmth

• Quick Weeknight Winner: This stew delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks looking for a satisfying meal that doesn't require hours of preparation.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort: Packed with protein from chicken, fiber-rich barley, and vitamins from vegetables, this one-pot wonder provides a balanced, wholesome dinner that keeps you full and nourished.
• Customize with Ease: Swap spinach for kale, adjust spices to your preference, or add extra vegetables – this flexible recipe welcomes creativity and suits different taste buds without complicated modifications.
• Budget-Friendly Cooking: Using affordable ingredients like chicken, barley, and common vegetables, this stew offers a cost-effective meal that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.

What You Need To Make Chicken And Barley Stew

• Chicken: Hearty protein that provides substantial texture and rich flavor to the stew. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work best.

• Barley: Robust grain that adds thickness and nutritional value. Pearl barley is recommended for quicker cooking and softer texture.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic flavor base that creates depth and sweetness. Fresh, firm vegetables are key for best results.
• Garlic: Adds intense, warm flavor to the stew. Fresh garlic cloves provide more robust taste than pre-minced options.

• Thyme, Oregano: Earthy herbs that complement chicken and enhance overall taste. Fresh herbs offer more vibrant flavor than dried.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides smoky, warm undertone to the dish. Spanish smoked paprika recommended for authentic flavor.
• Bay Leaf: Subtle herb that rounds out the stew's flavor profile. Remove before serving.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the stew's foundation and adds rich flavor. Low-sodium broth allows better seasoning control.
• Diced Tomatoes: Optional ingredient that adds acidity and moisture. Canned tomatoes work perfectly.

• Spinach or Kale: Adds fresh green color and nutritional boost. Choose tender, fresh leaves.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens and balances the stew's rich flavors. Fresh lemon is preferred.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding subtle flavor. Extra virgin olive oil recommended.

How To Simmer Chicken And Barley Stew

Step 1: Brown the Chicken and Wake Up Flavors

Grab a hefty pot and warm up some olive oil over medium-high heat. Sprinkle your chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper, then dance them around the pot until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Once they’re looking delicious, scoop them out and set aside.

• Chopped onions
• Diced carrots
• Sliced celery

• Minced garlic
• Fresh thyme
• Crumbled oregano
• Smoky paprika
• Bay leaf

Stir them around and let their aromas fill your kitchen for a minute.

Step 2: Create the Hearty Simmer

• Barley
• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes (optional)
• Browned chicken

Let everything bubble gently, then lower the heat and cover. Let this magical mixture simmer and mingle for 35-40 minutes. Give it an occasional stir and peek to make sure the barley is becoming tender but still has a little bite.

Step 3: Add the Final Magic

Toss in some leafy greens like spinach or kale and let them wilt into the stew. Squeeze a fresh lemon to brighten up all those rich flavors. Take a taste and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt and pepper if you’d like.

Your comforting stew is ready to warm hearts and bellies!

Tips To Enrich Chicken And Barley Stew Flavor

• Boost Protein Power: Swap chicken for lean turkey or add extra beans to increase protein content for muscle-building and dietary flexibility.
• Master Barley Texture: Rinse barley before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure a perfectly chewy, not mushy, consistency in your stew.
• Customize Vegetable Mix: Experiment with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or butternut squash to add more nutrition and variety to the dish.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast herbs and spices briefly before adding liquid to intensify their aromatic qualities and create a more complex taste profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This stew tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and let flavors meld overnight for an incredibly rich and satisfying meal.

Best Way To Store Chicken And Barley Stew

• Preserve your delectable chicken and barley stew by storing it in airtight containers.
• Refrigerate the stew for up to 4 days, keeping it fresh and ready for quick reheating.
• Cool the stew completely before transferring to sealed containers, preventing moisture buildup and maintaining optimal flavor.
• When freezing, portion the stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Frozen stew stays delicious for 2-3 months, providing a convenient meal option for busy days.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore the original consistency.
• Avoid repeated reheating to maintain the stew's texture and prevent potential bacterial growth.
• Ensure you always use clean utensils when handling stored stew to keep it safe and appetizing.

Sides That Go Great With Chicken And Barley Stew

• Craft a Robust Red Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Côtes du Rhône or Zinfandel that complements the hearty chicken and barley stew, balancing its rich flavors with smooth tannins and subtle fruit notes.
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Grab a warm, rustic sourdough loaf to soak up the stew's delicious broth, adding a tangy contrast and providing a satisfying textural element to the meal.
• Add Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top of the stew to introduce a bright, green freshness that cuts through the dish's deep, savory profile and adds a pop of color.
• Create a Crisp Side Salad: Toss together a light mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, comforting stew, offering a clean and vibrant palate cleanser.

Comforting Variations Of Chicken And Barley Stew

• Hearty Mediterranean Mix: Replace chicken with lamb, swap barley for quinoa, and add kalamata olives and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version that brings Mediterranean warmth to your table.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Incorporate diced green chiles, swap smoked paprika for chipotle powder, add black beans, and top with fresh cilantro to create a zesty southwestern-style stew that packs a flavor punch.
• Winter Root Veggie Boost: Enhance the stew with parsnips, turnips, and sweet potatoes alongside the existing vegetables, creating a robust and nutrient-dense meal perfect for cold weather comfort.
• Herbaceous Green Fusion: Upgrade the herb profile by adding fresh rosemary, increasing the thyme quantity, and stirring in chopped parsley at the end for a more complex, garden-fresh flavor profile.

FAQs On Chicken And Barley Stew

• Why use barley in this stew?

Barley adds incredible nutrition and a wonderful chewy texture to the stew. It’s packed with fiber, helps control blood sugar, and provides a hearty, satisfying element that makes the dish more filling and nutritious.

• Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! This stew works great with turkey, lean beef, or even plant-based protein like tofu. Just ensure you adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose to maintain the right tenderness.

• Is this stew healthy?

Yes! This stew is nutrient-dense and balanced. It contains lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from barley, and vitamins from vegetables like spinach, carrots, and celery. It’s a complete meal that supports overall wellness.

• How can I make this stew more flavorful?

Boost flavor by using fresh herbs instead of dried, adding a splash of white wine during cooking, or including a parmesan cheese rind while simmering. Toasting the barley briefly before adding liquid can also enhance its nutty taste.

Chicken And Barley Stew Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and barley stew brings rustic comfort from Italian kitchens with rich, warming flavors. Nestled with tender chicken, pearl barley, and aromatic herbs, this soul-satisfying dish will transport you to countryside warmth.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 carrots (sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 1 cup fresh spinach or kale (chopped, optional)

Cooking and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup pearl barley (rinsed and drained)
• 6 cups chicken broth (or more, as needed)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon 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. Prepare a large pot or Dutch oven and heat olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling cooking surface for the chicken.
2. Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot oil, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until each piece develops a golden-brown exterior, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer the browned chicken to a separate plate.
3. In the same pot, introduce additional olive oil and gently sauté onions, carrots, and celery until they soften and release their aromatic essence, about 5 minutes.
4. Incorporate garlic, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and bay leaf into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to prevent burning and allow the spices to bloom and intensify their flavors.
5. Return the browned chicken to the pot and add barley, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes, creating a rich and hearty base for the stew.
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and cover, allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld together for 35-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
7. Verify the barley’s texture – it should be tender yet retain a slight chewiness. Adjust liquid consistency by adding more broth if necessary.
8. Introduce fresh spinach or kale into the stew, allowing the greens to wilt gently for 2-3 minutes, adding a vibrant touch of color and nutrition.
9. Brighten the stew’s flavor profile with a splash of fresh lemon juice, cutting through the richness of the dish.
10. Perform a final taste test, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Notes

• Boost protein levels by adding extra chicken or swapping with lean turkey for a different flavor profile.
• Customize the stew’s thickness by adjusting chicken broth quantity, ensuring a perfect hearty or lighter consistency.
• Create a gluten-free version by replacing barley with quinoa or brown rice, maintaining the dish’s wholesome texture.
• Elevate nutrition by experimenting with seasonal vegetables like zucchini or sweet potatoes for added color and nutrients.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 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: 75 mg