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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot or Dutch oven and heat olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling cooking surface for the chicken.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Return the browned chicken to the pot and add barley, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes, creating a rich and hearty base for the stew.
- 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.
- Verify the barley’s texture – it should be tender yet retain a slight chewiness. Adjust liquid consistency by adding more broth if necessary.
- 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.
- Brighten the stew’s flavor profile with a splash of fresh lemon juice, cutting through the richness of the dish.
- 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