Quick Chicken and Barley Stew

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Quick Chicken and Barley Stew—a hearty, one-pot meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken, nutrient-packed vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion, and the wholesome goodness of pearl barley, all simmered to perfection in a rich chicken broth infused with tomatoes and a subtle hint of bay leaf. Ready in just 50 minutes, this stew brings full, robust flavor in a fraction of the time, making it an ideal option for a satisfying yet efficient meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness, and serve piping hot for a dish that’s as cozy as it is nourishing. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this stew is a filling and healthy option you’ll love!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, with juice
• 0.75 cup pearl barley
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Add them to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 3

Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Add the barley and bay leaf to the pot. Return the chicken breasts to the pot, submerging them in the liquid.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 8

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the stew and stir to combine.

Step 9

Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3026.3 grams (3026.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1858

Total Fat 47.60g	61%
Saturated Fat 9.60g	48%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 373mg	124%
Sodium 6359mg	276%
Total Carbohydrate 174.20g	63%
Dietary Fiber 38.80g	139%
Total Sugars 30.60g
Protein 181.80g	364%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 441mg	34%
Iron 14mg	79%
Potassium 3802mg	81%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.1%

Protein: 39.3%

Carbs: 37.6%