Recipe: Chicken and Barley Stew
Description: Dive into the comforting warmth of this hearty Chicken and Barley Stew, a wholesome dish perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a nourishing meal. Made with tender chicken breast, wholesome barley, and an array of aromatic vegetables and herbs, this stew is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and deliciousness.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | boneless skinless chicken breasts |
| 1/2 | cup barley |
| 5 | stalks celery |
| 1 | large carrot |
| 2 | onions |
| 1 | clove garlic |
| 1 | teaspoon dried basil |
| 1 | teaspoon dried thyme |
| 1/2 | cup fresh parsley |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 284
- Fat Content: 5.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 46.8mg
- Sodium Content: 531mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 33.8g
- Fiber Content: 5.6g
- Sugar Content: 7.7g
- Protein Content: 23.7g
Instructions:
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Begin by gathering all the ingredients needed for the stew, ensuring everything is washed, chopped, and ready to go.
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In a large stockpot, combine the chicken breasts, barley, celery, carrots, onions, minced garlic, dried basil, and dried thyme.
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Fill the pot with enough water to cover the ingredients completely, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot loosely with a lid, and let the stew simmer gently for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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After the stew has simmered, use tongs to carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Place them on a cutting board and slice them into bite-sized pieces.
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Return the sliced chicken to the pot, stirring well to incorporate it back into the stew. Let the stew simmer for an additional 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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While the stew finishes simmering, finely chop the fresh parsley.
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Just before serving, swirl a generous handful of chopped parsley into each bowl of stew for a vibrant burst of flavor and color.
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Ladle the hot stew into bowls and serve immediately, accompanied by crusty bread or your favorite side dish.
Cooking Tips:
- Feel free to customize this stew by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs. Mushrooms, peas, or spinach would all be delicious additions.
- For a thicker stew, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer-term storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Chicken and Barley Stew, a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion! 🍲
