Chicken, Mushroom and Barley One-Pot
In short: Chicken thighs, mushrooms and pearl barley simmered together in thyme-scented stock until the grains turn plump and the broth thickens. It takes about 1 h 25 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 1 h 10 min
- Total
- 1 h 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 500 kcal
Pearl barley is a cheap, chewy grain that soaks up stock and turns a pot of chicken and mushrooms into a filling meal. The barley releases starch as it cooks, so the broth thickens by itself into something between a soup and a stew. Thighs stay tender through the long simmer, and mushrooms add an earthy depth. It is cold-weather food that reheats well, and one pot feeds the family for two days.
Instructions
- Season the chicken with half the salt. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat and brown the chicken in two batches, about 3 minutes per side. Move it to a plate.
- Add the remaining oil and the mushrooms to the pot. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and their liquid has gone.
- Add the onion, carrots and celery and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste for 1 minute.
- Add the barley and stir to coat. Pour in the stock, then add the thyme, bay leaves and the remaining salt, scraping up the browned bits.
- Return the chicken, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring now and then, until the barley is tender and the chicken reads 74°C (165°F).
- Remove the thyme stems and bay leaves. Stir in the lemon juice, taste for salt and thin with hot water if the pot is too thick. Serve with parsley.
Tips
- Barley keeps absorbing liquid as it sits, so keep hot water or stock nearby to loosen leftovers when you reheat them.
- Hulled barley has more fiber, but it needs 20 minutes longer and an extra 250 ml (1 cup) of stock.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between pearl and hulled barley?
Pearl barley has the outer bran removed, so it cooks faster and gives a softer texture. Hulled barley is chewier, higher in fiber and takes about 20 minutes longer.
Can I freeze chicken and barley stew?
Yes, for up to 3 months. The barley softens a little after freezing, so cook it slightly firm if you plan to freeze it.
Is barley gluten-free?
No, barley contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, use 200 g (1 cup) of brown rice and cook it for 40 minutes.
How long does it take to make Chicken, Mushroom and Barley One-Pot?
About 1 h 25 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 1 h 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Chicken, Mushroom and Barley One-Pot?
About 500 kcal per serving, with 38 g of protein, 47 g of carbohydrates and 18 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 500 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 47 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 1000 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
