Pioneer Woman Chicken Barley Stew

This easy Pioneer Woman Chicken Barley Stew is a hearty and nutritious meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With tender chicken, creamy barley, and flavorful veggies, it’s simple to make and full of comforting warmth. You can easily swap ingredients for what you have on hand, making it flexible for any occasion!

Ingredients Needed

• 4 tsp. Olive Oil, divided
• 1 lb. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, cut into ¾-inch pieces
• 1 tsp. Salt, divided
• 1 tsp. Ground Pepper, divided
• 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
• 2 Medium Carrots, cut into ½-inch slices
• 1 stalk Celery, cut into ½-inch dice
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. Dried Thyme
• 1 cup Pearl Barley
• 4 cups Chicken Broth (32 oz)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) Petite Diced Tomatoes
• ¼ cup Minced Flat-leaf Parsley

How To Make Chicken Barley Stew

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tsp. of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, ½ tsp. salt, and ½ tsp. ground pepper. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked, about 5 minutes, then transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same saucepan, heat the remaining 2 tsp. of olive oil. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
3. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and the remaining ½ tsp. salt and ½ tsp. ground pepper. Cook for 1 more minute.
4. Cook the Barley: Add the pearl barley, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 50–60 minutes, until the barley is tender.
5. Combine and Serve: Stir the cooked chicken and minced parsley into the stew. Serve hot and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Cook the Barley Thoroughly: Barley needs a good amount of time to cook, so make sure to simmer the stew for 50-60 minutes until the barley is tender for the best texture.
• Season Gradually: Don’t add all the salt and pepper at once. Seasoning in stages will help you control the flavors and prevent over-seasoning.
• Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh carrots, celery, and onions will add more flavor and texture than frozen ones.
• Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking the chicken, let it rest on the plate for a few minutes to lock in the juices and keep it moist.
• Stir Occasionally: Stir the stew occasionally to make sure the barley cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Let the leftover Chicken Barley Stew cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze leftover Chicken Barley Stew for up to 3 months. Once frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover Chicken Barley Stew on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot for 5 minutes. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

Nutrition fact

Serving Size: 1 cup (232g)

• Calories: 130
• Total Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 891mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 14g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 15g

More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman White Bean and Kale Soup
• Pioneer Woman Carrot Ginger Soup
• Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
• Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
• Pioneer Woman Vegetarian Enchilada Soup