Herb-Infused Chicken and Barley Casserole
Warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds with this delicious Herb-Infused Chicken and Barley Casserole. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this wholesome dish combines tender skinless chicken thighs with pearl barley, vegetables, and fragrant herbs, baked to perfection. The hearty grains soak up the savory flavors, making each bite a delight. Share this comforting casserole with family and friends, and enjoy a balanced meal that's both nourishing and flavorful.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 cup (N/A)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
carrot
3/4 cup (chopped)
pearl barley
1/2 cup (uncooked)
instant chicken bouillon granules
1 1/2 teaspoons (N/A)
dried parsley
1 teaspoon (N/A)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
skinless chicken thighs
1 - 1 1/4 lbs (N/A)
salt
to taste (N/A)
black pepper
to taste (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, chopped onion, chopped carrot, uncooked pearl barley, instant chicken bouillon granules, dried parsley, minced garlic, and poultry seasoning.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the barley begins to soften.
3
While the barley mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
4
Once the barley has simmered, transfer the hot mixture to an ungreased 2-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5
Place the skinless chicken thighs on top of the barley mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
6
Generously sprinkle the chicken with salt and black pepper to taste.
7
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.
8
Check for doneness; the chicken should be no longer pink in the center, and the barley should be tender. If needed, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
9
Once fully cooked, remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Chicken and Barley Casserole?
It is a wholesome, baked one-dish meal combining skinless chicken thighs, pearl barley, carrots, and onions, all flavored with aromatic herbs and garlic.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for skinless chicken thighs, which remain tender and juicy during the baking process.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out faster than thighs.
What kind of barley should I use?
This recipe uses uncooked pearl barley, which has a pleasant chewy texture and absorbs the flavors of the broth.
Do I need to cook the barley before putting it in the oven?
The barley is simmered in a saucepan with water and vegetables for 10 minutes before being transferred to the baking dish.
How long does this casserole take to bake?
The casserole takes approximately 30 to 35 minutes in the oven, or until the chicken is no longer pink and the barley is tender.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before placing the casserole inside.
Which vegetables are included in this dish?
This recipe includes chopped onions and chopped carrots as the primary vegetables.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! You could easily add celery, peas, or bell peppers to the mixture during the simmering phase.
What herbs are used for the infusion?
The dish is seasoned with dried parsley, minced garlic, and poultry seasoning.
What is poultry seasoning?
Poultry seasoning is typically a blend of herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and black pepper.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What size baking dish do I need?
An ungreased 2-quart baking dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
Should the baking dish be covered in the oven?
Yes, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and help the barley cook.
How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is no longer pink in the center or reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What if the barley is still hard after the suggested baking time?
If the barley is not yet tender, bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes while keeping the dish covered.
Can I substitute the water and bouillon?
Yes, you can replace the 1 cup of water and 1.5 teaspoons of bouillon with 1 cup of chicken broth.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a balanced meal featuring lean protein and fiber-rich pearl barley.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried?
Yes, if using fresh parsley, triple the amount (use 1 tablespoon) to achieve a similar flavor profile.
Is this dish gluten-free?
No, barley contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you would need to substitute the barley with a grain like rice.
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
Yes, but you will need to increase the baking time significantly to ensure the meat is cooked through.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through; you may need to add a splash of water to keep the barley moist.
Can I use quick-cooking barley instead?
If using quick-cooking barley, you should reduce the simmering time and check the casserole earlier during the baking stage.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
No, the recipe specifies using an ungreased baking dish.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, you can substitute 2 minced garlic cloves with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What side dishes go well with this casserole?
A light green salad, steamed green beans, or crusty whole-grain bread complement this dish perfectly.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can simmer the barley mixture and assemble the dish ahead of time, then refrigerate and bake when ready; add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests adding salt and pepper to taste; usually, a pinch of each over the chicken thighs is sufficient.