Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chicken and Barley Comfort Stew?
It is a hearty, soul-warming dish that combines tender chicken, wholesome barley, and a medley of vegetables simmered in rich chicken stock with aromatic herbs.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this stew?
Each serving contains 163 calories.
What are the main ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include boneless skinless chicken breasts, raw barley, chicken stock, celery, carrots, onion, garlic, dried basil, dried thyme, and fresh parsley.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into large pieces.
How much chicken stock is required?
You will need 5 cups of chicken stock for this stew.
Can I use bouillon cubes instead of prepared stock?
Yes, you can use bouillon cubes mixed with water if desired.
How much barley is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of raw barley.
Do I need to prepare the barley before cooking?
Yes, the raw barley should be rinsed before adding it to the pot.
What vegetables are included in the stew?
The stew includes 1 stalk of celery, 2 medium carrots, and 1 medium onion, all chopped.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe uses 1 minced clove of garlic.
What dried herbs are added for flavor?
The dish is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How is the fresh parsley used?
Two teaspoons of minced fresh parsley are used; half is added at the start of cooking and the remaining half is swirled in just before serving.
What kind of pot should I use?
A large stock pot is recommended for preparing this stew.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Combine the chicken, barley, stock, chopped vegetables, garlic, dried herbs, and half of the fresh parsley in a large stock pot.
At what heat should the mixture be boiled?
The mixture should be brought to a boil over medium-high heat.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
Yes, once boiling, cover the pot loosely with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
How long does the stew need to simmer initially?
The stew should simmer gently for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Do I need to stir the stew while it cooks?
Yes, you should stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the pot.
When do I slice the chicken?
After the initial 75-minute simmer, remove the chicken from the pot and slice it into bite-sized pieces before returning it to the stew.
How long is the final simmering stage?
After returning the sliced chicken to the pot, simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 4g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 19g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 14g of protein.
What should I serve with this stew?
It is recommended to serve this stew with crusty bread or your favorite side dish.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a one-pot dish.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken stew, barley stew, comfort food, hearty meal, one-pot dish, family dinner, and soup.
How many total ingredients are used?
The recipe uses 10 specific ingredients.
Is this a nutritious meal choice?
Yes, the recipe is described as a nourishing choice and tagged as nutritious.
What is the total estimated cooking time?
The total simmering time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, plus the time needed to bring the pot to a boil.