Main course

Chicken, Leek and Pearl Barley Stew

Tender chicken thighs, sweet leeks and nutty pearl barley in one pot. Hearty, plain and good.

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  • Time1 hr 15
  • LevelEasy
  • Costabout £2.60 a head

Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.

4 servings

Ingredients

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Method

  1. 1

    Heat the oil in a large casserole. Brown the chicken for 5 minutes, then lift it out onto a plate.

    5 min
  2. 2

    Add the leeks, carrots and celery to the pan. Cook for 8 minutes until soft.

    8 min
  3. 3

    Stir in the barley, water, bay leaves and thyme. Return the chicken and bring to the boil.

  4. 4

    Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring now and then, until the barley is tender and the stew has thickened.

    45 min
  5. 5

    Stir in the lemon juice and a good grind of black pepper. Remove the bay leaves.

  6. 6

    Scatter with parsley and serve in deep bowls.

Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.

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