Chicken And Barley Casserole
Savory chicken and barley casserole with a tomato‑wine base, fragrant onion, garlic, and celery—comforting, hearty, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, minced or chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup barley, rinsed ⓘ
- 3 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 6 to 8 chicken breasts (no bone) or use legs and thighs without skin ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion, garlic and celery in butter or oil on medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Add wine; bring to a boil and stir until wine evaporates.
- Add tomatoes, broth and barley; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt and pepper.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts. If you want a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference, and feel free to add additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. For a twist, try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the dish. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic knots for a complete meal. For a comforting experience, consider serving alongside a creamy dish like Cream Chicken Over Egg Noodles to round out your dinner table. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top can also add a nice touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. This casserole also freezes well; just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Barley Casserole contains roughly 664 calories, with 14g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value) and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1710mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken in this casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results. If using frozen chicken, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure it's fully cooked through.
What can I substitute for barley?
If you're looking for a substitute for barley, you can use quinoa or brown rice. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary; adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly for the best results.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking point, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).