As the cooler months settle in, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of a hearty stew to make you feel cozy and nourished. This Chicken Tenderloin and Mushroom Barley Stew is a delicious and easy-to-make option that will satisfy your cravings for comfort food while keeping you energized and full. Made in a slow cooker, this dish brings out the best flavors of chicken, earthy mushrooms, and wholesome barley, making it the perfect meal to come home to after a busy day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Slow Cooking: By using a slow cooker, this recipe combines the ease of a “set it and forget it” approach with deep, developed flavors, saving you time and allowing you to focus on other things while dinner cooks itself.
Wholesome Ingredients: With tender chicken, nutritious barley, and a variety of vegetables, this stew is packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a well-rounded meal for the whole family.
Rich, Comforting Flavor: Earthy mushrooms, a touch of Worcestershire sauce, and fragrant thyme bring a unique depth to the dish, while barley adds a delightful chewiness that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Tenderloin (1.5 lbs): Lean, tender, and full of protein, chicken tenderloin is easy to work with and perfect for slow-cooking.
Potatoes (1.5 lbs, diced): Yukon gold or russet potatoes add a creamy texture and a mild flavor that complements the stew.
Carrots, Onion, Celery: These classic soup vegetables bring a natural sweetness and crunch that balance out the dish.
Mushrooms (2 cups, sliced): Mushrooms provide an earthy, umami flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken and broth.
Garlic and Tomato Paste: These add an aromatic base and richness to the broth, enhancing the overall flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a touch of this sauce adds complexity with a hint of savory depth.
Pearl Barley (2/3 cup): Barley adds both texture and nutrition, absorbing the flavors of the stew as it cooks.
Herbs and Seasoning: Fresh thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper season the dish perfectly without overwhelming the other flavors.
Chicken Broth (6 cups): Use reduced-sodium broth to control the salt content, allowing the fresh ingredients to shine.

Cooking Instructions

Optional Step for Extra Flavor: To elevate the stew’s flavor, start by browning the chicken pieces. Heat 1 Tbsp of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken on both sides (1-2 minutes per side). This step is optional but recommended if you’re looking for a richer taste.
Combine Ingredients: Add the browned chicken (or raw chicken, if skipping the browning step) along with all other ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The slow cooking process will allow all the ingredients to meld together, creating a stew that’s full of flavor.
Finishing Touches: Before serving, remove the bay leaves and thyme stems. These herbs have already infused the stew with their aromatic essence.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot stew into bowls, and enjoy this comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.

Tips for the Perfect Stew

Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add or swap vegetables based on your preference—zucchini, bell peppers, or even parsnips would be wonderful additions.
Storage: This stew is excellent for leftovers. Store any remaining stew in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Pairing Suggestions: Serve this stew with a side of crusty bread, a simple green salad, or even a slice of cornbread for a complete meal.

Wrapping Up

This Chicken Tenderloin and Mushroom Barley Stew is an easy, comforting dish that fills your home with warmth and delicious aroma as it cooks. Each spoonful offers tender bites of chicken, savory mushrooms, chewy barley, and flavorful broth—a true delight that makes chilly days feel just a bit warmer. So, pull out your slow cooker and treat yourself to this hearty and wholesome stew.

Chicken Tenderloin and Mushroom Barley Stew

Author: Alice

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Description

Warm up with a delicious, hearty, and comforting Chicken Tenderloin and Mushroom Barley Stew. This delightful dish is packed with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and wholesome barley, all gently cooked together in the convenience of a slow cooker. Perfect for a cozy meal at home.

Ingredients

– 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1 inch pieces
– 1.5 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch pieces (Yukon gold or russets are preferred)
– 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
– 1 medium yellow or sweet onion, peeled and diced
– 2 ribs celery, sliced in half lengthwise, then cut into 1/2-1 inch pieces
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
– 2 Tbsp tomato paste
– 2 Tbsp better than bouillon chicken base (optional but recommended)
– 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 tsp kosher salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– 2 bay leaves
– 6 cups chicken broth or stock (reduced sodium)
– 2/3 cup pearl barley

Instructions

1. If desired, heat 1 Tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and brown for 1-2 minutes per side.
2. Add browned chicken and all remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
4. Remove bay leaves and thyme stems before serving.
5. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty stew.

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