Recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken and Barley Stew

This slow cooker chicken recipe is fast and easy to put together in the morning, and simmers all day long. The cooking time is forgiving, so don't worry if you're stuck in traffic on your way home. This slow cooker chicken recipe is so easy and flavorful, you'll be making it all winter long. To save money, buy a whole chicken and cut it up yourself into parts. Italian Food Guide Kyle Phillips has a step-by-step tutorial on how to cut up a chicken.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Ingredients:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 medium carrots (about 12 ounces total), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick coins
• 4 stalks celery (about 6 ounces total), sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
• 4 small potatoes (about 1 pound total), peeled and quartered into 1-inch cubes
• One whole chicken (about 4 pounds) in parts: 2 each breasts and thighs, bones and skin removed, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 cup pearled barley
• 32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth or stock
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 tablespoons fresh thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper

Preparation:

1. In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, chicken parts, barley, chicken broth, thyme and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

2. Cook on low setting for 6 to 8 hours, until chicken is cooked through and barley is tender. Or, cook on high setting for 1 hour, then reduce to low setting for 3 to 4 hours. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serves 6 to 8.

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