Indulge in this creamy and hearty Mushroom Chicken Barley Risotto, a twist on the classic risotto made with tender chicken, nutty barley, and earthy mushrooms. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests with its rich and satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup barley
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer and keep it warm.
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
- Stir in the mushrooms and barley, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine and allow it to simmer until absorbed.
- Begin adding the warm chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed before adding the next ladle.
- Continue this process until the barley is cooked through and creamy, about 30 minutes.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Interesting Facts
Barley is a high-fiber grain that adds a chewy texture to this risotto.
Risotto is traditionally made with Arborio rice, but barley adds a nuttier flavor to the dish.
Mushrooms are a great source of umami, adding depth of flavor to this dish.