Chicken and Barley Chili

Warm up your weeknight dinners with this hearty and wholesome Chicken and Barley Chili, a delicious spin on classic chili that’s packed with protein, fiber, and bold flavors. Tender chunks of diced chicken breast, creamy black beans, and nutty pearl barley come together in a rich tomato base infused with smoky chipotle, warming cumin, and a hint of smoked paprika. This one-pot wonder simmers to perfection in just 45 minutes, making it a satisfying and time-efficient meal for busy evenings. Perfectly balanced with a medley of diced vegetables and topped with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream, this dish is as visually inviting as it is tasty. Ideal for meal prep or cozy gatherings, this chili is a comforting, nutrient-packed option that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 8 ounces canned tomato sauce
• 15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 0.75 cups pearl barley
• 1 pepper chipotle pepper in adobo, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cups cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 0.5 cups shredded cheese, for serving
• 0.25 cups sour cream, for serving

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes, until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the diced chicken to the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Stir in the black beans, pearl barley, minced chipotle pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the barley is tender and the chili has thickened.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 9

Serve the chili hot. Garnish with chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, and sour cream, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3085.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2725.5

Total Fat 92.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 30.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.1g
Cholesterol 483.5mg	0%
Sodium 5653.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 254.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 69.9g	0%
Total Sugars 39.6g
Protein 215.4g	0%

Vitamin D 43.8IU	0%
Calcium 1032.9mg	0%
Iron 26.5mg	0%
Potassium 5108.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.7%

Protein: 31.8%

Carbs: 37.5%