This Chicken Mushroom Barley Casserole is sure to please. It reminds me of baked barley risotto.
A one-dish dinner that is so hearty, and leftovers are absolutely delicious the next day. It even has a hint of bacon.
Casseroles are such a great dinner option. Jam-packed with ingredients and always so full of flavour.
Perfect for feeding a crowd, potlucks, or when life gets busy, cook once eat more than once.
RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for this baked barley casserole can be found at the bottom of this post.
We love mushrooms in recipes. They work in soups, sauces, appetizers, and more. Here are a few of our favourites:
- Creamy Mushroom Soup – made with fresh and dried mushrooms.
- Beluga Pasta Sauce – uses black lentils in place of meat.
- Vegan Mushroom Pate – is a great alternative to the traditional meat-based spread.
- Pierogi Sauce – the best topping ever. Try it on steak!
- Herbed Gnocchi – pairs perfectly with mushrooms in the sauce.
- Grilled Mushroom Caps – the perfect bbq meal.
Chicken Mushroom Barley Casserole Needs:
- Chicken
- Bacon
- Mushrooms
- Barley
- Onion
- Chicken stock
- Seasoning
- Garnish (optional)
Nothing fancy, no trying to hunt down special ingredients. Barely is so great to work with. The perfect alternative to rice.
Including whole grains really gives a nutritional boost to recipes. Have you tried my Buckwheat Scallop Salad? Perfect for summer eating on the patio.
One-Pot Baked Barley Is Super Easy
This barley recipe is made in one dish. From stove-top to oven, to table. I have included all the directions in the recipe card below. Also, check out the recipe tips.
- Precut all the meat and veggies.
- Prepare the stock.
- Rinse the barley.
- Cook the bacon and the onions.
- Add the chicken and mushrooms.
- Toss in the barley and stock.
- Cover and bake.
In about an hour, dinner is ready to serve. Dish into bowls and garnish. I used some fresh chives.
This all-in-one main dish is so hearty and delicious. Leftovers are even better the next day.
Recipe Tips/Suggestions
Chicken – for this recipe I used skinless, boneless chicken breasts. Chicken thighs would be a great alternative. You could also use ground chicken or turkey if you wish.
Bacon – I like thick-cut bacon, but any bacon will work in this dish. You can use turkey bacon, but it will not produce the same flavour.
Stock – chicken stock was used here. Mushroom stock would also be delicious. Vegetable stock is also a great option.
Mushrooms – fresh is best in this recipe. White or cremini are super easy to find in the grocery store.
Seasonings – simple salt and pepper is all you need. Want to spice it up? Try adding some Greek or Italian seasoning. No-salt seasoning is also good.
Onion – any variety will work. White, red, Spanish. Leeks would also be great.
Garnish – chives were used here. Try parsley, thyme or even some grated cheese.
Storing – leftovers should be kept covered in the fridge. They will keep for several days.
Re-heating – can be done in the oven or in the microwave.
Freezing – this casserole can be frozen for several months. Be sure to place in a sealed container, or cover well with foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or reheat from frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pot barley also called hulled barley is the most nutritious, and is considered a whole grain. It still contains the layer of bran. The texture is chewy with a nutty taste.
Pearl barley is polished to remove the outer bran layer. It contains less fibre, is softer in texture and is used in things like beef and barley soup.
Yes, you can however, the cooking times will be different. Pearl barley takes approximately 25-30 minutes to cook. Hulled barley takes about 50 minutes. Always rinse either type before cooking.
Rich in fibre and protein. Contains vitamins and minerals and has a lower glycemic index. Here is a great link to the nutritional profile.
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Check out some of my great chicken recipes:
Looking for more casseroles ideas?
Chicken Mushroom Barley Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 ounce onion
- 1 ¼ cups pot barley (rinsed)
- 3½ cups chicken broth
- 2 ounces thick bacon (diced)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425º F.
- Cut the chicken into bite size pieces, slice the mushrooms, rinse the barley, dice the bacon and onion, measure out chicken broth.
- In a skillet or dutch oven heat the bacon over medium heat. Cook for about 4 minutues.
- If there is too much fat, you can soak some up with a paper towel. Add the onion and cook for about 3 minutes to soften.
- Add the diced chicken, and cook for about 4 minutes so meat is no longer pink.
- Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 4 minutes so they start to cook down and release liquid.
- Remove the pan from the heat.
- If you have used a dutch oven, you can continue with the recipe in the same pot. If you have used a skillet, prepare a casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Add the rinsed barley, chicken broth and seasonings to the cooked ingredients. Combine and place in the casserole dish, or leave in the dutch oven.
- Cover and place in the oven. Bake for about 1 hour.
- Remove from oven, dish into bowls and garnish.
Marie
I love one-pot dishes! This chicken mushroom and barley bake was filled with comforting flavors. I couldn’t resist sprinkling each serving with parmesan, because the creamy barley reminded me of risotto!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
This barley casserole is just like barley risotto….so delicious.
Natalie
That was delicious. Super easy to make and my boys loved it. This is one of the recipes you keep in rotation. Healthy and yummy! Thanks!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I love the barley in this casserole. So glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Heidy
Wow, this recipe for Chicken Mushroom Barley Casserole turned out so well my family asked me to make it again next week! That put a smile on my face because that NEVER happens! I loved it too!
I am looking forward to trying more of your recipes!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Thanks so much Heidy, so glad you and your family like this baked barley casserole.
Hayley Dhanecha
This chicken mushroom barley bake turned out amazing, so easy to follow and delicious recipe. Thanks for the useful information on Barley.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
You are very welcome. The chicken does turn out beautifully in this casserole for sure.
Katie Crenshaw
This is the perfect comfort meal! It comes out so flavorful and it is so easy to make. It will definitely continue on my dinner rotation.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
You really cannot pass up an easy to make meal like this.
Amanda
This casserole turned out great! It was super simple to put together, and I love how hearty it is. Makes for a delicious dinner.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
So glad you enjoyed this chicken, mushroom and barley casserole.
Loreto and Nicoletta
This is a great weekday family-style meal. Hearty. Flavorful has lots of texture and just adore mushrooms and chicken. Add in the barley and you have a one-pot meal that delivers in every way! Well done!😋🥰❤👍👌🙏
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
My family loves this one-pot casserole too. Chicken and mushrooms pair so well together.
Cathleen
I had no idea that there were different types of barley haha. This post was super helpful, I am so excited to make this! 🙂
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Enjoy this delicious barley casserole with chicken and mushrooms.
Liz
I love one dish meals for busy nights! I even have some extra chicken for this recipe! Will be giving it a try this weekend!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
This is the perfect cook once eat more than once meal deal.
Sandy H
I made this recipe and it was D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S. I used ground chicken and added garlic and chopped red pepper. Thank you for sharing your recipes. Stay safe, take care and God Bless. Greetings from Windsor, Ontario Canada.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I am so glad you enjoyed this chicken and barley casserole. We love it too.
Linda
What a healthy option for the casserole! Love the addition of barley and every spoonful is so flavorful
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
The barely in this chicken and mushroom casserole is so delicious.
Tara
Casserole is such a classic weeknight meal. I love the addition of mushrooms in this, too. It elevates the taste and the texture – yum!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
This is one of our favourite comfort foods hands down. Love the combination of barley, mushrooms and chicken in this dish.
Wanda
We’ve been making more casseroles lately and barley is a grain I love using. Bookmarking so we can try this recipe on the weekend!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Enjoy this baked barley casserole. It is so delicious.
Sue
I adore barley and I’m always looking for new ways to use it, thanks!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
You will love this chicken and mushroom casserole with barley for sure.
Claudia Lamascolo
This was super easy and delicious I used thighs and baby bella mushrooms and its was a huge hit will make it again for sure!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Chicken thighs are a great alternative in this delicious baked barley casserole.