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–+ servings

Zesty Lemon Chicken with Herbed Barley Pilaf

Lemon Chicken with Barley is a bright and flavorfuldish featuring zesty lemon-seasoned chicken paired with a savory, herbed barleypilaf. An excellent choice for a healthy, satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean-inspired
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 600 g)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or substitute with 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or use 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano instead

For the Barley:

  • 1 cup about 200 g pearl barley
  • 3 cups about 720 ml chicken broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken:

  • Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over both sides of the chicken breasts to enhance their flavor.
  • In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, and oregano.
  • Pour the mixture over the chicken, coating each piece evenly.

Cook the Barley:

  • In a large pot, bring the chicken broth or water to a boil.
  • Add the pearl barley, reduce to a simmer, and cook for about 25-30 minutes or until the barley is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the cooked barley to the skillet with the vegetables, stirring to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Set aside and keep warm.

Cook the Chicken:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 75°C/165°F).
  • Once done, remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Assemble and Serve:

  • Plate the herbed barley pilaf and top with sliced lemon chicken.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with additional lemon wedges if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal
Keyword Lemon chicken
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