Healthy Instant Pot Chicken Barley Stew (Light & WW-Friendly)

If you are looking for a healthy chicken barley stew that’s warm, filling and easy to make, this one checks all the boxes.

Made with tender chicken, hearty pearled barley and a golden turmeric broth, it is light enough for everyday dinners but satisfying enough to feel like real comfort food. And thanks to the Instant Pot (affiliate link), it is ready in just over 30 minutes.

It’s the kind of healthy chicken stew I turn to when I want something nourishing without a lot of fuss.

If you enjoy hearty but light stews like this, you might also love my Slow Cooker Chicken Vegetable Soup or Instant Pot Black Bean Soup.

Why I Love This Instant Pot Chicken Barley Stew

This is one of those steady, reliable dinners I turn to again and again.

• Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish
• Hearty and filling without feeling heavy
• Made with simple, everyday ingredients
• Protein-packed and fiber-rich thanks to chicken and barley
• Even better the next day for easy leftovers

Ingredients and Substitutions

It’s the kind of meal that makes life feel just a little more manageable.

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Thighs stay tender and flavorful under pressure. You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but reduce cook time slightly to prevent dryness.
• Onion – Adds depth and natural sweetness. Yellow or white onions both work well. I often keep chopped onions in the freezer to make meal like this even easier.
• Carrot – Brings color and subtle sweetness. You can add celery for more classic stew flavor, if you like.
• Pearled barley – Adds fiber and chewiness. Quick-cooking barley may become too soft. Do not substitute hulled barley without increasing cook time significantly.
• Ground turmeric – Adds warmth and a golden hue. You can substitute a pinch of curry powder for a slightly different taste.
• Salt & black pepper – Adjust to taste, especially depending on your broth.
• Reduced-sodium chicken broth – Keeps the stew flavorful without excess salt. Vegetable broth (affiliate link) works too. I most often use jarred bouillon paste and water.
• Fresh parsley – Adds brightness and freshness just before serving. Optional, but recommended.

This healthy chicken barley stew relies on simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. The barley adds fiber and staying power, while the chicken keeps it protein-rich and satisfying.

Calories and WW Points?

According to my calculations, each generous serving has 270 calories.

WW Points: 1
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)

7 PointsPlus (Old plan)

How to Make Healthy Chicken Barley Stew in the Instant Pot

Step 1: Gather and prepare all ingredients.

Step 2: Add the chicken, onion, carrots, barley, turmeric, salt, pepper and broth to the inner pot and stir to combine.

Step 3: Lock the lid and move pressure-release valve to sealing (or closed) position. Cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Allow pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes once cooking time is complete, then manually (quick) release any remaining pressure by moving the pressure release valve to venting (being careful of the hot steam).

Step 5: Remove the lid, place the cooked chicken in a large bowl and shred with two forks.

Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and mix well.

Step 6: Divide the stew evenly between 4 bowls and top with chopped parsley.

Recipe Notes

Turmeric adds gentle warmth and beautiful color to the broth. If you’re new to cooking with it, don’t worry—it’s subtle here, not overpowering.

This stew can also be made with bone-in skinless chicken thighs. After cooking and before shredding, remove the chicken from the bones. You may find that this broth has a richer taste thanks to the nutrients from the cooked chicken bones.

Can I Make This Healthy Chicken Barley Stew on the Stove?

Yes! To make this recipe on the stovetop:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large soup pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
3. Simmer covered for 35–45 minutes, or until barley is tender and chicken is cooked through.
4. Remove chicken, shred and return to the pot.

You may need to add additional broth as the barley cooks.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this light and healthy chicken stew with warm crusty bread and a simple green salad.

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stew can be reheated in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave (affiliate link), or in a saucepan on the stove top.

If you’ve made this fiber-packed Chicken Stew with Barley, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Recipe source: Instant Pot Miracle Healthy Cookbook (affiliate link) by Urvashi Pitre

FAQs

Is chicken barley stew healthy?
Yes. Barley is high in fiber and chicken provides lean protein, making this a balanced, satisfying meal.

Is barley good for weight loss?
Barley is rich in fiber, which helps you feel full longer.

Can I freeze chicken barley stew?
Yes. Let cool completely and freeze in airtight containers or ziplock freezer bags for up to 3 months.

More Easy Healthy WW-Friendly Instant Pot Recipes

If you liked this Instant Pot (affiliate link) Chicken Barley stew you might also like:

• Lower Calorie Instant Pot Cheddar Broccoli Soup
  A creamy comfort-food classic made lighter and ready in minutes.
• Easy InstantPot Taco Soup
  A quick, protein-packed soup with bold Tex-Mex flavor.
• Instant Vegetable Meatball Soup
  A simple, satisfying soup with tender meatballs and vegetables.
• Instant Pot Black Bean Soup
  Thick, hearty and naturally fiber-rich.
• Two Ingredient Chili Verde for the Instant Pot or Slow Cooker
  A ridiculously easy shredded pork recipe with big flavor.