Instant Pot Chicken and Barley

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Servings: 8
Yield: 8 servings

Description

Your family will love this simple chicken and barley stew. Using your Instant Pot or pressure cooker cuts down on cook time so it's ready in under 1 hour.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 medium onions, chopped
4 stalks celery, diced
2 medium red bell peppers, chopped
4 (6 ounce) chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
2 cups pearl barley, rinsed
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions

1 Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot) and select Saute function. Add oil, onions, celery, and bell peppers to the pot; saute until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
2 Season chicken breasts with salt and , pepper and add to the pot. Add tomatoes, pearl barley, chicken stock, and thyme. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 25 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
3 Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid. Remove chicken onto a cutting board and shred with 2 forks. Return to the pot and stir to combine.