Loading recipes…
Loading recipes…
Loading recipe…
This comforting slow cooker broth combines tender chicken thighs, smoky bacon, pearl barley, leeks and carrots in a savoury stock. It is a filling one-pot family meal with a simple parsley finish and no complicated preparation.

Recommended slow-cooker size: 3.5 litre
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs → 700 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Use thawed chicken and check that it is fully cooked and tender before serving; breast meat can be less moist.
Pearl barley → 120 g brown rice
Add the rice for the final 2 hours of cooking rather than at the beginning, as it cooks more quickly.
Smoked streaky bacon → 150 g unsmoked bacon or vegetarian bacon-style pieces
The finished broth will have a milder smoky flavour.
Frozen peas → 150 g frozen sweetcorn or chopped green beans
Add either substitute for the final 10–15 minutes.
Contains gluten from pearl barley and celery from the stock and fresh celery. Check stock-cube and bacon labels for other allergens.
Always check ingredient packaging and labels if you or someone you are cooking for has an allergy.
Log in to save private cooking notes.
Slow cooker
This comforting slow cooker broth combines tender chicken thighs, smoky bacon, pearl barley, leeks and carrots in a savoury stock. It is a filling one-pot family meal with a simple parsley finish and no complicated preparation.

Slow-cooker size: 3.5 litre
Freezer friendly: Yes
Suitable for batch cooking
Cool leftovers promptly in shallow containers and refrigerate within two hours. Keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pearl barley will absorb more liquid as it stands, so add a splash of water or stock before reheating if needed. Defrost: Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a saucepan until piping hot throughout. Add extra water or stock because the barley will thicken the broth as it defrosts.
Reheat gently in a saucepan over a medium heat, stirring often, until piping hot throughout. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through. Only reheat once.
Serve smaller portions with crusty bread, or loosen with extra stock and add a handful of shredded cooked greens for a second meal.
Contains gluten from pearl barley and celery from the stock and fresh celery. Check stock-cube and bacon labels for other allergens.
Always check ingredient packaging and labels if you or someone you are cooking for has an allergy.
Food-focused notes and photographs from DadTheFoodie members.
No community comments yet
Be the first to share how this recipe turned out once comments are approved.
Log in to leave a comment or share a photograph.