Family Pearl Barley Bake with Lemon Chicken, Roasted Peppers and Herbed Cottage Cheese Crust

Instructions

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   1. Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F. Lightly grease a large baking dish with a little of the olive oil.

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   2. Place the red bell pepper strips on a tray, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and some black pepper. Roast for 20 minutes at 200°C / 400°F until tender with golden edges. Set aside.

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   3. Meanwhile, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the butter and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the yellow onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more.

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   4. Add the rinsed pearl barley to the pot and stir for 1 minute so it gets coated with the fat and develops flavor.

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   5. Pour in the chicken broth, then add half the salt, half the black pepper, the dried thyme, and the dried oregano. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, partially cover, and cook for 25 to 30 minutes until the barley is tender and still creamy. Stir once or twice during cooking if needed.

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   6. In a separate skillet over medium-high heat, cook the diced chicken breast with a pinch of salt, the remaining black pepper, the lemon zest, and the lemon juice. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

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   7. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese, plain yogurt, half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the fresh parsley, and a small pinch of salt until creamy.

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   8. Fold the cooked chicken, roasted peppers, and the remaining fresh parsley into the barley pot. Mix well and taste for salt.

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   9. Transfer the barley, chicken, and pepper mixture to the baking dish. Spread the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the top.

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    10. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella, the grated Parmesan, and the breadcrumbs over the topping to create a golden crust.

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    11. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes at 200°C / 400°F until the top is bubbling and golden. For deeper color, broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely.

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    12. Let rest for 8 minutes before serving so the casserole can set and be easier to portion.