Slow Cooker Chicken with Golden Beets, Pearl Barley and Creamy Dill Mustard Sauce

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken with Golden Beets, Pearl Barley and Creamy Dill Mustard Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 300 min
Total time: 320 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Fusión europea
Ingredients: 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 lb golden beets; 3/4 cup pearl barley; 6 oz shallots; 4 cloves garlic; 2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1/3 cup fresh dill; 1 whole lemon; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 1/2 tsp sweet paprika; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

An original slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken thighs slowly cooked with golden beets, pearl barley, and shallots, finished with a creamy dill, mustard, and lemon sauce. Comforting, elegant, and practical for a complete one-pot meal.

20 minPrep

300 minCook

320 minTotal

4Servings

High Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings

700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut en trozos large)
450 g golden beets (pelada and cut diced of 2 cm)
150 g pearl barley (enjuagada)
180 g shallots (peladas and cut por the mitad)
12 g garlic (chopped)
480 ml chicken broth (low sodium if possible)
120 ml heavy cream (for the sauce final)
30 g Dijon mustard (divide en dos partes)
12 g fresh dill (chopped, divided)
1 unit lemon (zest fina and 2 tbsp of juice)
15 ml olive oil (for dorar lightly and mezclar)
4 g sweet paprika (for sazonar the chicken)
2 g dried thyme (for aroma)
6 g salt (or to taste)
2 g black pepper (freshly ground)

Nutrition facts

per serving

512 kcal

Calories

34 g

Protein

31 g

Carbs

28 g

Fat

5 g

Fiber

26 g

Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

GlutenDairyMustardCelery

Instructions

1
1. In a bowl, mix the chicken thighs with 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, olive oil, sweet paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2
2. For deeper flavor, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly brown the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until colored. The pan surface may reach about 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 205°C). This step is optional but recommended.
3
3. Place the golden beets, pearl barley, shallots, and garlic in the slow cooker. Arrange the seasoned chicken on top and pour in the chicken broth.
4
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the barley is fully cooked.
5
5. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it covered. Stir the contents of the cooker to check that the pearl barley and golden beets are tender. If the mixture seems too loose, cook uncovered on HIGH for 10 to 15 more minutes.
6
6. In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream with the remaining tablespoon of Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, and half of the chopped fresh dill.
7
7. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and add the cream mixture. Stir gently to blend the sauce without breaking up the golden beets too much. Cook on HIGH for 10 more minutes, until the sauce is hot, about 165°F to 175°F (74°C to 79°C).
8
8. Taste and adjust with more salt and black pepper if needed. Serve hot and finish with the remaining fresh dill on top.

Chef tips

For a looser texture, add an extra 60 to 120 ml (1/4 to 1/2 cup) of broth at the beginning. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving so the barley absorbs more liquid.

Substitutions

You can use chicken breast instead of thighs, watching carefully so it does not overcook. Golden beets can be replaced with red beets, and dill with fresh parsley. If you do not have shallots, use yellow onion cut into large chunks.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

Illustrative image
Ninja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
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Illustrative image
TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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Illustrative image
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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