Barley-stuffed chicken baked in the oven
Description
Stuffed barley chicken can be a great option for a family lunch or a weekend dinner. It's very easy to prepare; all step-by-step instructions are provided in the recipe. I promise, it will be delicious.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Prepare the ingredients.
- 2
Step 2
Soak the barley for 3-4 hours, preferably overnight. If you don't soak the barley, you can boil it until it reaches an "al dente" consistency.
- 3
Step 3
Pour boiling water over dried apricots (or prunes).
- 4
Step 4
Prepare a marinade from two tablespoons of vegetable oil, 1 tsp of salt, paprika, chili pepper, and grated garlic.
- 5
Step 5
Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with a paper towel. Rub the prepared marinade on the outside and inside. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour.
- 6
Step 6
Dice the carrots and onions finely.
- 7
Step 7
Sauté the onion and carrot in vegetable oil.
- 8
Step 8
Place the prepared barley and apricots, cut into small pieces, into the frying pan, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 9
Step 9
Stuff the chicken with the prepared filling, securing the opening with toothpicks.
- 10
Step 10
Place the chicken in a baking dish.
- 11
Step 11
Bake the chicken at 180 degrees for 2 hours. During the first hour, cover the chicken with foil. In the second hour of baking, remove the foil so the chicken can brown.
- 12
Step 12
Once or twice during baking, take out the chicken and pour the released juice over it.
- 13
Step 13
Before serving, remove the toothpicks and take out the barley from the chicken. The chicken turns out very aromatic, with an appetizing golden crust. The barley absorbs all the flavors, becoming an exceptionally delicious side dish, while the sweet pieces of dried apricots add a pleasant taste contrast.