You know those evenings when you’ve just clocked out of work, and you’re staring at the clock, realizing dinner needs to happen fast? That’s where this recipe shines. With just 30 minutes of marinating and the magic of the Ninja Multi-Cooker, you can whip up a flavorful, hearty meal that feels like a big culinary achievement—with minimal effort. It’s comfort food for busy people, and trust me, it’ll become your go-to for hectic weeknights!
Ingredients
• 4–6 chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• A pinch of nutmeg
• Chili flakes (optional, to taste)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, grated or diced
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 2 cups hot water
• 1 bouillon cube (vegetable or chicken)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• 1–2 laurel leaves
• Dried parsley or herb mix (optional, to taste)
4 Servings
Prep Time:
0 Hrs 15 Mins
Cook Time:
0 Hrs 30 Mins
Total TIme:
0 Hrs 45 Mins
Directions
Step
Marinate the chicken thighs with soy sauce, honey, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic, thyme, coriander, nutmeg, and chili flakes. Let it sit for 30 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
Step
Using the sauté function on your Ninja Multi-Cooker, heat a little olive oil and sear the marinated chicken thighs until lightly browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Step
In the same pot, sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add grated carrots and cook for another 2–3 minutes, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper.
Step
Keep the sauté function on. Add 2 cups of hot water, the bouillon cube, black pepper, laurel leaves, and pearl barley to the pot. Gently mix to combine.
Layer the sautéed vegetables on top, then arrange the browned chicken thighs over everything.
Step
Close the lid and set your Ninja Multi-Cooker to "Pressure Cook" for 5 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes after cooking.
Step
Gently stir the mixture before serving. Enjoy the tender chicken, flavorful barley, and perfectly cooked vegetables—all in under an hour!
Tips for this recipe
• Substitute pearl barley with rice or quinoa for a quicker-cooking grain.
• Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
• For a finishing touch, sprinkle with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.
This quick and comforting meal proves that even on your busiest days, you can enjoy a home-cooked dinner that feels like a treat.