2/3 cup pearl barley
2 T. chopped onion
3/4 cup diced carrot
3/4 cup diced celery
3/4 cup diced leeks, white parts only
1/2 cup fat-free chicken stock, divided
2 boneless and skinless chicken breast halves, all visible fat removed
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/4 tsp cracked black pepper

Place the barley in a small saucepan with enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the barley is tender. Drain and set aside. While the barley is cooking, prepare the coals for grilling or preheat the broiler. Combine the onion, carrot, celery and leeks in a large saucepan. Add 1/4 cup of the chicken stock and cook, covered, over low heat for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Remove from the heat and then remove half of the vegetables from the pan and set aside. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of chicken stock to the vegetables in the pan and cook over medium-high heat until the stock is reduced by half. Set aside and keep warm. Grill or broil the chicken breasts for three to five minutes on each side, or until done. Remove from the heat and cool. When cool enough to handle, shred the chicken by pulling it apart with the tines of two forks into long strands. In a bowl combine all the ingredients including the barley and toss gently. Serve hot or cold. To serve, divide equally among four plates.