Chicken and Barley Soup

Chicken and barley soup is a nourishing, comforting dish that’s perfect for cooler weather or whenever you need a hearty meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s a wholesome combination of tender chicken, fiber-rich barley, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. Whether you’re looking for a comforting lunch or a make-ahead dinner, this soup is a satisfying choice that’s both delicious and good for you.

This soup begins with cooking diced onion, carrots, and celery in a large pot until they’re soft and aromatic. These classic soup vegetables build a flavorful base. Chunks of chicken, either breast or thigh, are added next and cooked until lightly browned. For added depth, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, and a touch of black pepper are stirred in, giving the broth a savory aroma.

Pearl barley is the heart of this soup. Its nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture make it more substantial than many other grains, turning the soup into a complete and filling meal. As the barley cooks in the broth, it soaks up all the delicious flavors while releasing some starch to thicken the soup naturally.

Low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock keeps the base light but full of flavor. As everything simmers, the barley becomes tender and the chicken stays juicy and soft. You can also shred the chicken after simmering for an even more rustic texture. A handful of chopped parsley or a splash of lemon juice added at the end brightens up the entire dish.

Chicken and barley soup is an excellent choice for meal prep as it stores and reheats well. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it as nourishing as it is tasty. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or enjoy it on its own, either way, this soup is comfort in a bowl, perfect for any time of the year.

Chicken and Barley Soup

3.74 from 96 votes

A comforting and hearty soup made with chicken and barley.

Servings 6 people

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

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• 1 lb chicken breasts boneless and skinless
• 1 cup barley
• 2 carrots diced
• 2 stalks celery diced
• 1 onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp thyme dried
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat.
• Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
• Add the chicken breasts, barley, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot.
• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the barley is tender.
• Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
• Serve the soup hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 32gFat: 6gFiber: 9g

Calories: 350kcal

Meal Type: Soup

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: chicken, soup, stew

Cooking Method: Boiled

Diet: Meatlovers

Time: >45 Min

Level: Easy

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