Easy Chicken Barley Soup Recipe: Heartwarming Comfort in a Bowl

Crafting a hearty chicken barley soup brings comfort to chilly evenings.

Home kitchens buzz with warmth when this nutritious blend simmers gently.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with robust pearl barley, creating a satisfying meal.

Seasonal vegetables add vibrant colors and nutritional depth to this classic dish.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical with minimal effort.

Fragrant herbs whisper promises of deliciousness waiting to unfold.

You’ll savor every spoonful of this nourishing, soul-warming soup that feels like a culinary hug.

What Makes Chicken Barley Soup So Comforting

• This hearty chicken barley soup delivers a nutritious one-pot meal packed with tender chicken, soft vegetables, and satisfying grains that warm you from the inside out.
• With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can master this recipe without feeling overwhelmed or stressed about complex techniques.
• Kids and adults alike will enjoy the rich, comforting flavors and nutritious ingredients, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Barley provides incredible fiber and protein, while chicken offers lean protein, creating a balanced meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients for Chicken Barley Soup

• Chicken: Protein that provides hearty flavor to the soup.
• Barley: Wholesome grain that adds texture and nutrition.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that creates rich soup foundation.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base that builds deep flavor.
• Garlic: Adds sharp and warming taste dimension.

• Rosemary, Thyme: Fresh herbs that provide earthy and fragrant notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and add subtle richness.

How to Prepare Hearty Chicken Barley Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat, creating a sizzling base for your delicious soup.

Step 2: Sauté Veggie Trio

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Cook and stir for 5 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Boost Aromatic Flavors

• Garlic
• Rosemary
• Thyme

Sauté for 1-2 minutes to release their incredible flavors and fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma.

Step 4: Combine Protein and Grain

Toss chicken and barley into the pot, mixing everything together to create a harmonious blend of ingredients.

Step 5: Liquid Magic

Pour chicken broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.

Immediately reduce heat and let the soup simmer gently for 45 minutes, allowing all flavors to mingle and develop.

Step 6: Transform the Chicken

Carefully remove chicken from the pot, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks, then return the shredded meat back to the soup.

Step 7: Final Flavor Touch

Season the soup with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting until the flavors sing.

Serve piping hot and enjoy your comforting meal.

Tips for a Rich and Flavorful Chicken Barley Soup

• Sauté vegetables in olive oil before adding other ingredients to enhance their natural sweetness and develop deeper, richer flavors.
• Add delicate herbs like rosemary and thyme later in cooking to preserve their aromatic qualities and prevent burning.
• Remove chicken from soup, shred it carefully, and return to the pot to ensure meat remains moist and doesn't become tough or dry.
• Use pearl barley for quicker cooking and a softer texture, which absorbs the soup's delicious flavors more effectively.
• Taste and adjust seasonings at the end of cooking to achieve the perfect flavor profile without over-salting.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Barley Soup

• Store leftover chicken barley soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour soup into a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Warm gently for 5-7 minutes until heated thoroughly, preventing separation of ingredients.

What to Serve with Chicken Barley Soup

• Boost Flavor with Perfect Pairings
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Thick, rustic slices complement the hearty soup texture, soaking up delicious broth and adding a delightful crunch.
• Match with Crisp Chardonnay: Light, buttery white wine cuts through the soup's richness, enhancing the herb-infused chicken and vegetable flavors.
• Garnish with Fresh Herb Salad: Bright, lemony greens like arugula and parsley provide a zesty contrast to the warm, comforting soup, adding freshness and balance.
• Pair with Tangy Goat Cheese Crumbles: Creamy, slightly sharp cheese sprinkled on top adds depth and creates a luxurious layer of flavor complexity.

Variations to Try with Chicken Barley Soup

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace barley with quinoa or rice to make the soup gluten-free and suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or white beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based protein option.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt, incorporating more herbs like parsley or oregano to enhance flavor without extra sodium.
• Instant Pot Method: Prepare the entire soup in an Instant Pot by sautéing vegetables, adding ingredients, and cooking on high pressure for 15-20 minutes to reduce total cooking time.

FAQs

• Is barley healthy for me?

Barley is a nutritious whole grain packed with fiber, protein, and essential minerals like selenium and manganese. It supports heart health, helps control blood sugar, and promotes better digestion.

• Can I use different types of chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or even rotisserie chicken. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender before shredding.

• How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

Add extra protein by incorporating cooked white beans, lentils, or additional chicken. You can also top the soup with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for extra nutrition.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chicken barley soup stores well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days and actually develops more flavor as it sits. It’s perfect for preparing ahead of time and enjoying throughout the week.

Chicken Barley Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken barley soup brings warmth and comfort to chilly evenings, blending tender chicken, nutritious barley, and garden-fresh vegetables. Nourishing ingredients combine in a soul-satisfying bowl that will comfort and delight you with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Grains and Vegetables:

• 1 cup pearled barley
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious stockpot over medium heat, then gently sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until they become tender and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme to the vegetable mixture, allowing the herbs to release their aromatic essence for 1-2 minutes.
3. Incorporate raw chicken pieces and uncooked barley into the pot, stirring thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
4. Pour chicken broth into the pot, elevating heat to create a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer for 45 minutes, ensuring barley becomes soft and chicken is fully cooked.
5. Carefully extract chicken from the soup, using two forks to delicately shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded protein back into the simmering liquid.
6. Taste the soup and delicately adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, creating a balanced flavor profile.
7. Ladle the steaming, hearty soup into serving bowls, offering a comforting and nutritious meal that warms from within.

Notes

• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and create a healthier soup option.
• Substitute pearl barley with quinoa or brown rice for gluten-free dietary needs.
• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving to boost flavor and nutritional value.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg