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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Introduce minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme to the vegetable mixture, allowing the herbs to release their aromatic essence for 1-2 minutes.
- Incorporate raw chicken pieces and uncooked barley into the pot, stirring thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Taste the soup and delicately adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, creating a balanced flavor profile.
- 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