Hearty Chicken Barley Soup: Comfort in Every Spoonful

There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of chicken barley soup. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation. hearty meatball soup recipe You can almost hear the cozy laughter around the table as everyone digs in, savoring each spoonful filled with tender chicken and hearty barley.

this …

I remember the first time I made chicken barley soup; my friends were skeptical at first. After all, who could get excited about something that sounds like it should be served to sick kids? But one taste and they were hooked! This delicious dish is perfect for chilly nights or when you need a warm hug in a bowl. For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Tetrazzini dish recipe.

I recall my sister’s delighted reaction when I surprised her with this soup during a family gathering. She exclaimed it was “the best comfort food ever,” and I couldn’t agree more!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; feel free to adjust based on your hunger levels.
• Barley: Use pearl barley for its chewy texture, which adds heartiness to the soup.
• Carrots: Fresh carrots bring sweetness; chop them into small pieces for even cooking.
• Celery: Adds crunch and flavor; don’t skimp on this aromatic vegetable.
• Onions: A medium onion provides a flavorful base; dice finely for better integration into the soup.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves enhance flavor; crush them to release their aromatic goodness.
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth works best for controlling salt levels while keeping flavors rich.
• Thyme: Fresh thyme adds an earthy note; use dried if fresh isn’t available.
• Bay Leaf: One bay leaf infuses a subtle depth of flavor during cooking; remember to remove it before serving!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those lovely flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.
• Lemon Juice (optional): A splash of lemon juice brightens up the flavors at the end of cooking.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sauté the Aromatics: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and let it cook until golden.

Add Vegetables and Chicken: Toss in chopped carrots and celery, stirring for another 5 minutes until they soften slightly. Place your chicken breasts into the pot, allowing them to sear for a few minutes on each side.

Pour in Broth and Barley: Carefully pour in your chicken broth, ensuring you scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Add rinsed barley along with thyme and bay leaf.

Simmer Away: Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and barley is tender.

Shred Chicken and Season: Once done, remove chicken breasts from the pot. Shred them using two forks before returning them back into the hearty mix. Season with salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice for brightness!

Enjoy this delightful chicken barley soup hot on its own or paired with crusty bread for an unforgettable meal that warms both body and soul! Happy cooking! quick and easy soup option.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then brown the chicken before adding veggies and broth for maximum flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out barley for quinoa or add seasonal vegetables like kale or spinach for extra nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stove, adding water if necessary to loosen the soup.

The first time I made this chicken barley soup, my friends couldn’t get enough! They asked for seconds, thirds, and even a recipe copy to take home! slow cooker beef bites. creamy cheddar corn chowder. For more inspiration, check out this Crockpot Beef Stew recipe.

FAQ

What can I substitute for barley in chicken barley soup?

You can use quinoa or rice as excellent substitutes for barley.

How long does this chicken barley soup last in the fridge?

The soup stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken barley soup?

Yes, this soup freezes beautifully; just thaw before reheating!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Chicken Barley Soup

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: deleciouscorner
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Warm up your evenings with a steaming bowl of chicken barley soup, packed with tender chicken, hearty barley, and vibrant vegetables. This easy-to-make recipe not only warms the soul but also brings smiles to the dinner table. Perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings, it’s a dish that combines rich flavors with a nourishing touch.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. 1. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add diced onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook until golden.
2. 2. Add vegetables and chicken: Incorporate chopped carrots and celery; stir for another 5 minutes. Add chicken breasts and sear each side for a few minutes.
3. 3. Pour in broth and barley: Carefully add chicken broth while scraping any bits from the pot's bottom. Stir in rinsed barley, thyme, and bay leaf.
4. 4. Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and barley is tender.
5. 5. Shred chicken and season: Remove chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks before returning it to the soup. Season with salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 65mg