Why You’ll Love This Chicken Barley Soup
This chicken barley soup is a go-to comfort food that’s easy to whip up on busy days. It combines tender chicken with hearty vegetables and wholesome barley, making every bowl satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re a home cook looking for quick meals or a busy parent needing something healthy, this recipe fits right in.
One of the best things about this soup is how straightforward it is to prepare. You’ll appreciate the simple steps that let you get dinner on the table without fuss. Plus, it’s packed with benefits like fiber from barley and protein from chicken, which can help you feel full and energized.
This dish shines with its adaptability for different preferences. You can tweak it for various diets, and the flavors blend perfectly for a rich, comforting taste that everyone enjoys. For more ideas on healthy soups, check out our healthy soup recipes page.
Key Features of the Recipe
- It takes just over an hour to make, ideal for weeknights.
- The ingredients provide essential vitamins and minerals for overall wellness.
- You can easily swap items to suit gluten-free or vegan needs.
As a dish that serves about 6 people and yields 9 cups, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The soup tastes even better the next day, giving you tasty leftovers for lunches.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Chicken Barley Soup
- Key Features of the Recipe
- Essential Ingredients for Chicken Barley Soup
- Main Ingredients List
- How to Prepare the Perfect Chicken Barley Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
- Detailed Steps
- Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Chicken Barley Soup
- Protein Options
- Other Modifications
- Mastering Chicken Barley Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations
- Flavor and Presentation Ideas
- How to Store Chicken Barley Soup: Best Practices
- FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Barley Soup
- What health benefits does barley add to chicken barley soup?
- Should I cook barley before adding it to chicken barley soup?
- How can I store and reheat leftover chicken barley soup?
- What are good substitutes if I don’t have barley for chicken soup?
- Can I use leftover cooked chicken in chicken barley soup?
- Chicken Barley Soup
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Last Step:
- Notes
- Nutrition
- Did you make this recipe?
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Barley Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this chicken barley soup recipe with hearty vegetables and simple ingredients come alive. Each item plays a role in creating a balanced, flavorful meal. Below is a complete list based on the recipe, ensuring you have everything needed for success.
Main Ingredients List
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 1/2 pounds skinless bone-in chicken breast (which yields about 14 ounces cooked)
- 7 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 bay leaves
- 2/3 cup dry pearl barley
- Salt to taste
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
These ingredients make the soup nutritious and hearty, with pearl barley adding fiber and the chicken providing lean protein. For those interested in more, you can find details on our guide to nutritious ingredients to enhance your cooking.
Remember, you don’t need to pre-cook the barley; it cooks right in the soup. This keeps things simple while boosting the dish’s texture and health benefits, like better digestion from the fiber.
How to Prepare the Perfect Chicken Barley Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting started with this chicken barley soup recipe is easy and fun. Begin by preparing your ingredients to make the process smooth. Wash and chop your vegetables, and have everything ready to go for a seamless cooking experience.
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat and add the carrots, onions, celery, and garlic. Stir them together until they soften and release their aromas, which takes just a few minutes. This step builds a strong flavor base for the soup.
Next, add the chicken, broth, parsley, and bay leaves, then bring it all to a boil. For more inspiration, check out this chicken soup recipe that offers similar ideas. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the chicken and veggies are tender.
Detailed Steps
- Prepare ingredients: Wash vegetables, dice carrots and celery, chop onions, mince garlic, and rinse barley.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large pot, cook onion, celery, and carrots with oil until softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in garlic and cook for one more minute.
- Simmer broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cook barley: Add barley and simmer for 30-40 minutes until tender.
- Add chicken: Cook chicken separately, then shred and add it back to the pot with thyme.
- Season and finish: Adjust salt and pepper, let flavors meld for 10 minutes, and discard bay leaves before serving.
This method takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes total, with just 5 minutes of prep. The result is a warm, nourishing soup that’s perfect for any day.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Chicken Barley Soup
Making this chicken barley soup adaptable is one of its best features. You can tweak it for different dietary needs without losing the delicious taste. For instance, swap chicken for plant-based options if you’re going vegan.
Protein Options
- Replace chicken with turkey or lean pork for a fresh twist.
- Use tofu, tempeh, or legumes to make it vegan-friendly.
- Opt for quinoa or brown rice instead of barley for gluten-free versions.
These changes keep the soup hearty while fitting various preferences. As noted in the tips, using leftover cooked chicken saves time and adds convenience.
Other Modifications
- Swap carrots and celery with zucchini or bell peppers for seasonal variety.
- Choose low-sodium broth to cut down on salt.
- Try herbs like rosemary for new flavors.
This flexibility makes the soup a staple for diet-conscious individuals, aligning with its nutritional profile of 262 calories per serving.
Mastering Chicken Barley Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can elevate your chicken barley soup with some pro techniques. For example, searing the chicken first adds a deeper flavor that makes the dish even more appealing. Toasting the barley briefly before adding it can bring out its nutty taste, enhancing the overall experience.
Flavor and Presentation Ideas
Incorporate spices like smoked paprika or cumin to create exciting variations that suit different moods. Add a touch of heat with hot sauce if you like things spicy. When serving, garnish with fresh herbs or a bit of yogurt for a visually enticing bowl.
Meal prep is straightforward too; make a large batch and store it for later. The soup freezes well for up to three months, so it’s great for busy schedules. Barley, as highlighted in barley benefits resources, adds fiber that supports digestion, making these tips even more valuable.
| Tip Category | Suggestion | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Technique | Sear chicken first | Deeper flavor |
| Grain Substitution | Use farro or quinoa | Gluten-free option |
| Storage | Freeze in portions | Easy reheating |
These strategies help refine the recipe while keeping it comforting and versatile.
How to Store Chicken Barley Soup: Best Practices
Proper storage keeps your chicken barley soup fresh and tasty. After cooling, place it in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This ensures it stays safe and flavorful for your next meal.
For longer-term options, freeze the soup in individual portions, which preserves its texture for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge for a day or two and reheat gently on the stove.
Meal prep enthusiasts will love dividing it into servings ahead of time. This approach makes healthy eating convenient, especially with the soup’s nutritional perks like 5 grams of fiber per serving.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Barley Soup
What health benefits does barley add to chicken barley soup?
Barley is rich in dietary fiber, which helps improve digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. It also contains essential nutrients like vitamin B6, niacin, phosphorus, and selenium. Adding barley to chicken soup boosts its protein content and provides complex carbohydrates that supply steady energy, making the soup both nutritious and satisfying.
Should I cook barley before adding it to chicken barley soup?
You do not need to pre-cook barley before adding it to the soup. Simply add the raw barley grains directly into the simmering soup, where they will soften and cook fully during the cooking process, absorbing flavors and thickening the broth.
How can I store and reheat leftover chicken barley soup?
Store leftover chicken barley soup in airtight containers in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours, depending on the portion size. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until hot throughout, stirring occasionally.
What are good substitutes if I don’t have barley for chicken soup?
If you don’t have barley, you can substitute with grains like farro or quinoa. Quinoa is gluten-free and cooks faster, while farro offers a similar chewy texture. Small pasta shapes such as orzo or ditalini also work but adjust the cooking time since pasta tends to cook quicker and can become mushy if overcooked.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken in chicken barley soup?
Yes, leftover cooked chicken, such as rotisserie or roasted chicken, is an excellent shortcut for making chicken barley soup. Add shredded or chopped cooked chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking to warm it through without overcooking, preserving its texture and flavor.
Chicken Barley Soup
🍲 Chicken Barley Soup offers a hearty, nutritious meal packed with tender chicken, wholesome barley, and an array of vegetables.
🥣 This comforting soup uses simple ingredients and is perfect for meal prep, providing warmth and sustained energy.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 9 cups (about 6 servings)
Ingredients
– 1 teaspoon oil
– 1 cup chopped carrots
– 1 cup chopped onions
– 1/2 cup chopped celery
– 2 cloves garlic, chopped
– 1 1/2 pounds skinless bone-in chicken breast
– 7 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup chopped parsley
– 2 bay leaves
– 2/3 cup dry pearl barley
– Salt to taste
– Fresh ground pepper to taste
Instructions
1-Prepare ingredients: Wash vegetables, dice carrots and celery, chop onions, mince garlic, and rinse barley.
2-Sauté vegetables: In a large pot, cook onion, celery, and carrots with oil until softened.
3-Add garlic: Stir in garlic and cook for one more minute.
4-Simmer broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
5-Cook barley: Add barley and simmer for 30-40 minutes until tender.
6-Add chicken: Cook chicken separately, then shred and add it back to the pot with thyme.
7-Season and finish: Adjust salt and pepper, let flavors meld for 10 minutes, and discard bay leaves before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🥄 Pearl barley cooks directly in the soup; no pre-cooking needed.
⏲️ Soup flavors improve after resting overnight, perfect for meal prep.
❄️ Freeze leftovers up to three months; thaw in fridge and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Containing
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 262 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 744 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 83 mg
