If you’re looking for a bowl of comforting, hearty warmth that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, this Chicken Barley Soup Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Combining tender chicken, chewy pearl barley, and colorful vegetables all simmered in a richly flavored broth, it’s the perfect blend of nourishment and taste. This soup isn’t just delicious, it’s a wholesome meal that satisfies cravings while keeping things light and fresh. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to for chilly evenings or anytime you want something both filling and soul-soothing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Barley Soup Recipe starts with simple, easy-to-find ingredients, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish so special.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For a gentle base that brings richness without overpowering the soup.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth as it softens during sautéing.
- 2 carrots, chopped: Brings bright color and a touch of earthy sweetness for balance.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Offers a subtle crunch and freshness that complements the other vegetables.
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs: The heart of the soup, tender and perfect for shredding into the broth.
- 3/4 cup pearl barley: Provides a chewy texture and naturally thickens the soup as it cooks.
- 8 cups chicken broth: The soul of the dish, infusing every spoonful with savory, comforting flavor.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Adds a fragrant herbal note that lifts the whole soup.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to highlight and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Chicken Barley Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking them gently until they become soft and fragrant. This step is key for building the flavor base of your Chicken Barley Soup Recipe, as the heat releases the natural sweetness and aromas from the veggies.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Barley
Next, place the chicken breasts or thighs right into the pot with the softened vegetables. Toss in the pearl barley along with the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Each ingredient melds together here to create layers of texture and taste that make this soup so memorable.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer
Pour the chicken broth over everything, then raise the heat to bring it all to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes. The barley will become tender and plump, the chicken will cook through perfectly, and the flavors will deepen beautifully with time.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Final Touches
Carefully remove the chicken pieces and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it in evenly. At this point, taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving your warm, nourishing bowl of Chicken Barley Soup straight from the pot.
How to Serve Chicken Barley Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few twists of black pepper on top brings freshness and a pop of color that makes every bowl even more inviting. A little drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors if you want to add a personal touch.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, like a toasted baguette or a warm ciabatta roll, perfect for dipping into that rich broth. A simple side salad with crisp greens and a light vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in charming rustic bowls, topped with a dollop of crème fraîche or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an indulgent edge. You can even offer homemade croutons seasoned with herbs for guests to stir into their soup for that satisfying crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Barley Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavors. The barley can thicken the soup further as it cools, so a bit of extra broth or water can be added when reheating.
Freezing
This soup also freezes very well, making it a fantastic meal prep option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing with any dairy-based garnishes or sides to maintain the soup’s texture and taste perfectly.
Reheating
When reheating, warm it gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. This slow reheating ensures the chicken stays tender and the barley retains its delightful chewiness.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of barley?
Brown rice can be used as a substitute, but it won’t provide quite the same chewy texture or natural thickening that barley offers. The flavor will also be a bit different, but still delicious!
Is this soup gluten-free?
Traditional pearl barley contains gluten, so this recipe is not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free grain like quinoa or rice if needed.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Absolutely! If you have cooked chicken on hand, just add it during the last 10 minutes of simmering to warm through. This can cut down on cooking time while still delivering great flavor.
What’s the best cut of chicken for this soup?
Both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving if you want extra richness, while breasts keep the soup lighter. Use whichever you prefer or have available.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced potatoes, green beans, or peas towards the end of cooking for extra color and nutrition. Just adjust cooking times so everything stays tender-crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Barley Soup Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like it was made just for home and hearth. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and full of flavors that comfort and nourish you no matter the season. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it quickly becomes a cherished part of your recipe collection.
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Chicken Barley Soup Recipe
A comforting and hearty chicken barley soup featuring tender chicken, nutritious pearl barley, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a flavorful chicken broth, perfect for a wholesome meal any day.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs
- 3/4 cup pearl barley
- 8 cups chicken broth
Seasoning
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat Oil: In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken pieces, pearl barley, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it using two forks, and return it to the soup. Stir well to distribute the shredded chicken evenly.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Barley naturally thickens the soup, eliminating the need for additional thickeners.
- This soup stores well and is excellent for meal prepping.
- You can use chicken breast for a leaner option or thighs for richer flavor.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
