Hearty Chicken Barley Soup Recipe
Warm up with this homemade Chicken Barley Soup a wholesome and hearty recipe packed with tender chicken, nutty barley, and fresh vegetables simmered in a savory broth. This comfort food classic is not only filling but also nutritious, making it the perfect choice for a cozy family dinner, meal prep, or a healthy weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 ½ cups pearl barley, rinsed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled & sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
2 cups water
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Directions:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken breasts (or thighs) and cook for 6–8 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove, let cool, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the vegetables:
In the same pot, add remaining olive oil. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Simmer with barley:
Pour in chicken broth and water. Add barley, thyme, parsley, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until barley is tender.
Add shredded chicken:
Return chicken to the pot. Season with salt and pepper, and simmer an additional 10 minutes for flavors to blend.
Serve:
Remove bay leaf and ladle hot soup into bowls. Garnish with extra parsley for freshness.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
Calories: ~250 kcal per serving Servings: 6
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Barley Soup:
Healthy & Nutritious packed with lean protein, fiber, and veggies
Perfect for Meal Prep stores well and tastes even better the next day
Cozy Comfort Food ideal for cold nights, sick days, or anytime you need a bowl of warmth
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Make this hearty Chicken Barley Soup with tender chicken, wholesome barley, and fresh vegetables simmered in savory broth. A healthy, filling, and cozy comfort food recipe perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
