Hearty Chicken Barley Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Cold winter nights call for a comforting hearty chicken barley soup that warms you from the inside out.

Packed with tender chicken, wholesome barley, and vibrant vegetables, this soup delivers pure nourishment in every spoonful.

Robust and satisfying, the soup combines classic ingredients with simple cooking techniques.

Each bite promises rich, deep flavors that soothe and restore.

Earthy barley adds delightful texture and substance to the bowl.

Nutritious and filling, this soup transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Grab a ladle and savor the homemade goodness waiting to be enjoyed.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need For Chicken Barley Soup Recipe

For Base Vegetables: .

• Onion: Builds a flavor foundation with its sweet, sharp taste; choose firm, unblemished bulbs.
• Carrots: Adds vibrant color and earthy sweetness; select crisp, bright orange roots.
• Celery: Provides subtle herbal notes and refreshing crunch; pick sturdy, green stalks.
• Garlic: Delivers intense aromatic depth; select firm, plump cloves without sprouts.

• Chicken Broth: Creates rich, savory soup base; opt for low-sodium varieties for better flavor control.
• Barley: Brings hearty texture and nutritional boost; choose pearl barley for quicker cooking.
• Bay Leaf: Infuses subtle herbal complexity; use dried leaves for consistent flavor.

• Chicken: Provides lean protein and substantial texture; use rotisserie or freshly cooked shredded meat.
• Thyme: Contributes woodsy, earthy undertones; fresh herbs offer more vibrant flavor.
• Oregano: Adds Mediterranean-inspired zestiness; dried herbs work perfectly.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens overall flavor profile; fresh juice recommended.
• Parsley: Offers fresh, crisp garnish; choose bright green, perky leaves.

• Salt: Enhances overall taste; use kosher or sea salt for balanced seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity; freshly ground preferred.

Helpful Items For Chicken Barley Soup Recipe

• Large pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering soup, providing ample space for all ingredients.
• Cutting board: Perfect for chopping onions, carrots, and celery with ease and precision.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for quickly and safely dicing vegetables and shredding chicken.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking while cooking.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure chicken broth and barley for consistent results.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving soup into bowls without mess.

Cooking Steps For Chicken Barley Soup Recipe

• Kickstart The Flavor

Warm up a big pot with a splash of olive oil and toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Let them dance and soften for a few minutes. Sprinkle in garlic and herbs to wake up the aroma.

• Build The Soup Base

Pour in rich chicken broth and introduce the nutty barley. Drop in a bay leaf for extra depth. Bring everything to a rolling boil, then turn down the heat and let it simmer quietly, creating magic for about 35 minutes.

• Bring The Protein Party

Slide in tender shredded chicken and let it warm through. Pull out the bay leaf and give a zesty squeeze of lemon for brightness.

• Serve With Love

Scoop the steaming soup into warm bowls. Shower with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Your comforting meal is ready to devour!

Flavor Boosting Tips For Chicken Barley Soup Recipe

• Pro Storage Trick: Refrigerate the soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of extra broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Protein Swap Option: Replace chicken with turkey, cooked white fish, or plant-based protein like tofu for diverse meal variations that suit different dietary preferences.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt. Boost flavor with extra herbs like rosemary or sage instead of salt for a heart-healthy version.
• Instant Pot Shortcut: Convert this recipe to pressure cooking by sautéing vegetables, adding ingredients, and cooking on high pressure for 15 minutes. Natural release will ensure tender barley and perfectly cooked chicken.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Substitute pearl barley with quinoa or rice for a gluten-free version that maintains the hearty soup texture and nutritional profile.

Ways To Serve Chicken Barley Soup Recipe

• Cozy Comfort Companions: Fresh crusty bread or warm dinner rolls perfectly complement the hearty soup, soaking up delicious broth and adding delightful texture.
• Protein Power Boost: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top to enhance protein content and create a creamy tangy layer.
• Herb Garden Finish: Customize flavor profiles by adding fresh chopped herbs like dill, chives, or additional parsley right before serving, bringing brightness and aromatic freshness to each spoonful.
• Warming Side Kick: Pair with a simple green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting meal.

Store Chicken Barley Soup Recipe Properly

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing Magic: Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently on stovetop.
• Portion Control Trick: Divide soup into individual serving sizes for quick, convenient meals. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Revive & Refresh Technique: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent bottom scorching.

Hearty Chicken Barley Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken barley soup boasts comforting flavors from wholesome ingredients simmered with care. Home cooks can savor this nourishing meal that warms from within and connects you to traditional culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

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• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
• 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until translucent. Introduce garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper, allowing herbs to release their aromatic essence.
2. Liquid Infusion: Stream chicken broth into the pot, add rinsed barley and bay leaf. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until barley reaches a tender, delectable consistency.
3. Protein Integration: Fold shredded chicken into the simmering mixture, ensuring thorough heating. Discard bay leaf to prevent potential bitter undertones.
4. Flavor Elevation: Splash lemon juice into the soup, creating a bright, citrusy counterpoint to the rich broth. Transfer to serving vessels, preparing for the final presentation.
5. Finishing Touch: Generously sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface, introducing a vibrant green garnish that adds both visual appeal and a crisp herbal dimension. Serve piping hot for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Optimize Vegetable Sauté: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and release maximum flavor during initial sautéing stage.
• Barley Cooking Technique: Rinse barley thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent cloudiness in the soup, ensuring a clear, clean broth.
• Chicken Selection Tip: Use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken for deeper flavor complexity and to reduce overall cooking time.
• Herb Freshness Matters: Use fresh herbs when possible, as they provide more vibrant taste and aromatic depth compared to dried alternatives, transforming the soup’s overall profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg