Cozy and Nutritious Chicken Barley Soup Recipe: Perfect for Cold Days

This hearty chicken barley soup is the ultimate comfort food. Made with tender shredded chicken, wholesome barley, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all simmered in a rich and flavorful chicken broth, it’s incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to warm you up on those chilly days. Forget about bland, store-bought soups – this homemade version is bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients.

If you’re not a fan of barley or simply looking for other soup options, you might enjoy my classic chicken noodle soup or the delightful Italian wedding soup.

What is Barley and What Does It Taste Like?

Barley is a versatile grain commonly used in soups, stews, and even as a side dish. It boasts a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a pleasant chewy texture that adds substance to any dish. Unlike some grains, barley’s subtle taste allows it to absorb the rich flavors of the broth and seasonings it’s cooked in, making it a perfect complement to the other ingredients in this chicken barley soup.

Beyond its delicious taste, barley is also a nutritional powerhouse. It’s an excellent source of fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, helping you stay satisfied for longer. Incorporating barley into your diet is a great way to boost your overall health and well-being. Plus, it’s naturally low in fat and cholesterol, making it a healthy choice for everyone.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Refer to the recipe card below for precise ingredient quantities and step-by-step instructions.

• Barley: The heart of this soup! Pearled barley is most commonly used. If you’re not a barley enthusiast, feel free to substitute it with orzo pasta, egg noodles, or rice. Each alternative will impart a slightly different texture and flavor to the soup, so experiment and find your favorite!
• Chicken: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean protein content. However, you can definitely use chicken thighs or even leftover rotisserie chicken for a richer, more flavorful soup. If using rotisserie chicken, simply shred or dice it and add it to the soup during the last 15 minutes of cooking to prevent it from drying out.
• Aromatics: The foundation of any good soup. A classic combination of onions, celery, and carrots (known as mirepoix) provides a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. Sautéing these vegetables at the beginning of the cooking process releases their natural sweetness and creates a savory base for the soup.
• Chicken Broth: The liquid backbone of the soup. Opt for a high-quality chicken broth or homemade stock for the best flavor. Low-sodium broth is recommended, allowing you to control the saltiness of the soup.
• Seasonings: A blend of herbs and spices enhances the overall taste profile. I use a combination of granulated garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, turmeric powder, and bay leaves. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your personal preference. A touch of turmeric not only adds a warm flavor but also provides a beautiful golden hue to the soup.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a subtle depth and richness to the broth.
• Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the soup. This is completely optional but highly recommended!
• Peas: Add a pop of color and sweetness to the soup. Frozen peas work perfectly.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Barley Soup

• Boost the Flavor: Want to take your soup to the next level? Consider adding a splash of fish sauce, a dash of hot sauce, or a few drops of Worcestershire sauce for an umami-rich depth of flavor. But use these sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
• Veggies Galore: Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite vegetables. Mushrooms, zucchini, squash, spinach, or kale are all excellent additions. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding the vegetables towards the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Season Generously: Taste and adjust the seasonings throughout the cooking process, especially at the end. A generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper can make all the difference. Remember that flavors tend to mellow as the soup simmers.
• Barley Consistency: For a thinner soup, cook the barley separately according to the package directions and add it to the soup just before serving. If you prefer a thicker, heartier soup, cook the barley directly in the soup pot. Keep in mind that barley will absorb liquid as it sits, so if you’re planning on having leftovers, cooking the barley separately is the best option to prevent the soup from becoming too thick.
• Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot once they are cooked through. Shred them with two forks and then return the shredded chicken to the soup. This ensures the chicken is tender and evenly distributed throughout the soup.

Storing Leftover Chicken Barley Soup

To properly store leftover chicken barley soup, allow it to cool completely to room temperature first. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to spoilage.

Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep in mind that the barley will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a little more broth or water when reheating to achieve your desired consistency.

For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. For the best results, consider freezing the soup without the barley or with barley that has been cooked separately. Add the cooked barley when reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy. Be sure to use a freezer-safe container or bag to prevent freezer burn.

Tried This Recipe?

If you enjoyed this chicken barley soup recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a review below with your feedback and suggestions. Your comments are greatly appreciated and help other readers discover delicious recipes.

You can find even more delicious recipes and step-by-step cooking tutorial videos on my YouTube channel and Facebook page. Be sure to subscribe and follow for regular updates!

More Delicious Chicken Soup Recipes

• Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry
• Marry Me Chicken Noodle Soup
• Chicken and Dumplings
• Chicken Noodle Taco Soup

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Chicken Barley Soup

By

Julie Maestre

Prep:

10
minutes

mins

Cook:

55
minutes

mins

Total:

1
hour

hr
5
minutes

mins

Servings:
6

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