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Chicken Barley Soup

Chicken Barley Soup
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Chicken Barley Soup is a heartwarming, nourishing dish combining tender chicken, chewy barley, and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for cozy meals year-round, it’s simple to prepare with pantry staples and adaptable to your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Grain

  • 3/4 cup pearl barley, rinsed

Vegetables

  • 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids & Fats

  • 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Finely chop carrots, celery, and onion; mince the garlic cloves. These aromatics build the base flavor.
  2. Sauté the base: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in garlic last and cook for about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add chicken and barley: Place the chicken pieces into the pot along with the rinsed pearl barley. Stir to coat the barley with oil and blend flavors.
  4. Pour in broth and season: Add the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Increase heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  5. Simmer until tender: Let the soup cook gently for 40-50 minutes until barley is tender and chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks, then return it to the pot.
  6. Final adjustments: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Optionally add fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use homemade chicken broth if possible for richer flavor, or a good quality store-bought broth works well.
  • Rinse barley thoroughly to remove excess starch and avoid a gummy soup.
  • Let the soup rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld.
  • Optional: cook barley separately beforehand and add near the end to shorten cooking time and avoid overcooking.
  • Shred chicken finely for even protein distribution and better texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken barley soup, hearty soup, comforting soup, easy chicken soup, healthy soup, gluten free soup option

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/chicken-barley-soup/