Chicken Barley Soup

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of Chicken Barley Soup. I remember the first time I made this dish on a chilly winter evening. The aroma filled my kitchen, wrapping me in warmth and nostalgia. As the snow fell gently outside, I could hardly wait for the soup to simmer. It wasn’t just about nourishment; it was about creating a cozy atmosphere and sharing a meal with loved ones. This soup has a way of bringing people together, whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion. The hearty ingredients work in harmony to produce a dish that’s both satisfying and soul-warming.

Ingredients Overview for Chicken Barley Soup

The ingredients of Chicken Barley Soup come together to create a hearty and delicious dish. Each component plays a vital role in building flavor and texture. From the robust chicken broth to the earthy pearl barley, this soup is a celebration of wholesome ingredients that work harmoniously. Let’s dive into the specifics of what you’ll need to create this comforting meal!

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This adds richness and depth to the soup, helping to sauté the vegetables to golden perfection.
• 1 large onion, chopped: A base of flavor, the onion softens and sweetens as it cooks.
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped: Bringing color and natural sweetness, carrots enhance the soup’s flavor.
• 2 ribs celery, chopped: Celery adds a pleasant crunch and complementary flavor.
• 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium): The foundation of the soup, providing moisture and flavor.
• 2 chicken breasts (whole, with skin and/or bone in): They contribute rich flavor and texture as they cook and become tender.
• ⅔ cup pearl barley, rinsed: A nutty grain that gives the soup a hearty, chewy texture.
• 1 cube chicken bouillon: Enhances the chicken flavor and adds depth.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the soup to perfection.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild spiciness and flavor.
• 2 bay leaves: Provides an aromatic element that elevates the entire dish.

How to Cook Chicken Barley Soup

Making Chicken Barley Soup is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal ready to enjoy. Remember to take your time, savor the process, and enjoy this nourishing dish with your loved ones.

1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. As the oil shimmers, it’s time to add in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these aromatic vegetables for about five minutes. You’ll notice the vegetables begin to soften and the onion turns translucent, releasing its sweet fragrance.
2. Next, pour in the chicken broth, and add the chicken breasts, pearl barley, chicken bouillon, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir everything together, making sure the chicken is submerged in the broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, which will enhance the flavors.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot with a lid. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 45 minutes to an hour. During this time, the barley will cook, absorbing the flavors and becoming tender. Stir occasionally, and keep an eye on it!
4. When the barley is tender, carefully remove the bay leaves from the soup. Next, take out the cooked chicken breasts from the pot. They should be juicy and tender. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
5. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and give everything a good stir. Taste the soup at this point to check for seasoning. If you feel it needs a little more flavor, you can add a pinch more salt or pepper to your liking.
6. Once the seasoning is just right, your Chicken Barley Soup is ready to be served. Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each bowl has a good amount of chicken, barley, and vegetables. Enjoy it hot!

Recipe Variations about Chicken Barley Soup

There are countless ways to adapt and enjoy Chicken Barley Soup. Here are some variations to consider as you explore different flavors and ingredients.

• Add more vegetables: Feel free to throw in additional veggies like peas, green beans, or even some spinach for added nutrition and color.
• Herb infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or parsley at the end of cooking for a fresh flavor boost.
• Spice it up: If you’re a fan of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for an extra kick.
• Use different proteins: Swap the chicken for turkey or even vegetarian protein options like chickpeas for a plant-based twist.
• Storage: To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container. Soups often taste even better the next day!
• Freezing: You can freeze portions of the soup for a quick, homemade meal later. Just remember to leave out any extra salt when freezing to prevent it from becoming too salty upon reheating.
• Pairing: Serve your Chicken Barley Soup with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

What to Pair With Chicken Barley Soup

Serving Chicken Barley Soup can be a delightful experience, with various options to enhance your meal. Here are some great pairings and occasions to consider:

• Crusty Bread: A warm slice of crusty bread or a baguette pairs perfectly with the soup, perfect for dipping into the hearty broth.
• Light Salad: A refreshing garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a great companion, balancing the richness of the soup.
• Perfect for Lunch: This soup is an excellent choice for lunch, offering a filling yet nutritious option that will keep you satisfied.
• Cozy Dinners: Ideal for cozy dinners during winter, gather around with family for a comforting meal.
• Seasonal Gatherings: Serve this soup during seasonal gatherings, like holiday parties or family reunions, to warm the hearts of your guests.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a few days, and you can also freeze portions for a quick meal later.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Chicken Barley Soup is truly a comforting dish that warms the soul. Its blend of wholesome ingredients creates a rich, hearty, and flavorful experience that is perfect for any winter night. I encourage you to try making this delightful soup, whether for a family meal or just for yourself. You’ll find it’s a dish that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. Enjoy every spoonful!

Chicken Barley Soup

The ultimate comfort food, this Chicken Barley Soup is rich and hearty, perfect for a cozy winter evening. Filled with tender chicken, wholesome barley, and vibrant vegetables, it's an easy weeknight dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds. Make it tonight for a deliciously satisfying meal!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Soups

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion chopped
• 2 large carrots peeled and chopped
• 2 ribs celery chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 2 pieces chicken breasts (whole, w/skin and/or bone in)
• ⅔ cup pearl barley (rinsed)
• 1 cube chicken bouillon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 pieces bay leaves

Equipment

• 6 Quart Dutch Oven

Method

 

1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. As the oil shimmers, it’s time to add in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these aromatic vegetables for about five minutes. You'll notice the vegetables begin to soften and the onion turns translucent, releasing its sweet fragrance.
2. Next, pour in the chicken broth, and add the chicken breasts, pearl barley, chicken bouillon, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir everything together, making sure the chicken is submerged in the broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, which will enhance the flavors.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot with a lid. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 45 minutes to an hour. During this time, the barley will cook, absorbing the flavors and becoming tender. Stir occasionally, and keep an eye on it!
4. When the barley is tender, carefully remove the bay leaves from the soup. Next, take out the cooked chicken breasts from the pot. They should be juicy and tender. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
5. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and give everything a good stir. Taste the soup at this point to check for seasoning. If you feel it needs a little more flavor, you can add a pinch more salt or pepper to your liking.
6. Once the seasoning is just right, your Chicken Barley Soup is ready to be served. Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each bowl has a good amount of chicken, barley, and vegetables. Enjoy it hot!

Notes

• Use pearl barley: It cooks much faster than standard barley. If you don’t use pearl barley you will need to increase the cooking time.
• Season at the very end: All soup reduces as it cooks. So if you add additional salt too early on in the cooking process there is a good chance you will end up with salty soup.
• Make it creamy: To make creamy chicken barley soup just add a little heavy cream when you add the shredded chicken back into the pot at the end and then cook it for about 3 minutes to thicken up.
• Storage: Leftover chicken barley soup will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

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Meet Hazel Miller

The Flavor Enthusiast Yes, Jenna and I are related! Growing up, our kitchen was the center of our world, and that hasn’t changed. I am a curious cook who loves exploring new ingredients and techniques. I don’t have a single specialty I just love the magic of transformation. Whether we are grilling outdoors or baking indoors, I am always right there, tasting, testing, and ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.