Chicken Barley Soup, Mexican Style
A hearty Mexican-style chicken and barley soup filled with flavorful vegetables, spicy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting meals and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 large skinless, boneless chicken breast ⓘ
- 8 cups homemade chicken stock or 4 cans reduced sodium broth (14.5 oz. each) ⓘ
- 1 can Mexican style tomatoes, diced with chilies (14 oz.) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup medium or pearl barley ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 2 ribs celery with leaves, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup carrots, sliced thin
- 1 large sweet onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 1 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced or 1/2 teaspoon chopped jalapeno from jar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 6-quart Dutch oven or soup pot, combine the chicken breast, broth, and remaining ingredients.
- Heat to boiling; then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Add additional broth if the soup becomes too thick upon standing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor. If you need a quick substitute for chicken stock, you can use vegetable broth instead. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of jalapeno or add a dash of cayenne pepper. This recipe is versatile, allowing for various vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, making it an adaptable option for any kitchen.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Barley Soup with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a festive touch, consider offering tortilla chips on the side, making it a delightful addition to your Mexican recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway for even heating. The flavors often improve after a day in the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Barley Soup, Mexican Style contains roughly 611 calories, with 17g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (290% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (168% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (102% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 964mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, corn, or green beans. These additions not only enhance the nutritional value but also create a colorful and vibrant dish. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure all vegetables are tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).