Chicken Barley Soup
A hearty and comforting chicken and barley soup with tender vegetables and flavorful broth, perfect for chilly days and satisfying hearty meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large kettle, cook the chicken in water until tender.
- Skim off the fat from the broth.
- Bone the chicken and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the chicken to the kettle along with remaining ingredients.
- Simmer, covered, for at least 1 hour or until vegetables and barley are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. If you don’t have barley, quinoa or brown rice can be good substitutes. Adjust the salt based on your broth's saltiness, especially if using low-sodium chicken bouillon. For a heartier soup, add more vegetables like potatoes or green beans, which are common in many American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken barley soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Cheese Bisque for a comforting dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for added flavor. A light dessert like Rice And Fruit can cap off the meal nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken barley soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Barley Soup contains roughly 715 calories, with 20g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (363% of the Daily Value), iron (112% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (105% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 563mg per serving (24% 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 use leftover chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can skip the initial boiling step. Just add the cooked chicken towards the end of cooking to heat it through, ensuring your soup is ready in less time.
How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the cooked barley and vegetables against the side of the pot and stir them back into the broth. Alternatively, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) during the last few minutes of cooking.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply place all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows for a deep melding of flavors and is perfect for busy days.
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).