Cock-A-Leekie Soup
A hearty Scottish-inspired chicken and leek soup flavored with herbs, barley, and tender chicken, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pan, combine chicken breasts, water, celery, carrots, barley, chicken broth, bay leaves, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Heat to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add sliced leeks and continue to simmer until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken and let it cool.
- When cool enough to handle, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Skim any fat from the broth and remove the bay leaves.
- Return the chicken pieces to the broth and reheat before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. You can also substitute the barley with quinoa or rice if preferred. Fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon can enhance the flavor profile. If you want a richer taste, add a splash of white wine while simmering the soup, similar to some Chicken recipes that use wine for depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top adds a nice touch. This soup pairs beautifully with Sherried Chicken Livers for a delightful dinner experience. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside a grain-based side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cock-A-Leekie Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth to loosen it up if needed. The flavors will deepen after a day, making it even more delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cock-A-Leekie Soup contains roughly 729 calories, with 68g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (183% of the Daily Value), protein (135% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2189mg per serving (95% 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 a whole chicken instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, using a whole chicken will add more flavor to the broth. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender throughout.
Is it necessary to use barley in the recipe?
While barley adds a lovely texture, you can substitute it with rice or quinoa if you prefer. Each option will give the soup a slightly different character, but all are delicious.
Can I freeze Cock-A-Leekie Soup?
Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove for best results.
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).