My Favorite Chicken Vegetable Soup
A hearty, flavorful chicken vegetable soup packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and barley, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for all seasons.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine chicken broth, stewed tomatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, green beans, chopped spinach, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
- Add cooked, diced chicken and dry barley to the soup.
- Continue simmering for another 15 minutes, or until the barley is cooked and the flavors meld.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onion and carrots before adding them to the pot. You can substitute quinoa or rice for barley if preferred. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great shortcut for the diced chicken. Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or peas to customize the soup to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chicken vegetable soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Getti for those looking for a heartier dinner option. For extra warmth, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much. This soup also freezes well; just ensure to leave out the barley if freezing and add it fresh when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Favorite Chicken Vegetable Soup contains roughly 348 calories, with 9g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (102% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 793mg per serving (34% 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 make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance, which allows the flavors to meld even more. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. If you plan to freeze it, consider adding the barley fresh when you reheat to maintain its texture.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
You can substitute vegetable broth for a lighter version of the soup, or even water in a pinch. If you prefer a richer flavor, homemade chicken broth or stock would work wonderfully. Just adjust the seasoning as needed, since store-bought broths can vary in saltiness.
Is there a vegetarian option for this soup?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with additional vegetables or legumes such as chickpeas or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more greens or root vegetables for added texture and nutrition, making it a satisfying vegetarian dish.
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).