Slow-Cooker Meal Chicken Barley Soup
Hearty chicken barley soup with vegetables and tomatoes, cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. Perfect for comforting family dinners and healthy meal prep.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into the slow cooker and cover.
- Cook on low until dinner time, about 8 hours.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider browning the chicken thighs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. You can substitute quinoa for barley if you prefer a gluten-free option. If you have leftover vegetables, feel free to toss those in as well. Adjust the seasonings based on your taste, perhaps using a bit of garlic or onion powder for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chicken barley soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side of Confetti Coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. It’s great topped with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. You can also pair it with a light salad for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner on chilly nights.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in a bowl, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slow-Cooker Meal Chicken Barley Soup contains roughly 172 calories, with 7g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 895mg per serving (39% 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 frozen chicken instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs in this recipe. Just ensure they are thawed before cooking for even doneness. If using frozen, you might need to add an extra hour to the cooking time.
What can I add for extra vegetables?
You can add any vegetables you enjoy or have on hand, such as spinach, kale, or green beans. Just add them in the last hour of cooking to keep them vibrant and prevent overcooking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just follow the storage instructions to keep it fresh.
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).