Chicken Barley Soup (Low Cal)
Description
This chicken barley soup is the definition of wholesome comfort. By simmering fresh chicken pieces with pearl barley and garden vegetables, you create a broth that is rich in flavor but surprisingly light on calories. The barley adds a satisfying chew and thickness without heavy cream, while the lemon juice brightens the earthy tones of the celery and onion. Its a perfect meal for chilly evenings or when you need something nourishing after being under the weather. Simple ingredients come together to make a bowl that feels like a warm hug, offering clean, savory satisfaction that leaves you feeling full and energized rather than weighed down.Ingredients
Directions
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Place the chicken pieces, water, reserved celery leaves, and the whole small onion into a large saucepan or stockpot.
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Cover the pot, bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 1 1/2 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
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Remove the chicken from the broth and set aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding the solids.
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Chill the strained broth briefly until a layer of fat solidifies on top, then skim off and discard the fat for a leaner soup.
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Remove the skin and bones from the cooled chicken, discarding them, and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. Set the chicken aside.
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Return the defatted broth to the saucepan. Add the chopped celery stalks, chopped onion, carrots, parsley, barley, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and celery seed.
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Cover and simmer the mixture for 20 minutes to allow the barley and vegetables to soften.
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Add the fresh green beans and the reserved chicken pieces to the pot.
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Continue cooking uncovered for another 15 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp and the barley is fully cooked.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 926.7kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 41.5g64%
- Saturated Fat 11.3g57%
- Cholesterol 303.0mg101%
- Sodium 1875.0mg79%
- Total Carbohydrate 26.0g9%
- Dietary Fiber 6.7g27%
- Sugars 8.1g
- Protein 95.8g192%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
chicken, barley, soup, healthy, low-calorie, comfort food, vegetables, broth, simmered, gluten-free, warm, dinner, meal prep, lean protein, whole grains, celery, onion, carrot, green beans, lemon
