This Homestyle Chicken Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. It combines the earthy chew of pearl barley with tender chunks of cooked chicken and classic mirepoix vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. The broth is light yet deeply flavorful, thanks to reduced-sodium chicken stock and aromatic thyme. This soup is incredibly satisfying and perfect for meal prepping, as the flavors meld and improve over time. It’s a simple, nourishing dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete, wholesome meal that the whole family will love.
Homestyle Chicken Barley Soup
Description
This Homestyle Chicken Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. It combines the earthy chew of pearl barley with tender chunks of cooked chicken and classic mirepoix vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. The broth is light yet deeply flavorful, thanks to reduced-sodium chicken stock and aromatic thyme. This soup is incredibly satisfying and perfect for meal prepping, as the flavors meld and improve over time. It&# 226;ÂÂs a simple, nourishing dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete, wholesome meal that the whole family will love.Ingredients
Directions
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Heat vegetable oil in a 4-quart saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
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Add chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery; cook until onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
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Add barley, water, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot.
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Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
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Simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Add chopped cooked chicken to the soup.
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Continue cooking for 5 to 10 minutes until chicken is heated through and barley is tender.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 329.1kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16.1g25%
- Saturated Fat 3.9g20%
- Cholesterol 89.0mg30%
- Sodium 147.4mg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 13.4g5%
- Dietary Fiber 3.7g15%
- Sugars 6.1g
- Protein 28.6g58%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
To use Quick Barley: Substitute 2/3 cup quick barley for medium barley and decrease water to 4 cups. Simmer for only 10 minutes before adding the chicken.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The soup may thicken as the barley absorbs liquid; add additional water or chicken broth when reheating to reach desired consistency.
Variations: Add other vegetables like potatoes or green beans when cooking the initial mirepoix. For extra richness, use chicken thighs instead of breast meat.
