This chicken barley soup is a timeless comfort food that’s both hearty and nourishing. With tender chicken, chewy barley, and simple vegetables simmered in broth, it’s a soup that feels satisfying without being heavy. Everything cooks together in one pot, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or whenever you want a cozy homemade soup that uses minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Carrots, chopped | 3 large |
| Celery ribs, chopped | 2 |
| Onion, finely chopped | ½ medium |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 5 cups |
| Chicken breasts | 2 (about 300 g total) |
| Pearl or pot barley, rinsed | ⅔ cup |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
- Total Time: 60 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Hearty chicken barley soup made with tender chicken, vegetables, and barley. A simple and healthy comfort soup.
Ingredients
1 tbsp oil
3 carrots
2 celery ribs
1/2 onion
5 cups chicken broth
2 chicken breasts
2/3 cup barley
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
1. Cook vegetables in oil.
2. Add broth, chicken, barley, and seasoning.
3. Simmer until barley is tender.
4. Shred chicken and return to soup.
5. Serve warm.
Notes
Add more broth if soup thickens.
Great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
Step 1
Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, celery, and onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is translucent.
Helpful tip: Stir frequently to prevent the vegetables from browning too much.
Step 2
Add the chicken broth, raw chicken breasts, barley, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Helpful tip: Keep the chicken whole while cooking so it stays juicy.
Step 3
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the barley is tender.
Helpful tip: Check the liquid level and add more broth if needed.
Step 4
Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine.
Helpful tip: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Step 5
Serve hot and enjoy as-is or with crusty bread on the side.
Conclusion
This Chicken Barley Soup is simple, hearty, and deeply comforting. With just a handful of ingredients and one pot, it’s an easy recipe you’ll come back to whenever you want a nourishing homemade meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work very well.
Does this soup freeze well?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6–7 hours.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely, peas or spinach are great additions.