Warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds with a bowl of Chunky Chicken Barley Soup! This hearty, comforting dish is packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect meal for chilly evenings or when you're in need of a little extra comfort. With tender chicken, nutritious barley, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this soup not only nourishes the body but also delights the senses. Ready to impress your family or cozy up with a delicious homemade meal? Dive into our easy-to-follow recipe and discover how to create this delightful soup that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and become translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the exterior of the chicken turns white.
- Pour in chicken broth and add pearl barley. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper into the soup. Stir to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until barley is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If soup is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and cube the chicken ahead of time. This way, you can quickly throw everything together when you're ready to cook.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or green beans for extra color and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Season to Taste: After simmering, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors if you find it a bit too rich.
- Leftover Magic: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to three days. It also freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch for those busy nights!
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish! It adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that elevates the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 75mg
