As the chill of autumn settles in, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of chicken barley soup to warm the soul and satisfy your cravings. This hearty chicken barley soup recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutritious ingredients, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and wholesome barley, this soup is sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are some reasons why this chicken barley soup is a must-try:

• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe can be on your table in under an hour.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with lean chicken, vegetables, and barley, this soup is a healthy choice for the whole family.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix and match vegetables or substitute chicken for your favorite protein.
• Make Ahead: This soup is perfect for meal prep and can be stored or frozen for later use.
• Family-Friendly: The mild flavors and comforting texture make it appealing to both picky eaters and food enthusiasts.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make this delicious chicken barley soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

★ Recommended Kitchen Tool

Air Fryer XL

Make this recipe even easier with a quality Air Fryer XL — a must-have kitchen staple!

🛒 Shop This Tool →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding flavor.
• 2 cups diced carrots: Sweet and nutritious, carrots add color and texture.
• 1 cup chopped celery: A classic soup ingredient that enhances the flavor profile.
• 1 cup diced onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the soup.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic: For aromatic richness.
• 1½ pounds boneless (skinless chicken thighs): Tender and juicy, perfect for shredding into the soup.
• 2 quarts low sodium chicken broth: The base of the soup, providing a flavorful foundation.
• ¾ cup dry pearl barley: This hearty grain adds texture and nutrition, making the soup more filling.
• ¼ cup tomato paste: Enhances the flavor and adds a hint of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For an extra kick of flavor.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds seasoning.
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley: For a hint of herbal freshness.
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary: Complements the chicken beautifully.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: To taste.
• 2 bay leaves: Adds depth to the flavor while cooking.
• 1 Parmesan rind: A secret ingredient that adds a rich, cheesy flavor.
• 1 cup corn: Sweet and crunchy, a great addition to the soup.
• 1 cup peas: Adds color and nutrients.

Substitutions You Can Make

If you don’t have certain ingredients on hand, don’t worry! Here are some substitutions you can consider:

• Chicken: Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts, or use rotisserie chicken for a quick option.
• Barley: If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use quinoa or rice instead of barley. Note that cooking times may vary.
• Veggies: Feel free to add or replace vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, or spinach based on what you have available.
• Broth: For a vegetarian version, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.

How to Make Chicken Barley Soup

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Next, add the chicken thighs, chicken broth, barley, tomato paste, garlic powder, black pepper, parsley, rosemary, salt, bay leaves, and the Parmesan rind to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Cover the pot and turn the heat to high. Bring the soup to a boil, which should take about 10 minutes. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook covered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. After 20 minutes, remove the chicken from the pot. Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the pot.
6. Stir in the corn and peas and simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Before serving, don’t forget to remove the bay leaves and cheese rind.

Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Barley Soup

Here are some pro tips to elevate your chicken barley soup:

• Use bone-in chicken: For a richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs or a whole chicken.
• Don’t skip the Parmesan rind: It adds an incredible depth of flavor and richness to the soup.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning towards the end of cooking to ensure the perfect balance.
• Let it simmer: The longer you let the soup simmer, the better the flavors meld together.
• Store properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Garnish wisely: Fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can enhance the presentation and flavor.
• Save leftovers: This soup makes great leftovers and can be even tastier the next day.
• Vegetable options: Experiment with seasonal vegetables to make the soup your own!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making chicken barley soup, here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Overcooking the barley: Keep an eye on the barley to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Piling on the salt: Since the broth can be salty, add salt gradually and taste as you go.
• Skipping the aromatics: Don’t skip the sautéing step for the vegetables, as it builds the foundation of flavor.

Variations to Try

If you want to mix things up, here are some variations of chicken barley soup:

• Asian Inspired: Add ginger, soy sauce, and bok choy for an Asian twist.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Herbed Delight: Add fresh herbs like thyme or dill for a more aromatic flavor.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamy texture.

Storing and Make-Ahead Instructions

This chicken barley soup can easily be made ahead of time and stored for future meals. Here’s how:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if the soup thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about chicken barley soup:

• Can I use a different grain? Yes! Quinoa or rice can be used instead of barley, but cooking times will vary.
• Is it necessary to soak the barley? No, pearl barley does not require soaking before cooking.
• Can I freeze chicken barley soup? Absolutely! Just make sure to freeze it in portions to make reheating easier.
• How can I thicken the soup? To thicken the soup, you can blend a portion of it and stir it back in.
• Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker? Yes! Simply add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• What can I serve with chicken barley soup? It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a side salad, or a light sandwich.
• How long does it take to cook? The total cook time is about 35 minutes once the ingredients are combined.
• Is this soup healthy? Yes! It’s packed with vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains, making it a nutritious choice.

Nutrition Tips and Dietary Adaptations

This chicken barley soup is not only hearty but also healthy:

• Low Sodium: Use low-sodium broth to control salt intake.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute barley with quinoa or rice for a gluten-free option.
• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and omit the chicken for a vegetarian alternative.
• Protein Boost: Add beans or lentils for extra protein and fiber.

Essential Equipment for Preparation

To make this chicken barley soup, you’ll need:

• Large Pot: A sturdy pot for sautéing and simmering.
• Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables safely.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for precise cuts.
• Measuring Cups: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken barley soup can be served in various delightful ways:

• Garnish: Top with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
• Accompaniments: Serve with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
• Presentation: Use colorful bowls to make the meal visually appealing.

In conclusion, this chicken barley soup is a warm, comforting dish that you can easily customize to your family’s tastes. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or made ahead for a busy week, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and again. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a cozy bowl of chicken barley soup!

Print Pin

Chicken Barley Soup

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350

A hearty and nutritious soup combining tender chicken, vegetables, and pearl barley for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Vegetables

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups diced carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup diced onion

Protein

• 1½ pounds boneless (skinless chicken thighs)

Broth & Grains

• 2 quarts low sodium chicken broth
• ¾ cup dry pearl barley
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 bay leaves bay leaves
• 1 Parmesan rind Parmesan rind
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup peas

Instructions 

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
• Add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic; sauté for 5 minutes.
• Add chicken, broth, barley, tomato paste, seasonings, bay leaves, and Parmesan; stir.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes. Remove chicken, shred, and return to pot.
• Stir in corn and peas, remove bay leaves and Parmesan rind before serving.

Notes

This soup is perfect for a comforting and healthy meal, packed with vegetables and protein.

Calories: 350kcal

Cost: $15

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: barley, chicken, Comfort Food