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Chicken Barley Soup

Chicken Barley Soup
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Chicken Barley Soup is a nourishing and comforting soup combining tender chicken, chewy pearled barley, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth. This wholesome recipe offers a perfect balance of nutrition and warmth, making it ideal for cozy meals or recovery days.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into small pieces

Grains

  • 3/4 cup pearled barley

Vegetables

  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasoning

  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Liquids and Fats

  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onions, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces while mincing the garlic and gathering fresh herbs. Cut the chicken into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking throughout the soup.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
  3. Cook Chicken and Barley: Add the chopped chicken to the pot and sauté until it starts to brown slightly. Then stir in pearled barley, coating it with the flavors from the vegetables and chicken before adding the broth.
  4. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, add fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the barley is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
  5. Final Touches: Remove the thyme sprigs, adjust seasoning if needed, and stir in fresh parsley for a bright finish. Serve hot and enjoy every comforting spoonful.

Notes

  • Use homemade chicken broth for richer flavor and better nutrition.
  • Simmer barley gently to develop a chewy texture without overcooking.
  • Season gradually, tasting as you go to avoid over-salting.
  • For deeper flavor, use bone-in chicken and shred meat before serving.
  • Let soup rest overnight in the fridge to meld flavors beautifully.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken soup, barley soup, comfort food, healthy soup, hearty soup, immune boosting, easy recipe, gluten free option

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/chicken-barley-soup/