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A Cozy Bowl of Comfort
Whenever winter chills hit I turn to this chicken barley soup that warms you from the inside out. The tender chunks of chicken hearty barley and colorful vegetables create something truly special. One pot simmering on the stove fills the whole house with the most amazing aroma.
Not Your Usual Chicken Soup
I love how this soup puts a wholesome spin on traditional chicken noodle. The chewy barley adds such wonderful texture and nutty flavor plus it keeps you feeling satisfied much longer. My kids gobble it up especially with some grilled cheese for dunking. It's become our favorite cold weather comfort food.
What You'll Need
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables; can be substituted with canola oil.
- Onion: One medium yellow onion, diced small for a balanced texture.
- Garlic: Freshly chopped or pre-minced works equally well.
- Carrots: Peeled and evenly chopped to ensure even cooking.
- Celery: Sliced ribs, with leaves removed for a clean flavor.
- Rotisserie Chicken: Pre-cooked, shredded or chopped for convenience.
- Chicken Stock: Provides the rich base for the soup.
- Barley: Adds a wholesome, nutty flavor and hearty texture.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning for depth of flavor.
Making Your Soup
- Prepare the Barley
- Rinse and drain the barley. Set aside for later use.
- Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Season the Base
- Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor of the soup.
- Add the Main Ingredients
- Mix in the carrots, celery, barley, and shredded chicken. Stir to combine.
- Cook the Soup
- Pour in chicken stock and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, taste, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes until the barley is tender.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Perform a final taste test, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve hot. Pair with grilled cheese or crackers for a complete meal.
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Make It Your Own
Some days I'll toss this in my slow cooker in the morning and let it simmer all day just remember to add extra broth since the barley soaks up quite a bit. Raw chicken works great too just cook it first after the onions. Lately I've been adding handfuls of spinach or some frozen peas at the end for extra color and nutrients.
Saving for Later
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for about 4 days. The barley tends to soak up more broth as it sits so I usually add a splash more when reheating. Just warm it gently on the stove or microwave until it's nice and hot.
Simple Yet Special
What makes this soup so wonderful is how it combines everyday ingredients into something truly comforting. The barley adds such lovely texture and nutrition while keeping things simple enough for busy weeknights. It's become our go-to winter meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different chicken instead of rotisserie?
Any cooked chicken works well in this recipe. You can use leftover roasted chicken or even poached chicken breast. Just make sure it's cooked before adding to the soup.
- → How do I store leftover soup?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The barley might absorb more broth as it sits, so you may need to add more when reheating.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing, and leave some space in the container for expansion.
- → Why rinse the barley first?
Rinsing barley removes any dust or debris and helps prevent the soup from becoming too starchy. It's a quick step that improves the final texture.
- → Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can make this vegetarian by using vegetable broth and replacing the chicken with chickpeas or white beans. The soup will still be hearty and filling.
Conclusion
A hearty and easy-to-prepare chicken barley soup that brings warmth and nutrition to your table. Perfect for cold days and quick weeknight meals.