As the chilly breeze whips through the trees, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of hearty Chicken Barley Soup wafting from the kitchen. This comforting dish seamlessly blends tender chicken with vibrant vegetables and chewy barley, making it a staple for nourishing weeknight dinners. In under an hour, you can whip up this secretly healthy meal, brimming with over 30g of protein per serving. Whether you’re combating the winter blues or just looking to create a flavorful dinner, this soup is a happy solution! Plus, it’s not just a crowd-pleaser; it’s also perfect for meal prepping, ensuring you have a delicious and robust option ready whenever hunger strikes. Curious what makes this soup so special? Let’s dive into the recipe!

What Makes This Soup So Special?

Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and chewy barley, this soup is a nourishing choice for any meal.
Quick Preparation: In under an hour, you can prepare a hearty dish that warms both the body and soul.
High Protein: With over 30g of protein per serving, it’s perfect for keeping you satisfied.
Versatile and Adaptable: Feeling creative? Swap in your favorite veggies or grains for a fun twist! If you love comfort food, check out my Chicken and Dumplings Cozy for another delicious option.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a family dinner or a gathering, everyone will love this thick and savory soup. It’s truly a recipe that’s here to stay!

Chicken Barley Soup Ingredients

• Dive into this hearty Chicken Barley Soup with these nourishing ingredients.

For the Base

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Adds healthy fat and richness; feel free to substitute with avocado oil if preferred.
Diced Carrots – Contributes sweetness and vibrant color; no substitute recommended for flavor balance.
Chopped Celery – Provides a crunchy texture and savory depth; essential for a comforting soup base.
Diced Onion – Adds a robust flavor foundation; shallots can also be used as a substitute.
Minced Garlic – Enhances aroma and overall flavor; fresh is preferred, but jarred works in a pinch.

For the Protein

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – The heart of this dish, providing flavor and moisture; chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
Low Sodium Chicken Broth – The rich liquid base; can be swapped with beef or vegetable broth for a different taste.

For the Soup Body

Dry Pearl Barley – Thickens the soup and adds chewiness; consider rice or farro as alternatives if you like.
Tomato Paste – Imparts depth and umami; crushed tomatoes can substitute, or leave it out for a lighter version.

For Seasoning

Garlic Powder – Boosts the flavor profile; fresh garlic may also work as a substitute.
Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to suit your taste preferences.
Dried Parsley & Rosemary – Infuses herbal notes; thyme or sage can be a delightful alternative.
Bay Leaves – Adds aroma to the broth; essential for flavor depth—don’t forget to remove before serving.

For the Finishing Touches

Parmesan Rind – Elevates the umami flavor; use it as an optional, yet recommended, enhancement.
Corn and Peas – Add a pop of sweetness and color; can be omitted based on your preference.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Barley Soup

Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes. This sets the stage for your Chicken Barley Soup, allowing the sautéed vegetables to release their flavors.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add 1 cup each of diced carrots, chopped celery, and diced onion, along with 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté these vibrant vegetables for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re tender and the onions are translucent, sending a delightful aroma through your kitchen.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Ingredients
Stir in 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken thighs, 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup dry pearl barley, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, and seasonings including 1 teaspoon garlic powder, black pepper, 1 tablespoon dried parsley, and 1 teaspoon dried rosemary. Remember to add 2 bay leaves and a Parmesan rind if using, then mix everything well to ensure the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Bring to a Boil
Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, which should take about 10 minutes. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing your Chicken Barley Soup to simmer gently, covered, for 20 minutes. This deepens the flavors while the barley absorbs the broth.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the pot. Allow them to cool slightly, then use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, mixing it evenly throughout the soup for that hearty feel.

Step 6: Stir in the Final Ingredients
Add 1 cup of corn and 1 cup of peas to the soup. Stir gently until heated through, which should take just a couple of minutes. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves and the Parmesan rind before serving, letting you enjoy the rich flavors without any unwanted textures in your Chicken Barley Soup.

Chicken Barley Soup Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize your Chicken Barley Soup to suit your taste buds!

Dairy-Free: Swap the Parmesan rind with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
This not only adds a hint of nuttiness but keeps the soup light and healthy.
Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead.
You’ll still get a hearty soup packed with protein, making it a perfect option for vegetarians.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
Spice can elevate the flavor profile, making your cozy soup a little more exciting!
Whole Grain Boost: Use quinoa or millet instead of barley for a gluten-free option.
This alternative will change the texture slightly but adds a nutritious twist.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil instead of parsley and rosemary.
These bright flavors can transform your soup into a unique and fragrant dish.
Extra Veggies: Toss in some chopped kale, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition.
This makes your soup even heartier and is a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meal.
Flavor Depth: Consider adding a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Both options can brighten up the dish and deepen those rich flavors beautifully!

For those cozy family meals, you might also enjoy a warm side like my Chicken and Dumplings Cozy or Ground Chicken Soup for a wonderful pairing!

Make Ahead Options

These Chicken Barley Soup preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prep the vegetables (diced carrots, chopped celery, and diced onion) and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The dry pearl barley can also be measured out ahead of time and stored, ready to be added to the pot. When you’re ready to enjoy this hearty soup, simply follow the cooking steps, adding the prepped vegetables with the chicken and broth. To maintain the wonderful flavor and quality, ensure anything prepped is sealed tightly to prevent browning and spoilage. In no time, you’ll have a delightful, homemade Chicken Barley Soup ready to warm your soul!

Helpful Tricks for Chicken Barley Soup

Perfect Timing: Monitor the cooking time closely; overcooking chicken can lead to dryness. Aim for just tender meat for your Chicken Barley Soup.
Flavors Balance: Always taste and adjust seasonings after simmering. Adding salt or spices at the right moment enhances your soup’s depth.
Texture Matters: For optimal barley consistency, ensure it is cooked just until tender. It should remain chewy, not mushy, for that hearty feel.
Quick Prep: Chop veggies ahead of time for a seamless cooking experience. This can cut down your prep time significantly, making dinner prep easy.
Storing Secrets: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully!

How to Store and Freeze Chicken Barley Soup

Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezer: This Chicken Barley Soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Add a splash of broth if needed to retain its creamy texture.

Portioning: For convenient meals, consider freezing individual servings. This way, you’ll always have a nourishing option ready when the cravings strike!

What to Serve with Hearty Chicken Barley Soup

Warm your kitchen and hearts with delightful sides that elevate your Chicken Barley Soup into a fulfilling meal experience.

Crunchy Croutons: Perfect for adding texture, crispy croutons provide a satisfying crunch and soak up the rich broth beautifully.
Fresh Spinach Strawberry Salad: This vibrant salad adds a refreshing contrast with sweet strawberries and earthy spinach, balancing the heartiness of the soup.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Silky mashed potatoes offer a rich, comforting side that pairs perfectly with the soup’s savory flavors.
Garlic Bread: Golden, buttery garlic bread is ideal for dipping into the broth, enhancing every bite of your delicious soup.
Cheesy Biscuit: Light and fluffy, cheesy biscuits bring a delightful contrast with their gooey cheese and flaky texture, perfect for sopping up any remaining broth.
Honey-Glazed Roasted Carrots: Sweet and tender roasted carrots provide a lovely color and subtle sweetness that complements the savory profile of the soup.
Herbed Rice Pilaf: A fragrant rice pilaf with herbs adds a light and aromatic side, offering more fiber and nutrients to round out your meal.
Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine pairs nicely with the flavors of the soup, elevating your dining experience.
Apple Crisp: For a sweet finish, serve warm apple crisp, its warmth and cinnamon notes creating a comforting end to a lovely meal.
Dark Chocolate Square: If you crave something light and sweet, a single square of dark chocolate perfectly concludes the meal with rich flavors that linger.

Chicken Barley Soup Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for Chicken Barley Soup?
For this recipe, boneless skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they provide rich flavor and moisture. However, if you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute them with chicken breasts.

How do I select fresh vegetables for the soup?
When choosing carrots and celery, look for vibrant colors and firm textures without dark spots or wilting. Fresh onions should feel heavy and solid; avoid any with soft spots. These indicators ensure your soup will be packed with flavor and nutrition!

Can I store leftover Chicken Barley Soup?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just remember to reheat gently on the stove or microwave until it’s warmed through to enjoy the best flavors.

How do I freeze Chicken Barley Soup?
This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm on the stove, adding a bit of broth if needed to retain texture.

Are there any dietary considerations for this soup?
If you have allergies, keep in mind that this soup contains chicken and can be made gluten-free by ensuring your broth and any added ingredients are certified gluten-free. Additionally, if you’re catering to pets, avoid letting them have any garlic, as it can be harmful to dogs and cats.

What should I do if my soup turns out too thick?
If your Chicken Barley Soup is thicker than you’d like, don’t worry! Simply add a little broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir well and let it heat through for a comforting meal that’s just right!