Chicken soup with barley is old-fashioned comfort at its best. The chewy pearl barley adds wonderful texture and makes this soup incredibly filling. It's the kind of soup that sustained families for generations and still delivers on cold winter days.
Barley is one of the oldest cultivated grains and one of the healthiest. It's high in fiber, helps lower cholesterol, and has a satisfying chewiness that makes this soup feel substantial and nourishing.
About Pearl Barley
- Pearl - Polished, cooks faster (this recipe)
- Hulled - More nutritious, longer cooking
- Quick-cooking - Pre-steamed, 10-15 minutes
- Not gluten-free - Contains gluten
Barley Benefits
- Very high in fiber (especially beta-glucan)
- Helps lower cholesterol
- Good source of selenium and B vitamins
- Low glycemic index
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty bread for dipping
- Fresh parsley garnish
- Great for meal prep
- Even better the next day
Chicken Soup with Barley
A hearty, fiber-rich soup featuring tender chicken and chewy pearl barley. Old-fashioned comfort that's nutritious and filling.
Nutrition per serving
295 Calories
28g Protein
32g Carbs
7g Fat
6g Fiber
Ingredients
Instructions
- . Simmer chicken in broth with bay leaf 25 minutes. Remove and shred.
- . Add barley and vegetables. Simmer 30-35 minutes until barley is tender.
- . Return chicken. Remove bay leaf.
- . Season and serve with parsley.
Recipe Notes
- Thickens overnight: Barley absorbs liquid. Add more broth when reheating.
- Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms are a classic addition.
- Beef version: Use beef and beef broth for beef barley soup.
- Storage: Refrigerate 5 days. Freezes well but texture changes slightly.