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Chicken and barley soup

Chicken and Barley Soup with Vegetables

Are you looking for a hearty and nutritious meal that's both easy to make and budget-friendly for your family? Look no further! Our Healthy Chicken and Barley Soup recipe is a perfect choice. Barley, the star ingredient in this recipe, adds a unique and satisfying texture while providing a variety of health benefits. This wholesome soup is packed with essential nutrients, is a breeze to prepare, and won't break the bank.
This heartwarming dish has been a favorite among health-conscious food enthusiasts for generations, offering a harmonious blendof flavors, essential nutrients, and sheer comfort.
In this cooking guide, we'll walk you through the list of ingredients and provide you with clear, step-by-step instructions to whip up a hearty bowl of this nourishing soup.We'll also address some common questions about cooking with barley in your soup.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Soup
Servings 6
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound/450g boneless,skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 carrots sliced
  • 2 cellery stalks chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • olive oil for sautéin
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp fresh parsley

Instructions
 

Preparing the Chicken

  • Begin by rinsing the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
  • Generously season the chicken with a perfect blend of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • In a large sized soup pot, warm the olive oil over medium-high.
  • Add the chicken thighs and sear them until they turn golden brown on both sides. This process doesn't just make it taste better; it also keeps all the juices locked in.
  • Once the chicken is nicely seared, remove it from the pot and set it aside for later.

Sauteing the Aromatics

  • In that very pot, add the finely chopped onions, carrots, celery, and the minced garlic.
  • Saute these aromatic vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, and basil. This combination of herbs will infuse the soup with a delightful medley of flavors.

Cooking the Barley

  • While it's not necessary to cook barley separately before adding it to the soup, you can rinse it under cold water to remove excess starch. This helps prevent the soup from becoming too thick. Drain the barley and leave it aside.
  • Add the pearled barley to the pot and stir it in with the vegetables and herbs.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf.
  • Put back the golden-brown chicken breasts or thighs into the pot. Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
  • Cover the pot and let it cook for about 45 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

Finishing Touches

  • Once the soup is ready, remove the chicken thighs from the pot and shred the meat.
  • Return the shredded chicken to the soup, discarding any bones.
  • Give the soup a try and add a pinch more salt and pepper if it needs it
  • Remove the bay leaf.

Serving

  • Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with some fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
  • Garnish each serving with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
  • Serve hot and enjoy the hearty, nutritious goodness.
  • Enjoy your delicious and nutritious chicken and barley soup!

Notes

Our Healthy Chicken and Barley Soup is a timeless dish that brings together the warmth of tradition and the goodness of health.The delicious flavors of seared chicken, tender barley, and aromatic herbs come together to create a delicious and healthy soup for your family.
Enjoy this Healthy Chicken and Barley Soup as a nutritious and satisfying meal for your family that's easy to prepare and budget-friendly. It's a wholesome dish that can be tailored to your preferences.
So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and savor the satisfaction of a homemade bowl of Chicken and Barley Soup.

Answers to Common Questions:

 
Is it better to cook barley before adding to soup?
No, it's not necessary to cook barley separately before adding it to soup. Rinsing the barley under cold water to remove excess starch is sufficient. This helps prevent the soup from becoming too thick.
Is barley soup good for you?
Yes, barley soup is good for you. Barley is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It can help with weight management, heart health, and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
What if I put too much barley in my soup?
If you put too much barley in your soup, it may become thicker than desired. You can balance it out by adding more liquid, such as chicken broth or water, and adjusting the seasonings as needed.
Does barley help thicken soup?
Yes, barley can help thicken soup over time as it absorbs liquid. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can adjust the consistency by adding more liquid.
What two ingredients are used to thicken the soup?
In this recipe, barley naturally thickens the soup as it cooks. You can also use ingredients like cornstarch or flour as thickeners, but they aren't required for this particular recipe.
How long do you soak barley for soup?
There's no need to soak barley for this soup recipe. Simply rinse it under cold water before adding it to the pot.
Is barley soup good for a diet?
Yes, barley soup can be a great addition to a balanced diet. It's nutritious, filling, and can help with weight management due to its high fiber content.
How many calories are in barley chicken soup?
The calorie count for this soup may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it's generally a healthy and low-calorie meal. On average, a serving of chicken and barley soup contains around 200-250 calories.
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