Lu's Chicken Barley Soup

Warm, hearty, and brimming with wholesome flavor, Lu's Chicken Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort food perfect for chilly evenings or a nourishing meal any time of year. This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken breasts, nutty pearl barley, and a medley of aromatic vegetables simmered to perfection in a fragrant blend of dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. With a base of rich, low-sodium chicken broth, this soup achieves the perfect balance of heartiness and lightness, while a touch of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of freshness to each bowl. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and healthy choice for the whole family. Perfect for meal prep or cozy gatherings, serve this flavorful chicken barley soup with crusty bread for an irresistible pairing!

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 large celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 pieces (about 1 pound) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 0.75 cup pearl barley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Place the chicken breasts into the pot and pour in the chicken broth.

Step 5

Add the pearl barley, dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.

Step 7

Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the barley doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Step 8

After 30 minutes, check the chicken for doneness. If cooked through, remove the chicken breasts and set them aside on a cutting board.

Step 9

Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Step 10

Return the shredded chicken to the pot and let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the barley is tender.

Step 11

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 12

Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 13

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3402.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2557.3

Total Fat 67.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 771.1mg	0%
Sodium 3817.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 160.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.5g	0%
Total Sugars 24.0g
Protein 316.6g	0%

Vitamin D 9.1IU	0%
Calcium 321.0mg	0%
Iron 15.0mg	0%
Potassium 3854.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.1%

Protein: 50.4%

Carbs: 25.5%