Description
A hearty and comforting Chicken Barley Soup featuring tender rotisserie chicken, wholesome barley, and a medley of vegetables, slow-simmered in flavorful chicken stock and Italian seasonings. Perfect for a nourishing meal that’s both filling and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (29.6 ml)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 3/4 cup or 39g)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped (about 1 tablespoon or 8.43g)
- 2 medium carrots, chopped (about 3/4 cup or 39g)
- 3 ribs celery, chopped (about 3/4 cup or 39g)
Protein and Grains
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded (291.4g)
- 3/4 cup barley (150g), rinsed and drained
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken stock (800 ml)
- 2 teaspoons salt (4g), adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (2g), adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (2g)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (2g)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (5.5g)
Instructions
- Prepare the Barley: Rinse and drain the barley thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities, then set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and finely chopped garlic, then season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Vegetables: Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well combined. Then add the chopped carrots, celery, rinsed barley, and shredded rotisserie chicken. Stir to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Add Chicken Stock and Boil: Pour in the chicken stock and increase the heat to bring the soup to a rolling boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Taste the broth and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 30 minutes, or until the barley has fully softened and the vegetables are tender.
- Final Seasoning and Serving: After the barley has softened, taste the soup once more and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting bowl of Chicken Barley Soup.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken adds depth of flavor and saves prep time.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas or green beans for extra nutrition.
- Barley can be substituted with pearl barley for a quicker cooking time.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked barley against the side of the pot and stir.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
