Description
This comforting Chicken Barley Soup combines tender shredded rotisserie chicken with hearty barley and fresh vegetables in a savory chicken broth. Perfect for a warming meal any day, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients and flavored with a blend of classic herbs and seasonings.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 3 ribs celery, chopped
Protein and Grains
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 3/4 cup barley, rinsed under cold water
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken stock
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Italian seasoning, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Barley: Rinse the barley thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris, then set it aside to drain.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and finely chopped garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning according to taste. Then add the chopped carrots, celery, rinsed barley, and shredded rotisserie chicken, mixing everything together well.
- Add Broth and Boil: Pour in the chicken stock and increase heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the flavors meld together.
- Final Taste and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust any seasonings as needed. Serve the soup hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor; however, leftover cooked chicken or freshly cooked chicken breast can be substituted.
- Rinsing barley before cooking removes starch and helps prevent it from becoming too sticky.
- You can substitute pearl barley with hulled barley, but cooking time may increase.
- For a thicker soup, add less chicken stock or simmer longer.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chicken Barley Soup, hearty chicken soup, rotisserie chicken recipe, barley soup, easy chicken soup
