Hearty Chicken and Barley Soup

This hearty chicken and barley soup is the kind of meal you turn to when you want real comfort in a bowl. It is thick, filling, and packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and barley. One pot, simple ingredients, and a soup that keeps you full long after you finish.

What is chicken and barley soup

Chicken and barley soup is a one pot meal made with tender chicken, vegetables, and pearl barley simmered in a rich broth. As the barley cooks, it thickens the soup and gives it a hearty texture. This version also includes freekeh for a slightly nutty flavour and extra bite. You can use a mix of barley and freekeh, or keep it simple and use all barley. Both work well and give you a filling soup that holds up as a full meal.

Why you’ll love this chicken and barley soup

• It fills you up. Barley thickens the soup and gives it body, so you stay full longer.
• Comfort without heaviness. Chicken, vegetables, and grains give you a satisfying bowl without feeling heavy.
• One pot, low fuss. Everything cooks in one pot, which keeps prep simple and cleanup quick.
• Great for meal prep. The flavour improves overnight, so leftovers taste even better the next day.
• Flexible ingredients. Use all barley or add freekeh if you have it. You can also swap in chickpeas or extra vegetables.

Ingredients

• Olive oil. Starts the base and carries flavour.
• Onion, carrot, celery. The flavour base that builds depth as it cooks.
• Garlic. Adds punch and aroma.
• Salt. Seasons the base from the start.
• Chinese cooking wine. Adds depth and rounds out the broth.
• Pearl barley and freekeh. Thickens the soup and gives it a hearty texture. Use a mix or all barley. Read more about pearly barley here.
• Chicken stock. Forms the broth, use a good quality one for best flavour.
• Bay leaves and thyme. Add subtle savoury notes as the soup simmers.
• Chicken breast. Becomes tender and easy to shred.
• Parsley. Fresh finish at the end.

To serve

• Extra parsley. For a fresh finish.
• Crusty bread or sourdough. For dipping and soaking up the broth.

How to make chicken and barley soup

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and salt. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until softened.
2. Add the wine and cook for 1 minute. Add barley, freekeh, stock, chicken, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken and set aside. Continue simmering for 20 minutes, or until the grains are tender.
4. Shred the chicken using two forks.
5. Return the chicken to the pot and heat through. Stir in parsley and season to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Tips for chicken and barley soup

• Soften the vegetables properly. Cook onion, carrot, and celery until soft to build flavour from the start.
• Keep a gentle simmer. This keeps the chicken tender and stops the grains from turning mushy.
• Check the grains. They should be tender with a slight bite. Overcooking will make the soup too thick.
• Adjust the consistency. The grains will absorb liquid, especially the next day. Add a splash of hot water or stock when reheating.
• Season at the end. Grains absorb salt, so taste and adjust before serving.
• Better the next day. The flavour deepens overnight, which makes leftovers even better.

Serving suggestions

This chicken and barley soup works well on its own, but it pairs well with something crusty on the side. Serve it with sourdough or crunchy bread to soak up the broth. A simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette balances the richness. For extra flavour, finish with grated parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving.

Storage

Fridge
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let the soup cool before refrigerating. The grains will absorb liquid as it sits.

Reheat
Reheat gently on the stove until hot. Add a splash of water or stock to loosen if needed.

Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove until hot.

Chicken and barley soup FAQs

This hearty chicken and barley soup is comforting, filling, and easy to make. If you try it, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out.

chicken soup with ancient grains

More soup recipes to try

• Creamy Thai Panang Pumpkin Soup
• Hearty Chicken & Vegetable Quinoa Soup (One-Pot)
• Easy Homemade Wonton Noodle Soup
• Roasted Carrot Soup with Chickpeas