Chicken, Mushroom and Barley Soup is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations. This hearty soup is packed with wholesome ingredients, including tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutty barley, making it the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly day. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch or a hearty dinner, this soup is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients you will need to cook this hearty Chicken, Mushroom and Barley Soup
- olive oil extra virgin
- onion
- garlic
- celery
- button mushrooms, or other mushrooms of your choice
- chicken breast
- thyme dried or fresh
- chicken broth
- barley. pearl or quick-cooking barley
- salt and pepper
Why you will love this Chicken, Mushroom and Barley Soup
One of the best things about Chicken, Mushroom and Barley Soup is that it is incredibly versatile. You can customize the recipe to suit your taste by adding your favourite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to your liking. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, making it a frugal and practical meal option.
The combination of chicken, mushrooms, and barley creates a well-balanced flavour profile that is both savoury and slightly sweet. The soup is typically made by simmering chicken stock, vegetables, and herbs, along with the chicken and barley until everything is cooked to perfection. The mushrooms add an extra layer of umami flavour, making this soup a favourite among mushroom lovers.
What are the Key Health Benefits of this soup?
- High in protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, and this soup is packed with it. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body and helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals: The combination of chicken, mushrooms, and barley provides a range of essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, vitamin D, iron, and zinc. These nutrients are important for maintaining healthy bones, immune function, and cognitive function.
- Good source of fibre: Barley is a good source of dietary fibre, which is important for maintaining healthy digestion and preventing constipation. A diet high in fibre can also help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Boosts immunity: Mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting properties. They contain beta-glucans, which stimulate the immune system and help to fight off infections and diseases.
- Supports weight loss: Because this soup is high in protein and fibre, it can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer, which may reduce overall calorie intake and support weight loss efforts.
Overall, chicken, mushroom, and barley soup is a nutritious and satisfying meal that offers a range of health benefits. By incorporating this delicious soup into your diet, you can nourish your body and support your overall health and well-being.
Different variations you can experiment for this recipe:
- Creamy chicken, mushroom, and barley soup: Add some heavy cream to the soup to create a creamy and indulgent version of the classic recipe.
- Lemon chicken, mushroom, and barley soup: Add some fresh lemon juice and zest to the soup for a bright and tangy flavour.
- Spicy chicken, mushroom, and barley soup: Add some chilli flakes or diced jalapeño peppers to the soup for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable chicken, mushroom, and barley soup: Add a variety of vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onion to the soup to boost the nutritional value and add more flavour.
- Mexican-style chicken, mushroom, and barley soup: Add some cumin, chilli powder, and diced tomatoes to the soup to give it a Mexican twist.
- Italian-style chicken, mushroom, and barley soup: Add some Italian herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme to the soup to give it an Italian flavour.
- Asian-style chicken, mushroom, and barley soup: Add some ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the soup to give it an Asian twist.
Chicken, Mushroom and Barley Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 pc onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 cup button mushrooms sliced
- 1 lbs chicken breast, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp thyme dried or fresh
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup quick-cooking barley
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the celery and carrots to the pot and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Add the chicken and mushrooms to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned on all sides
- Add the chicken broth, thyme, salt and pepper to the pot and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the barley and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the barley is cooked through and tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- If you have time and are not strict with the fat content of other chicken parts, use bone-in chicken: Using bone-in chicken will give the soup more flavor and nutrition. It’s best to use chicken thighs or drumsticks, as they are more flavorful than chicken breasts.
- Skim off the fat: As the soup cooks, you may notice some fat rising to the surface. Skim off the fat with a spoon or use a fat separator to remove it.
- To make this soup vegetarian, skip the chicken breast or substitute with other vegetables instead. Substitute the chicken broth with mushroom or vegetable broth.
- To serve the soup, add freshly chopped parsley, chives, basil or other herbs for that extra fragrant aroma.
- Store the leftover soup properly: Once the soup has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
