Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Barley Soup
Cozy Up with Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Barley Soup
As the days get shorter and the evenings cooler, there’s nothing quite like a hearty, comforting bowl of soup. And if you’re looking for a fuss-free way to enjoy a delicious and nourishing soup, look no further than our Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Barley Soup! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to come home to a warm and flavourful meal with minimal effort.
This soup beautifully blends British and Mediterranean flavours, offering a delightful taste that’s both familiar and exciting. The pearl barley adds a lovely chewy texture and makes the soup incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s packed with goodness from the chicken, vegetables, and herbs.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Effortless: Simply combine the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work!
- Flavourful: The combination of chicken, vegetables, and herbs creates a rich and delicious broth.
- Healthy & Nourishing: Packed with protein, fibre, and vitamins.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to your preferences – add different vegetables or herbs.
Tips for the Best Soup:
- Don’t skip the herbs: Thyme and bay leaf add a depth of flavour that really elevates the soup.
- Rinse the barley: This helps remove any excess starch and prevents the soup from becoming too thick.
- Blend carefully: A quick blend with a stick blender is all you need to thicken the broth slightly – you still want plenty of chunky vegetables.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and add more salt and pepper as needed.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this delicious soup with a crusty bread for dipping, or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s also great for lunch or a light dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: While you can use chicken breasts, thighs will result in a more flavourful and tender soup. If using breasts, reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent them from drying out.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, leeks, or spinach.
Q: Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Reduce the cooking time to approximately 30-40 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Pearl barley does contain gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute it with quinoa or rice.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Barley Soup
Ingredients
- 1 whole onion chopped
- 1 whole leek washed and sliced
- 2 sticks celery washed and diced
- 3 whole carrots peeled and diced
- 450 g chicken thighs skinless and boneless
- 3 sprigs thyme fresh or 1/2 tsp dried
- 50 g pearl barley
- 850 ml chicken stock
- 1 clove garlic crushed
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 handful parsley fresh, finely chopped
Instructions
- Add ingredients to the slow cooker – place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and add the onion, leek, celery, carrot, thyme sprigs and bay leaf
- Rinse the pearl barley in a sieve under cold water and then add it to the slow cooker
- Add the rest of the ingredients – add the crushed garlic, the salt and a good grind of pepper, then pour in the chicken stock and stir
- Slow cook – put the lid on the slow cooker pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 4 hours
- Remove chicken and herbs – Remove the bay leaf and thyme stalks and discard. Remove the chicken pieces to a plate and shred with two forks.
- Blend – using a stick blender, blend the soup for a few seconds to thicken the broth a little. You still want lots of chunky veg left so don't overdo it.
- Finish – add the chicken back into the soup along with the chopped parsley and stir
- Adjust the seasoning – taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if necessary before serving.
Share this:
Discover more from Resoupies
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
