This Slow Cooker Hearty Chicken Barley Soup is the definition of comfort food, taking around 8 hours to prepare using chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and mushrooms.

To make Hearty Chicken Barley Soup in your slow cooker or crockpot, simply place all ingredients into the device, cover with broth, and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

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Slow Cooker Chicken Barley Soup Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thighs are also suitable)
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• ¾ cup pearled barley
• Juice from ½ lemon
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1½ teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 cups chicken broth or stock
• 2 fronds of dill

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Barley Soup

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Start by greasing your slow cooker, then place 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom.
2. Add Vegetables and Mushrooms: Dice 1 large carrot, 1 celery stalk, and 1 small onion, then slice 8 oz of mushrooms and add them to the slow cooker.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle in ¾ cup of pearled barley, 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper into the mix.
4. Season with Salt and Lemon: Add 1½ teaspoons of salt, adjusting according to your taste preferences, and squeeze the juice from half a lemon over the contents.
5. Add Liquid: Pour 8 cups of chicken broth or stock over the combined ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is submerged and mixed.
6. Garnish with Dill: Gently place 2 fronds of dill on top of the other ingredients in the slow cooker to infuse the soup with its flavor.
7. Cooking Time: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on how quickly you would like the soup to be ready.
8. Finish and Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, remove the chicken, shred it, and return your desired amount back to the soup; stir well before serving to blend the flavors.

Can I Use Frozen Vegetables in This Soup?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones in this recipe. Add them directly to the slow cooker without thawing. Frozen carrots, celery, and onions work well and are convenient for quick preparation.

Recipe Tips

• Boost Flavor: Before adding onions, carrots, and celery to your slow cooker, sauté them until they’re slightly browned. This step brings out a richer flavor in your Chicken Barley Soup.
• Thicken the Soup: If you like thicker soup, use less chicken broth or more barley. Check the taste after making these changes to ensure it’s just right for you.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Drop in some fresh parsley, thyme, or more dill during the last half-hour of cooking. Fresh herbs make the soup taste brighter and more flavorful.
• Enhance with Lemon Zest: Along with lemon juice, add some lemon zest to your soup for a stronger citrus taste. It makes the soup feel fresher.

Recipe Variations

• Make it Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with butternut squash or sweet potatoes and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty vegetarian soup.
• Add Greens: Toss in spinach, kale, or Swiss chard in the last 15 minutes of cooking to pack more nutrients into your soup without compromising the colors or flavors.
• Try Different Grains: Use quinoa, brown rice, or farro instead of barley. Each grain changes the texture and flavor, giving your soup a new twist each time.
• Create a Creamy Version: Mix in half a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This makes your soup creamier and more luxurious.

What To Serve With Chicken Barley Soup

Serve your Chicken Barley Soup with hearty, rustic sides like garlic croutons, a crisp apple arugula salad, or Greek Green Beans. Freshly baked cornbread or a slice of sourdough also pairs beautifully.

You can also pair this soup with a small plate of aged cheddar slices or a tangy feta cheese salad for a refreshing contrast to the soup’s richness.

How To Store Leftover Chicken Barley Soup

In The Fridge:

Store leftover Chicken Barley Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure the soup cools to room temperature before sealing the container. This prevents condensation inside the container, which can make the soup watery and less flavorful when reheated.

In The Freezer:

Chicken Barley Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cool the soup completely and store it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave a small space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen, preventing any potential spills or burst containers.

How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Barley Soup

Reheat your leftover Chicken Barley Soup by transferring it into a pot on the stove and warming it over medium heat until it’s thoroughly heated. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Alternatively, you can microwave the soup in a microwave-safe dish, covered, stirring every minute to ensure even reheating.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Tomato Soup With Fresh Tomatoes
• Slow Cooker Chicken Rice Soup
• Slow Cooker Spiced Parsnip Soup