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creamy chicken mushroom barley soup recipe

Creamy Chicken Mushroom Barley Soup

Zac A., a passionate food creator, smiling while preparing a fresh homemade dish in a cozy kitchen.Zac A.
A hearty and creamy soup perfect for cozy fall evenings, featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and chewy barley in a rich broth.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8 bowls
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Knife

Ingredients
  

Soup Base

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb chicken breast diced
  • 8 oz mushrooms sliced
  • 1 cup barley
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp thyme
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Dice the chicken breast, slice the mushrooms, and measure out the barley.
  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
  • Add diced chicken to the pot and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Stir in the barley, ensuring it is well mixed with the chicken and mushrooms.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until barley is tender, about 30 minutes.

Serving

  • Stir in the heavy cream and seasonings. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Storage

  • Allow the soup to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Notes

Pro Tips: For the best flavor, use a mix of mushroom varieties. If you prefer a thicker soup, add an extra 1/4 cup of cream.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute barley with quinoa or rice. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
How to Serve: Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Storage & Freshness: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the soup base in advance and add cream just before serving for the freshest taste.
Keyword comfort food recipes, creamy chicken mushroom barley soup, hearty chicken soup