Chicken and Barley Soup

By

  • 6
  • 20 mins
  • 60 mins

Ingredients

  • tablespoon olive oil
  • bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • carrots, sliced
  • celery stalks, sliced
  • onion, chopped
  • cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • cup pearl barley
  • cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, plus lemon wedges for serving

Preparation

Step 1


1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook, skin-side down, until the skin is golden brown, 7 to 8 minutes. (The chicken will not be cooked through yet.) Transfer to a plate; reserve the pot.

2. Add the carrots, celery, onion, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper to the reserved pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the broth, barley, and chicken and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until the chicken is cooked through and the barley is tender, 30 to 40 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, combine the parsley, lemon zest, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper in a small bowl.

4. Transfer the chicken to a plate, discard the skin and bones, and shred the meat. Return the meat to the pot.

5. Serve the soup topped with the parsley mixture with the lemon wedges alongside.