Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Barley Soup Recipe

Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Barley Soup is a hearty recipe, perfect for brisk days or when a bowl of comfort is the order of the day. Flavored with bacon and packed with healthy veggies and fiber-rich barley, this soup is so, so delicious.

Prep Time10

Cook Time4

Total Time4 10

Servings: servings

Calories: 238kcal

Author: Stephanie Wilson

Ingredients

4 slices bacon chopped
1 large onion chopped
4 cloves garlic minced
3 medium-size red potatoes diced
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
3 carrots sliced
2 celery stalks chopped
6 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup pearl barley rinsed
1-1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro chopped for garnish

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Place a skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until brown, then add the onions and garlic. Saute for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Transfer to a 6-quart slow cooker.
Place the chicken on top of the onions. Then layer the potatoes, carrots, celery, chicken broth, barley, thyme, bay leaves, 1-1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours.
Remove the bay leaves and discard. And then remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return the chicken to the slow cooker, add the fresh parsley and stir. Ladle into bowls and serve. Garnish with crumbled bacon, chopped fresh parsley (or cilantro) and slices or cubes of crusty bread.

Notes

Leftovers will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Nutrition