This hearty and healthy chicken soup is packed with earthy mushrooms, chewy barley, and nourishing root vegetables. A mix of dried shiitake and fresh mushrooms gives the broth a deep umami flavor, while tender chicken makes it a satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep, this soup gets richer as it sits—just thin with a splash of broth or water before reheating.
Ingredients
1 ounce dried shiitake mushrooms
2 cups boiling water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
8 ounces fresh mushrooms (cremini, button, or mixed), sliced
1 cup pearl barley
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
In a heatproof bowl, soak dried shiitake mushrooms in 2 cups boiling water for 20 minutes. Remove mushrooms, slice them, and reserve soaking liquid (strain out grit).
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened (about 6 minutes).
Stir in garlic, fresh mushrooms, and the sliced rehydrated shiitakes. Cook for 5 minutes until mushrooms release their juices.
Add barley, chicken broth, reserved mushroom soaking liquid, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 40–50 minutes, until barley is tender.
Stir in shredded chicken, season with salt and pepper, and simmer another 10 minutes.
Remove bay leaf, adjust consistency with more broth or water if needed, and garnish with parsley before serving.
So, I’m all about cozy meals that warm the soul. This hearty chicken soup is my go-to. Packed with earthy mushrooms and chewy barley. The mix of dried shiake and fresh mushrooms gives it a deep umami flavor. Tender chicken makes it satisfying, perfect for dinner or meal prep. And the best part, it gets richer as it sits. Just add a splash of broth or water before reheating. Trust me, you’ll want this in your
Dining and Cooking