Hearty Chicken Tenderloin Barley Soup

There’s something so special about a hearty bowl of soup on a cool evening. It warms you from the inside out and fills the home with delicious aromas that can make anyone feel like they’re back in their family kitchen. This Hearty Chicken Tenderloin Barley Soup is the perfect recipe for those cozy nights. Packed with nourishing ingredients and inspired by cherished family recipes, it’s more than just a meal—it’s a bowl of pure comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

This soup is a delightful blend of tender chicken, wholesome barley, and aromatic herbs, all simmered together to create a rich, flavorful broth that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. The addition of barley not only gives the soup a unique, slightly chewy texture but also provides a good source of fiber and protein. Plus, the mix of spices—cinnamon, thyme, parsley, and a dash of cayenne—brings warmth and depth to every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Tenderloin: Cut into chunks, it’s lean and tender, adding a meaty richness without being heavy.
• Vegetables: Celery, onion, garlic, and carrots create a savory base and add natural sweetness.
• Barley: Pearled barley adds texture and body to the soup, making it heartier and more filling.
• Aromatic Herbs and Spices: Thyme, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a hint of cinnamon all work together to make each bite flavorful.
• Broth and Bouillon: Chicken broth and bouillon paste create a robust, savory foundation.
• Tomatoes and Wine: Diced tomatoes and a splash of cooking wine add acidity and brightness, balancing the rich flavors.

Cooking Tips

1. Browning the Chicken: Start by browning the chicken chunks in olive oil. This caramelizes the outside and seals in the juices, giving the soup a savory depth that’s hard to beat.
2. Caramelizing the Veggies: After browning the chicken, add the celery, onion, garlic, and carrots. Cooking them until they’re caramelized brings out their natural sweetness, adding layers of flavor to the broth.
3. Building Flavor with Herbs and Spices: Adding the herbs, spices, and a dash of cinnamon infuses the broth with warmth. The cayenne gives just a hint of heat, which complements the hearty barley and tender chicken perfectly.
4. Letting It Simmer: The key to this soup’s rich flavor is time. Let it simmer for 4-5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to become deeply savory. The long cooking time also helps soften the barley, giving it a chewy, hearty texture.
5. Finishing Touches: Stir in the barley about an hour before serving to let it cook to the perfect tenderness. In the last 30 minutes, remove the lid to let the soup thicken slightly.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lbs chicken tenderloin, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups chopped celery, including leaves
• 1 diced onion
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed
• 3 carrots, halved and chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp cooking wine
• 2 tbsp chicken bouillon paste
• 2 boxes chicken broth
• 3 cans water (use the tomato can for measurement)
• Dash of cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1 tbsp parsley
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• Dash of cayenne
• Splash of soy sauce
• Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
• 1 1/4 cups pearled barley

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Add chicken tenderloin chunks and brown on all sides.
2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the celery, onion, garlic, and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are slightly caramelized.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and cooking wine. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
4. Stir in the chicken bouillon paste, chicken broth, and water. Add the cinnamon, thyme, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally.
6. One hour before serving, mix in the pearled barley and continue to simmer. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the lid to allow the soup to thicken slightly.
8. Serve hot and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of homemade goodness.

Enjoying Your Soup

Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for an extra burst of color. Whether you’re cozying up on the couch with a good book or sharing a meal around the table with loved ones, this Hearty Chicken Tenderloin Barley Soup is the perfect way to stay warm and nourished.

So, gather your ingredients, carve out some time, and let this soup work its magic. After all, sometimes the best way to warm up isn’t just with a blanket—it’s with a bowl of something homemade and heartfelt. Enjoy!