Description
Warm up with a bowl of this comforting Chicken Tenderloin Barley Soup, inspired by cherished family recipes and full of nourishing ingredients. Perfect for cozy evenings, this soup is a delightful blend of tender chicken, wholesome barley, and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
– 2-3 lbs chicken tenderloin, cut into 1-inch chunks
– 2 tablespoons 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 tablespoons cooking wine
– 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon paste
– 2 boxes chicken broth
– 3 cans water (use the tomato can for measurement)
– Dash of cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon thyme
– 1 tablespoon parsley
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon oregano
– Dash of cayenne
– Splash of soy sauce
– Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
– 1 1/4 cups pearled barley
Instructions
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken tenderloin chunks and brown all sides.
2. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in celery, onion, garlic, and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are slightly caramelized.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and cooking wine. Cook down for approximately 2 minutes.
4. Stir in chicken bouillon paste, chicken broth, and water. Mix in 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 the pot, and let it simmer for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally.
6. One hour before serving, mix in pearled barley and continue to simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
7. Remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the soup to thicken slightly.
8. Serve hot and enjoy the warming comfort of homemade goodness.