Best 13 Southwestern Style Chicken Soup With Barley Recipes

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Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the Southwest with this hearty and delectable Southwestern-Style Chicken Soup with Barley. This soup is a delightful fusion of traditional and contemporary tastes, featuring a savory broth brimming with tender chicken, plump barley, and a medley of colorful vegetables. The infusion of spices, including cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, adds a vibrant warmth that dances on your palate. Enjoy this Southwestern-inspired soup as a comforting meal on a chilly evening or relish it as a revitalizing lunch break treat.

In addition to the main recipe, this article offers a collection of equally enticing variations that cater to diverse dietary preferences and culinary adventures. Explore the delightful Vegan Southwestern-Style Barley Soup, a plant-based rendition that swaps chicken for hearty plant-based protein sources. For those with gluten sensitivities, the Gluten-Free Southwestern-Style Chicken Soup with Rice offers a flavorful alternative using rice instead of barley. And for those who prefer a heartier and more substantial soup, the Slow Cooker Southwestern-Style Chicken and Corn Chowder is a delectable choice, featuring tender chicken, sweet corn, and a creamy broth.

Here are our top 13 tried and tested recipes!

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN BARLEY CHOWDER



Southwest Chicken Barley Chowder image

Mashed squash helps make this chowder creamy but not heavy, and it's a favorite way to get barley on the table. My kids even ask for leftovers for lunch. -Pamela Cleghorn, Campbellsburg, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 package (12 ounces) frozen mashed winter squash, thawed (about 1-1/3 cups)
3/4 cup quick-cooking barley
2 teaspoons reduced-sodium taco seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 carton (32 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups frozen corn
1 cup half-and-half cream
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Diced avocado and chopped tomatoes, optional

Steps:

  • In a 6-qt. stockpot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and onion; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or just until onion is tender., Stir in squash, barley, seasonings and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 10-12 minutes or until barley is tender., Add beans, corn, cream, salsa and cilantro; heat through, stirring occasionally. If desired, serve with avocado and tomatoes. Freeze option: Freeze cooled soup in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth or milk if necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 298 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 46mg cholesterol, Sodium 681mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CHICKEN BARLEY SOUP



Chicken Barley Soup image

No question-this is my favorite barley soup! It's so filling that I serve it as a hearty main dish, and I have given the recipe to many of our friends and relatives. It simply tastes too good to keep to yourself! -Diana Costello, Marion, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 1h35m

Yield 5 servings (about 1-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 broiler/fryer chicken (2 to 3 pounds), cut up
8 cups water
1-1/2 cups chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup medium pearl barley
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1 teaspoon salt, optional
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage

Steps:

  • In a large stockpot, cook chicken in water until tender. Cool broth and skim off fat. Set chicken aside until cool enough to handle. Remove meat from bones; discard bones and cut meat into cubes. Return meat to pan along with remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 1 hour or until vegetables and barley are tender. Discard bay leaf.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 259 calories, Fat 5g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 89mg cholesterol, Sodium 127mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN BARLEY SOUP



Southwestern Chicken Barley Soup image

Kell Ferell of Alamo, North Dakota drives 80 miles round-trip every day for her job, so she needs quick, healthy dishes to fix for her family. "This is a huge favorite," she pens. "If I don't have leftover chicken, I simply boil or poach some chicken breasts. I use the cooking liquid to replace part of the water in the recipe to add even more flavor."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 1h15m

Yield 12 servings (3 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups water
1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
1/2 cup medium pearl barley
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies, drained
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 cups cubed cooked chicken

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add the water, corn, beans, tomato sauce, tomatoes, broth, barley, chilies, chili powder and cumin. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer after 45 minutes., Stir in chicken; cook, uncovered, 15 minutes longer or until chicken is heated through and barley is tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 187 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 31mg cholesterol, Sodium 582mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 15g protein.

CHICKEN AND BARLEY SOUP



Chicken and Barley Soup image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 stalks celery, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large leek (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced and rinsed
1/2 small head Savoy cabbage, chopped
2 teaspoons paprika, plus more for topping
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 1/2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken (skin discarded)
1/2 cup quick-cooking barley
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the carrots, celery and leek and cook, stirring occasionally, until the leek softens, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the cabbage, paprika,
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and stir to coat. Increase the heat to medium high and cook, stirring often, until the cabbage is wilted and the vegetables start browning, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Add 2 cups water, the chicken broth and chopped chicken to the pot; bring to a simmer. Add the barley, cover and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
  • Divide the soup among bowls. Top with the sour cream, dill and more paprika.

CHICKEN WITH BARLEY SOUP



Chicken with Barley Soup image

This is a high-protein, high-fiber, and low-fat recipe that is very filling. I usually double the recipe so I have plenty of leftovers. The soup freezes well. This soup comes out very thick; if you like a thinner soup, add more water or reduce the barley to 1/2 cup. This soup recipe is very flexible. Adjust amount of veggies and seasonings to your family's taste.

Provided by Carolyn LaLumiere Miller

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Vegetable Soup Recipes     Barley Soup Recipes

Time 1h50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

8 cups water
2 pounds chicken thighs, or more to taste
1 ½ cups chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery (try to include celery leaves)
1 onion, chopped
¾ cup pearl barley
3 bay leaves
1 cube chicken bouillon, or more to taste
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon rubbed sage
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Steps:

  • Combine water, chicken thighs, and bay leaves in a large stock pot; bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, place a cover on the pot, and cook at a simmer until the chicken is tender, about 30 minutes.
  • Remove chicken to a cutting board to cool. Remove and discard bones, skin, and fat from chicken. Cut remaining meat into bite-sized pieces.
  • Cool broth until the fat congeals on the surface. Skim and discard fat.
  • Return soup to heat; add carrots, celery, onion, pearl barley, bay leaves, chicken bouillon, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, reduce heat to low, place cover on the pot, and simmer until the barley is cooked and the vegetables are tender, 60 to 90 minutes. Stir lemon juice into the soup just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 352.3 calories, Carbohydrate 25 g, Cholesterol 85.2 mg, Fat 15.7 g, Fiber 5.9 g, Protein 27.5 g, SaturatedFat 4.3 g, Sodium 703.5 mg, Sugar 3.7 g

CHICKEN BARLEY SOUP



Chicken Barley Soup image

Warm up with a bowl of soup that's brimming with healthy grains and bright vegetables.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Soups, Stews & Stocks     Soup Recipes

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
4 carrots, diced small
4 celery stalks, diced small
1 medium yellow onion, diced small
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Coarse salt and ground pepper
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
5 sprigs thyme
1 cup quick-cooking barley
5 ounces baby spinach (5 cups)

Steps:

  • In a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add carrots, celery, and onion. Cook until just tender, about 8 minutes. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring, until chicken is opaque at edges, about 2 minutes.
  • Add broth and thyme and bring to a boil. Stir in barley. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until barley is tender and chicken is cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Add spinach and cook until wilted, 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

MEXICAN-INSPIRED CHICKEN SOUP



Mexican-Inspired Chicken Soup image

This zesty chicken taco soup is loaded with corn and black beans in a mildly spicy red broth. As a busy mom of three young children, I'm always looking for dinner recipes that can be prepared in the morning. The kids love the taste of this easy soup. -Marlene Kane, Lainesburg, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 3h10m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 teaspoons canola oil
1/2 cup water
1 envelope reduced-sodium taco seasoning
1 can (32 ounces) V8 juice
1 jar (16 ounces) salsa
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn, thawed
Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream and chopped fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • In a large nonstick skillet, saute chicken in oil until no longer pink. Add water and taco seasoning; simmer, uncovered, until chicken is well coated. , Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Stir in the V8 juice, salsa, beans and corn. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until heated through. If desired, serve with optional toppings.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 304 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 1199mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 29g protein.

QUICK EASY CHICKEN BARLEY SOUP



Quick Easy Chicken Barley Soup image

Easiest chicken soup I've ever found.

Provided by Charley

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Vegetable Soup Recipes     Barley Soup Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 quarts chicken broth
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
⅔ cup barley
⅓ cup rice
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Stir chicken, celery, carrots, onion, barley, rice, salt, and pepper into broth. Reduce heat to medium-high and cook until chicken and rice are cooked through, about 20 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 281.2 calories, Carbohydrate 42.9 g, Cholesterol 40.4 mg, Fat 3.1 g, Fiber 7.1 g, Protein 19.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 1987.5 mg, Sugar 5.2 g

EASY SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN SOUP



Easy Southwestern Chicken Soup image

A great tasting soup I threw together when I was doing Phase 1 on the South Beach® diet. Very filling and satisfying, and even better the next day!

Provided by VickiS

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Chicken Soup Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 8

32 ounces chicken broth
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (such as RO*TEL®)
1 (14 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
2 (6 ounce) cans chunk white chicken, drained
1 tablespoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Stir chicken broth, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, petite diced tomatoes, chicken, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper together in a large pot; bring to a simmer and cook until hot and flavors combine, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 122.8 calories, Carbohydrate 14.9 g, Cholesterol 17.2 mg, Fat 2.4 g, Fiber 5.6 g, Protein 10.6 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 955.8 mg, Sugar 1.2 g

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN BARLEY TOMATO SOUP



Southwestern Chicken Barley Tomato Soup image

I was trying a new recipe that a friend gave me, but didn't have all of the ingredients on hand. I substituted with items that I had in the pantry, and came up with this soup.

Provided by NELady

Categories     Chicken

Time 1h10m

Yield 1 Cup, 11 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 large tomatoes, diced
1 (16 ounce) jar medium hot salsa (Pace Picante, recommended)
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can fat free chicken broth
3 cups water
1 bunch green onion, chopped
1 cup quick-cooking barley
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained, rinsed
1 1/2-2 lbs chicken breasts, cooked, cut into bite-sized pieces

Steps:

  • In a 6-quart saucepan, combine the first 5 ingredients (tomatoes, salsa, chicken broth, water, green onions).
  • Over high heat, bring to a boil; cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Blend soup (I use a small hand immersion blender - this step is optional, but how I prepared the soup).
  • Add barley, chicken breast and black beans. Simmer 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until barley is tender.
  • Serve Immediately. Can season with salt & pepper, or top or with sour cream or cheddar cheese.

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN & BARLEY SOUP



Southwestern Chicken & Barley Soup image

I recently purchased some barley as a way to introduce new grains to my diet. Found lots of good ideas for barley on this site and came up with my own soup. Perfect fall soup with comfort from the barley and chicken with a little heat from the chilies. Since the ingredients here reflect my pantry and tastes, you should feel free to adapt it to your own. I can see using green beans instead of zucchini or thighs instead of breasts.

Provided by justcallmetoni

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 1h35m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 stalks celery, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 green pepper, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
7 cups water
2 low-sodium chicken bouillon cubes
2 chicken breast halves, skin removed
1 1/2 cups canned diced tomatoes
1 ear of corn
1 (14 ounce) can black beans
2 ancho chilies
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup barley
1 medium yellow zucchini or 1 medium green zucchini, cut in to medium cubes

Steps:

  • Saute onion, garlic, celery and green pepper in olive oil in soup pot.
  • Once onions are soft (about 5 minutes) add water, bouillon, tomatoes, black beans and chicken to pot and bring to a low simmer.
  • (Use chicken broth instead of water and bouillon if you prefer).
  • Remove corn kernels from cob and add to soup.
  • Add whole ancho chilies to pot for a minute, just to get the dried chili to soften a bit.
  • Remove from pot.
  • Tear off stalk and remove seeds.
  • Dice chilies into small pieces and return to simmering pot.
  • Let soup simmer 20 minutes and remove chicken from pot.
  • Shred or dice chicken and return to pot.
  • Add barley and let soup simmer for 25 minutes.
  • Add zucchini and let simmer an additional 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 297.6, Fat 6.3, SaturatedFat 1.3, Cholesterol 15.5, Sodium 186.3, Carbohydrate 48, Fiber 13.1, Sugar 5, Protein 15.6

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN & BARLEY SOUP



Southwestern Chicken & Barley Soup image

Make and share this Southwestern Chicken & Barley Soup recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Judth

Categories     < 4 Hours

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 green pepper, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
7 cups water
2 low-sodium chicken bouillon cubes
3 skinless chicken breast halves
1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 cup whole kernel corn
1 (14 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 dried ancho chiles
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup barley
2 green zucchini, cubed
2 yellow squash, cubed
1 lime, sliced

Steps:

  • Saute onion, garlic, celery, and green pepper in olive oil in soup pot.
  • Once onions are soft, add water, boullion, tomatoes, black beans, and chicken to pot and bring to a slow simmer.
  • Add whole dried chilis to pot for a minute, just to get the dried chili to soften a bit.
  • Remove from pot. Tear off stalk and remove seeds. Dice chilis into small pieces and return to simmering pot.
  • Let soup simmer 20 minutes and remove chicken from pot. Shred or dice chicken and return to pot.
  • Add barley and let soup simmer for 25 minutes.
  • Add zucchini, squash, and corn and let simmer an additional 25 minutes.
  • Serve with lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 349.9, Fat 5.1, SaturatedFat 0.9, Cholesterol 34.2, Sodium 307.5, Carbohydrate 54.9, Fiber 14.8, Sugar 7.3, Protein 25.7

HEARTY CHICKEN BARLEY SOUP



Hearty Chicken Barley Soup image

No question-this is my favorite soup. It's so filling that I serve it as a hearty main dish, and I have given the recipe to many of our friends and relatives. It tastes too good to keep to yourself!

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 1h45m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 pounds), cut up
2 quarts water
1-1/2 cups chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup medium pearl barley
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried sage

Steps:

  • In a stock pot, cook chicken in water until tender. Remove chicken and set aside until cool enough to handle. Cool broth and skim off fat. , Remove meat from bones; discard bones and cut meat into cubes; return to pot along with remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer for at least 1 hour or until vegetables and barley are tender. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 259 calories, Fat 5g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 89mg cholesterol, Sodium 127mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Choose the right type of barley: Hulled barley has a chewy texture and nutty flavor, while pearl barley is more tender and cooks faster. Both types of barley work well in this soup.
  • Soak the barley before cooking: Soaking the barley overnight or for at least 4 hours will help to reduce the cooking time and make the barley more tender.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: This soup is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Feel free to add any vegetables that you like, such as carrots, celery, potatoes, or green beans.
  • Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs, such as cilantro, parsley, or thyme, will add a burst of flavor to the soup. Add them at the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
  • Season the soup to taste: Be sure to taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to taste.

Conclusion:

This Southwestern-style chicken soup with barley is a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

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