Soothing Turmeric Chicken With Pearl Barley (Print version)

Golden-hued soup with tender chicken, pearl barley, and warming turmeric. Comfort in every spoonful.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), diced

→ Grains

02 - 3/4 cup pearl barley, rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 small zucchini, diced

→ Broth & Seasonings

08 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1 teaspoon sea salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Garnishes

15 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
16 - Lemon wedges for serving

# How to Make:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
02 - Stir in garlic, turmeric, cumin, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add diced chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until beginning to turn opaque.
04 - Pour in chicken broth and add pearl barley, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.
05 - Bring soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Add diced zucchini, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until barley is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Turmeric adds a healthy, golden boost to every spoonful.
  • Hearty & Filling: Pearl barley and diced chicken provide a satisfying, high-protein meal.
  • One-Pot Comfort: A simple preparation process that yields deep, cozy flavors.
02 -
  • Allergen Check: If using store-bought broth, check the label for hidden allergens like gluten, soy, or celery.
  • Zucchini Texture: Adding the zucchini in the final 10-15 minutes ensures it remains tender-crisp rather than becoming overly soft.
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