You know those days when you want something warm, comforting, and not out of a packet? This is your bowl. It’s everything you love about a classic chicken soup—with a zesty, lemony twist that makes it feel lighter and fresher than your average winter warmer.
And because we’re all about solo-friendly, no-fuss cooking here at Plan4One.com, this soup is sized just right for one. No mountain of leftovers. No mystery containers lingering in the fridge for a week. Just a simple, satisfying soup that tastes like someone else cooked it for you. (But they didn’t—you legend.)
🌟 Why You’ll Love It (Especially in Winter)
This soup is like a cosy jumper for your immune system. Chicken brings protein and zinc, barley adds fibre to keep you full, and lemon brightens everything while delivering a hit of vitamin C.
It’s hearty but not heavy. Simple but not boring. And it reheats like a dream.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 1–2)
- 1 chicken thigh (skinless, boneless)
- ¼ cup pearl barley (rinsed)
- 1 small carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1.5 cups chicken or veggie stock
- Juice of ½ lemon (plus extra wedges to serve)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
- Simmer the Base
In a small saucepan, combine chicken thigh, barley, carrot, celery, and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until barley is tender and chicken is cooked through. - Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken, shred it with a fork, then return it to the pot. Stir well. - Add Brightness
Stir in lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’ve got it. - Serve Hot
Grab a spoon and enjoy while it’s steaming and soul-warming.
🧠 Nutrition Snapshot
- Protein from chicken to keep you full and strong
- Fibre from barley to support digestion
- Vitamin C from lemon to help your immune system do its thing
- Approx. 350–400 kcal per serve
💡 Healthy Hack
Bulk it up with extra greens—spinach, kale, or frozen peas all work well stirred in right at the end.
Feeling under the weather? Add a crushed garlic clove for an immunity kick.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze a portion flat in a ziplock bag for up to 1 month.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water.
🔄 Swap Suggestions
- No barley? Use brown rice, small pasta, or quinoa.
- Swap chicken thigh for shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
- Use lime juice or apple cider vinegar if you’re out of lemons.
- Make it veggie: sub chickpeas or white beans for the chicken.
🥣 One Bowl to Warm It All
This chicken, barley & lemon soup is the winter equivalent of a kind hug—it’s soothing, nourishing, and just a little bit zesty to wake up your senses. It’s also proof that good-for-you meals don’t have to be complicated or bland.
💬 Love a good winter soup? Let us know your favourite combo in the comments. And if you’re looking for more one-pot wonders, hit subscribe for more comforting, single-serve recipes straight to your inbox.
