This post contains affiliate links. I make a commission from sales. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, read my disclosure policy.
Instant Pot chicken barley soup is a hearty and healthy meal perfect for family dinner. Save time by letting the pressure cooker do all the work.

Jump to:
Love making soup on the Instant Pot? Try my Instant Pot Beef Stew With Pasta and Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup.
Instant Pot chicken barley soup is soon to be your go to winter recipe! Packed with fresh ingredients like chicken, barley, carrots and spices, this soup is comfort in a bowl.
Making soup in the Instant Pot is so quick and easy, but still tastes like you’ve let it simmer for hours on the stovetop.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for the chilly weather!
- It's a delicious, hearty and flavorful soup.
- It's a great meal for the whole family.
- Tastes great paired with your favorite bread!
Ingredients You’ll Need

- Oil
- Onion
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
- Minced Garlic
- Sea Salt
- Dried Thyme
- Ground White Pepper
- Chicken Broth
- Quick Pearled Barley
- Dried Parsley Flakes
- Carrots
- Cornstarch
Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1:
Turn the Instant Pot on to sauté mode. Add the oil and allow it to get hot. Add the onions and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until softened.
Step 2:
Turn the Instant Pot off by selecting cancel. Add in the chicken breasts (whole), minced garlic, salt, thyme, white pepper, and chicken broth. Stir together.
Step 3:
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and close the sealing valve by pushing it away from you. Pressure cook on high for 7 minutes.
Step 4:
Once the time has completed, natural release by not opening the sealing valve. Once the silver pin has dropped, you may open the lid.
Step 5:
With tongs, remove the chicken breast from the Instant Pot and transfer to a cutting board. Cut the chicken into cubes.
Step 6:
Add the chicken back to the Instant Pot including the barley, parsley, and carrots.
Step 7:
Select sauté mode to bring it to a boil to cook the barley. Place the lid on and close the sealing valve to lock in the heat. Allow it to cook for about 15 minutes with the lid on.
Step 8:
Add in the slurry now if you want to thicken your soup. Mix well. Enjoy!
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

How Do I Store My Leftover Chicken Barley Soup?
Place the cooled soup in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Can I Freeze My Leftover Sausage And Spinach Soup?
Yes! Place the cooled soup in resealable freezer safe bags. Lay flat in the freezer to freeze. Properly stored, the soup should last up to 3 months.
You can also find my FREE Instant Pot cheat sheets here.
More Instant Pot Recipes
If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to signup for my newsletter.
Instant Pot Chicken Barley Soup

Instant Pot chicken barley soup is a hearty and healthy meal perfect for family dinner. Save time by letting the pressure cooker do all the work.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
- 64 ounces chicken broth
- 1 cup quick pearled barley
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 cup sliced carrots, frozen or canned
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water, optional for a thicker soup
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot on to sauté mode. Add the oil and allow it to get hot. Add the onions and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Turn the Instant Pot off by selecting cancel. Add in the chicken breasts (whole), minced garlic, salt, thyme, white pepper, and chicken broth. Stir together.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and close the sealing valve by pushing it away from you. Pressure cook on high for 7 minutes.
- Once the time has completed, natural release by not opening the sealing valve. Once the silver pin has dropped, you may open the lid.
- With tongs, remove the chicken breast from the Instant Pot and transfer to a cutting board. Cut the chicken into cubes.
- Add the chicken back to the Instant Pot including the barley, parsley, and carrots.
- Select sauté mode to bring it to a boil to cook the barley. Place the lid on and close the sealing valve to lock in the heat. Allow it to cook for about 15 minutes with the lid on.
- Add in the slurry now if you want to thicken your soup. Mix well. Enjoy!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Amount Per Serving: Calories: 325Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 415mgSodium: 611mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 4gSugar: 3gProtein: 28g
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Dannii
Now this is my kind of comfort food. So hearty and delicious.
Jennifer
This is a terrific recipe! It's so meaty and the barley is tender and delish. I love making it in my IP, too!
Pam
The weather has just cooled off here and everyone is going to love this comfort food soup!