Hearty Chicken Soup

Ingredients

• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup uncooked whole oats or barley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 3 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 1/2 lbs diced cooked chicken breasts
• salt and pepper
• chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. 1

   In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the oats or barley and thyme. Return the soup to a boil.

2. 2

   Reduce the heat to medium and simmer the soup, uncovered, until the oats are tender, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.

3. 3

   In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion, celery, scallions, and garlic over medium heat until translucent. Transfer the vegetables to the chicken broth.

4. 4

   Add the chicken and simmer until heated through, thinning with additional broth if desired. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve.