While chicken soup is a classic comfort staple in many cultures, the addition of barley and earthy mushrooms reflects the hearty, farm‑style soups of the American Midwest. The crispy chicken‑skin chili crisp topping is a modern fusion twist inspired by Asian street food, adding texture and spice to a traditional bowl.

In the Upper Midwest, chicken and barley soups often feature carrots, celery, and parsley, while in the Pacific Northwest, mushrooms and herbs like dill are common. Some Southern versions replace barley with rice or dumplings and add a dash of hot sauce for heat.

It is typically served hot in deep bowls, accompanied by crusty bread or biscuits. The soup is often garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or scallions, and a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor.

It is a popular weeknight dinner during colder months, a comforting post‑travel meal, and is also served at family gatherings or pot‑lucks where a warm, filling soup is appreciated.

Key ingredients are bone‑in chicken thighs, pearl barley, fresh mushrooms, and kombu for umami. Substitutes include chicken drumsticks for thighs, farro or brown rice for barley, dried shiitake for other dried mushrooms, and dashi powder instead of kombu.

Common errors include over‑cooking the barley (it becomes mushy), not searing the chicken skin long enough (resulting in soggy topping), and boiling the broth too vigorously, which makes it cloudy. Also, forgetting to strain the broth can leave unwanted grit.

Kombu and dried mushrooms release glutamates that boost umami without adding extra salt, creating a richer, more layered broth than plain chicken stock alone. This technique is borrowed from Japanese dashi preparation.

Yes, the broth and barley can be prepared up to two days in advance and refrigerated. Keep the crispy chicken skins separate in an airtight container; they stay crunchy for up to five days. Re‑heat the soup and stir in the skins just before serving to retain crunch.

Hailee Catalano’s YouTube channel focuses on approachable, home‑cooked comfort meals with a modern twist, emphasizing clear step‑by‑step tutorials, seasonal ingredients, and creative flavor pairings for everyday cooks.

Hailee Catalano blends classic American comfort dishes with global flavor accents—like the chili‑crisp topping—while maintaining a relaxed, conversational style. She often highlights ingredient sourcing tips and practical kitchen hacks that set her tutorials apart from more production‑heavy channels.