SOUTHWEST CHICKEN BARLEY CHOWDER

Southwest Chicken Barley Chowder image

Mashed squash helps make this chowder creamy but not heavy, and it's a favorite way to get barley on the table. My kids even ask for leftovers for lunch. -Pamela Cleghorn, Campbellsburg, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 package (12 ounces) frozen mashed winter squash, thawed (about 1-1/3 cups)
3/4 cup quick-cooking barley
2 teaspoons reduced-sodium taco seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 carton (32 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups frozen corn
1 cup half-and-half cream
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Diced avocado and chopped tomatoes, optional

Steps:

In a 6-qt. stockpot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and onion; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or just until onion is tender., Stir in squash, barley, seasonings and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 10-12 minutes or until barley is tender., Add beans, corn, cream, salsa and cilantro; heat through, stirring occasionally. If desired, serve with avocado and tomatoes. Freeze option: Freeze cooled soup in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth or milk if necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 298 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 46mg cholesterol, Sodium 681mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges