Lebanese Freekeh Soup with Chicken

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This freekeh and chicken soup is full of complex flavors from my homemade 7 Spice blend and is packed with moist shredded chicken. The combination of bright tomato, hearty freekeh, fresh onions, and vibrant parsley makes this soup irresistible. It’s perfect for a quick, healthy meal on a chilly day!

Freekeh soup is a Lebanese soup recipe from the Middle east. The chicken is cooked in a simple, warm spiced broth with onions and, of course, freekeh. I like to use my homemade spice blend in this soup for extra flavor, but you could use any store-bought Middle Eastern blend that you like.

What is freekeh?

Freekeh (pronounced “free-ka”) is a fire-roasted baby green wheat. It’s a healthy grain that’s earthy, and nutty and adds delicious flavor to many dishes. It is high in fiber and protein and perfect to use in recipes that call for rice, quinoa, or other grains. In this case, it’s the main ingredient in this soup that gives it a nutty flavor.

why you’ll love this freekeh soup with chicken

• Complex flavor profile. While this soup requires the simplest of ingredients, it’s packed with flavor. The freekeh, chicken, tomato paste and spices all work together to create a delicious, hearty soup.
• Healthy and filling. This soup is high in fiber and protein, making it the perfect meal for a chilly day. It will fill you up and keep you satisfied for hours.
• Easy to make. This soup is really easy to make. It only requires one pot and a little simmering time. You could also make it in a slow cooker if you like.

Ingredients to make freekeh soup

• Chicken: You could use any type of chicken in this soup, but I like to use shredded or chopped chicken breast.
• Cracked freekeh: You may have to order this online as it’s not carried in most grocery stores. You can find it at most health food stores, Middle Eastern stores or online. It’s well worth seeking out, as it has a delicious nutty flavor.
• Tomato paste: Adds brightness and acidity to the soup. You could also use diced fresh tomatoes if you have them on hand.
• Onion: Yellow onion works best in this recipe, but you could also use a red or white onion.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps break down the onions bringing out their natural sweetness.
• Spices: I like to use my homemade spice blend in this soup, but any Middle Eastern blend would work well. Salt and pepper add flavor to the soup as well.

How to make Lebanese freekeh soup 

This soup does require a little prep work, but it’s nothing too daunting. The wait is really the hardest part of this recipe!

Soak Freekah

1. Pick over freekeh to remove any debris, and rinse in cold water.
2. Soak the freekeh in cold water to help soften it for cooking.

cook the freekeh Soup with chicken

1. Heat the butter in a large pot. Add the onions and cook until golden brown.
2. Add the tomato paste, 7 spice, salt, and pepper, and cook until the tomato paste darkens in color and becomes more fragrant.
3. Transfer the drained freekeh into the pot.
4. Stir to combine the tomato paste and freekeh together until well coated.
5. Push the freekeh to the side, add the whole chicken breasts to the pan, and sear in the pot on each side, browning the meat, but not cooking it fully.
6. Add water to the pot and cook until the freekeh is tender and the chicken is ready to shred.

Tips for making soup with freekeh

1. Comb through the uncooked freekeh to check for any debris and toss. Some batches are better than others, but I usually find a couple of small stones and pieces of debris in there, which can be unpleasant (but harmless) to chew on.
2. Wash the freekeh well until the water runs clear. This is similar to other grains like rice or quinoa that have a starchy coating on the outside that can sometimes be bitter.
3. Soak the freekeh for half hour before cooking. This allows the grain to soften and become more tender, which could speed up the cooking process. It’s an optional step that you can skip but I always prefer to do this.
4. Sear the chicken. I like to use whole chicken breasts in this recipe, but you could also use thighs if you prefer. I find searing the chicken really amps up the flavor in the soup.

popular substitutions & additions

• Skip the tomato paste. The tomato paste is actually something I learned from an old kitchen assistant who adds it for a great umami flavor and a hint of color. Traditionally though, the tomato paste is not used.
• Add vegetables. My mom loves adding mushrooms to this freekeh soup. She chops them up finely, and they soak up all the flavor of the soup. You can also add peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, or eggplant.
• Make it with beef. Instead of using shredded chicken in the recipe, you can try it with beef instead. It’s best to cut them up and sear them to the side in the pan, so they release extra flavor into the freekeh soup.
• Use barley in place of the freekeh. This would be a last resort if you just can’t find freekeh and don’t want to wait to make this dish. Be sure to try it with the freekeh when you do find it!

how to store & reheat the freekeh soup

Let the soup cool to at least room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the fridge.

To reheat, place the soup in a pot over medium heat and cook until heated through. You might need to add a little broth or water if it’s too thick when reheating. Enjoy!

How long will freekeh soup last in the fridge?

This soup will last in the fridge for up to four days. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will meld together and intensify.

Can i freeze freekeh soup?

Yes! This soup freezes well. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will last in the freezer for up to two months.

Frequently asked questions

The Lebanese Freekeh Soup with Chicken has a rich, savory flavor that’s perfect for cold winter days or Ramadan days. The recipe is easy to make and can be modified in many ways based on what you have available or prefer. No wonder it’s always on rotation at my house!

More Mediterranean Soup & Stew recipes:

• Crushed Lentil Soup
• Mediterranean White Bean Soup
• Peas and Carrots Stew
• Baked Feta Soup
• Moghrabieh

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