Lebanese Freekeh Soup with Chicken

5 from 57 votes

Cracked freekeh soup with an aromatic warm broth loaded with shredded chicken, onions, and spices. This Lebanese soup recipe is even better the next day!

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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!

overhead shot of Freekeh soup
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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.
ingredients for recipe with 2 pieces of chicken breast in bowl, bowl of freekeh, whole yellow onion, butter, tomato paste, and spices

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.
2 image collage with first bowl with serving of freekeh and second image with freekeh submerged in water

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.
6 image collage on how to make soup recipe

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.
  • 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

Is freekeh gluten-free?

No, freekeh is not gluten-free. It’s made from durum wheat, which contains gluten. This recipe still tastes amazing with gluten-free options like quinoa or wild rice if you need a gluten-free meal.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this soup vegan by substituting the chicken for chickpeas or adding extra vegetables like chopped eggplant, zucchini or mushrooms.

What is the difference between cracked and whole freekeh?

Cracked freekeh has been broken into smaller pieces, while the whole freekeh has not. I prefer to use cracked freekeh in soup because it cooks a little bit faster and becomes more tender. Whole freekeh needs more soaking and more cooking.

bowl of soup with spoon dipping out a serving with another bowl of recipe in background

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:

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Freekeh Soup

Cracked freekeh soup with an aromatic warm broth loaded with shredded chicken, onions, and spices. This Lebanese soup recipe is even better the next day!
5 from 57 votes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 234
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Soaking time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
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Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon 7 spice
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups cracked freekeh
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 8 cups water
  • Chopped parsley for serving

Instructions

  • Pick over freekeh to remove any debris, and rinse in cold water until water looks clear. Soak the freekeh in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  • Heat the butter in a heavy-bottomed large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until golden brown, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add the tomato paste, 7 spice, salt and pepper and cook until the tomato paste darkens in color and becomes more fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer the freekeh into the pot and stir to combine.
  • Push the freekeh to the side and add the whole chicken breasts to the pan and sear in the pot for 2-3 minutes per side to brown and flavor. Add water, turn heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered until the freekeh is tender, about 30 minutes.
  • Use a fork to remove the chicken breast from the freekeh soup. Rest on a cutting board and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the freekeh soup and stir to combine.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with parsley, if desired.

Notes

Storage: This freekeh soup is even better the day after! Store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to five days, freezing whatever is left that won’t get eaten in time. 

Nutrition

Calories: 234kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 21g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 44mg, Sodium: 746mg, Potassium: 314mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 494IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 41mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

5 from 57 votes (52 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Jac Mooney says:

    This was truly delicious & will definitely be making again!
    Thank you for the recipe Yumna!

    1. Yumna J. says:

      Yay, love that you enjoyed it!!

  2. dg says:

    Was looking for a recipe using freekeh in soup and found this recipe. Had all the other ingredients (except the butter … used olive oil instead. It’s delicious!

    1. Yumna J. says:

      So glad you liked it!

  3. Stephanie says:

    Thanks so much for this beautiful recipe! We made this last night and it was absolutely delicious. Such a comforting meal on a cold night. Loved that it’s so light but packed full of flavour. Another killer recipe 🙌🏽🤍

    1. Yumna J. says:

      Thank you so much, Stephaine!

  4. Reham says:

    Did it todaaaayyyyy it was a blast 💥💖 I didn’t have chicken though so I used some pre cooked ground beef and it was So Good everyone enjoyed it. Thanks for the recipe its a super light soup and nutritious.

    1. Yumna Jawad says:

      That makes me so happy to hear! So glad you made it work and that everyone enjoyed.

  5. Donna says:

    Is there a good substitute for the freekeh that’s gluten free?

    1. Yumna Jawad says:

      This recipe tastes amazing with gluten-free options like quinoa or wild rice if you need a gluten-free meal.