Buffalo Chicken Soup is a delightful comfort food that combines the beloved flavors of spicy buffalo chicken wings with the warmth and heartiness of a creamy soup. This dish not only satisfies your craving for something bold and zesty but also provides a comforting, filling meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, Buffalo Chicken Soup will warm you up from the inside out and may just become your new favorite dish.
Why We Love This Buffalo Chicken Soup Recipe
There’s something truly special about Buffalo Chicken Soup that keeps you coming back for more. It combines the best elements of a classic soup with the unexpected zing of buffalo sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option after a long day or preparing for game day with friends, this recipe fits perfectly into any scenario. The soup is not only easy to make but also customizable, allowing you to adapt the heat level to your liking. When you take that first spoonful, the blend of juicy chicken, creamy texture, and spicy kick creates an explosion of flavor that is undeniably satisfying. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Soup
To prepare this delicious Buffalo Chicken Soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 packet ranch seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade mix)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions and blue cheese crumbles for garnish
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Soup Directions
To make your Buffalo Chicken Soup, follow these simple steps that guide you through the cooking process. Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and adding the olive oil and butter. Once melted, toss in your diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté these vegetables for about 7 minutes until they are softened and fragrant. You’ll notice the onions turning translucent, which signals that your base is coming together beautifully.
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute. This will enhance the flavor profile of your soup. After that, sprinkle in the flour and ranch seasoning, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This step is necessary as it helps thicken your soup while infusing extra flavor.
Now, it’s time to introduce the liquids! Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring to avoid any lumps. Once combined, pour in the heavy cream and buffalo sauce, stirring well to create a silky, flavorful broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld together harmoniously.
After the soup comes to a simmer, gently fold in your shredded chicken. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, which gives the chicken time to absorb the soup’s rich flavors. Next, add the softened cream cheese to the pot and stir until it melts and becomes smooth. This creamy addition will make your soup even more luxurious. Then, mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts completely into the broth.
Finally, taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper as needed. If you’re a fan of heat, feel free to add extra buffalo sauce for a spicier kick. Serve your Buffalo Chicken Soup hot, garnished with sliced green onions and blue cheese crumbles for an authentic touch. This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or even crispy tortilla chips for dipping.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Soup
When it comes to serving Buffalo Chicken Soup, presentation matters just as much as flavor. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, and don’t forget to garnish generously with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles. This not only enhances the aesthetic but also adds a hint of tanginess that complements the spice of the soup wonderfully.
For a cozy dining experience, consider serving the soup alongside thick slices of crusty bread or warm garlic toast. Both options are perfect for dipping, allowing you to savor every last spoonful of the soup. If you’re feeling adventurous, tortilla chips also make an excellent side, adding a crunchy texture that contrasts the creaminess of the soup.
Buffalo Chicken Soup is also perfect for entertaining. Set up a soup bar with additional toppings like chopped cilantro, a drizzle of ranch dressing, or sliced jalapeños for guests who want to customize their bowls. This interactive way of serving hot soup can elevate your gathering and makes it a fun experience for everyone.
Expert Tips for Buffalo Chicken Soup
Here are some expert tips to help you make the best Buffalo Chicken Soup possible.
- Choose the Right Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or boil your chicken. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and shredded into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the soup.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, simply reduce the amount of buffalo sauce. You can always serve additional hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicier.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can elevate the flavors of your soup. If you have the option, go for organic produce for a healthier meal.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking Process: Allowing the vegetables to sauté until softened helps develop a deeper flavor base. Take your time with this step for the best results.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for an added twist.
How to Store Buffalo Chicken Soup
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is not unusual with this delicious soup), storing it is easy! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Ladle it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top as it will expand when frozen. Buffalo Chicken Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Variation of Buffalo Chicken Soup
One of the great things about Buffalo Chicken Soup is its versatility. You can make simple variations to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Vegetarian Version: For a meat-free alternative, substitute shredded chicken with plant-based protein like chickpeas or shredded jackfruit. Use vegetable broth to give it a distinct flavor without the meat.
- Additional Veggies: Incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or spinach. These not only add nutrients but also create more color and texture.
- Different Sauces: Experiment with various hot sauces. If you love a different flavor profile, try using a garlic hot sauce or even a smoky chipotle sauce.
- Creamy Vegan Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese substitute if you want a vegan-friendly version of this dish.
- Spicy Twist: If you enjoy a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños for an extra layer of heat. Chopped fresh cilantro as a garnish can also lend a refreshing touch.
FAQ
What is Buffalo Chicken Soup?
Buffalo Chicken Soup is a creamy dish inspired by buffalo chicken wings. It combines shredded chicken, vegetables, and buffalo sauce in a rich, savory broth.
How can I make Buffalo Chicken Soup spicier?
To increase the spiciness of your Buffalo Chicken Soup, simply add more buffalo sauce to taste. You could also incorporate sliced jalapeños for an additional heat boost.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! If you’re using frozen chicken, be sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding it and adding it to the soup.
What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Soup?
This soup pairs excellently with crusty bread, garlic toast, or tortilla chips, making for a perfect comfort meal.
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Soup ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
How do I reheat leftover Buffalo Chicken Soup?
Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. If it’s too thick, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk can help achieve your desired consistency.
Buffalo Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled) Fully cooked and shredded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 2 carrots carrots (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 packet ranch seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade mix)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions and blue cheese crumbles for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and butter.
- Once melted, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Sprinkle in the flour and ranch seasoning, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps.
- Pour in the heavy cream and buffalo sauce, stirring well.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Fold in the shredded chicken and cook for about 10 minutes.
- Add the softened cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted.
- Season with salt and pepper as needed. Optionally, add extra buffalo sauce for heat.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and blue cheese crumbles.
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