When it’s cold outside or you simply need a bowl of comfort, nothing hits the spot quite like buffalo chicken soup. This creamy, spicy, and hearty dish combines the best flavors of buffalo chicken with the soothing qualities of a warm soup. Filling, flavorful, and remarkably easy to make, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, craving a meal for one, or looking to impress family and friends, this buffalo chicken soup is sure to be a hit.
Why We Love This Buffalo Chicken Soup Recipe
There’s something special about buffalo chicken soup that makes it stand out. It’s not just the delightful burst of flavors; it’s also the warmth it brings, making every spoonful feel like a cozy hug. You’ll love how it combines tender chicken and a tangy kick with the rich, creamy texture from cream cheese. The versatility of this soup allows you to enjoy it as a main dish, an appetizer, or even a party centerpiece.
Plus, the straightforward preparation means that even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you can whip up this soup in no time! With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Soup
To create your delicious bowl of buffalo chicken soup, you’ll need the following ingredients. Make sure to have these on hand before you start cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 sticks celery, chopped small
- 2 medium carrots, peeled & chopped small
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 (1 ounce) packet ranch seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce
- 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish (optional): crumbled blue cheese, chopped scallions
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Soup Directions
Making buffalo chicken soup is a straightforward process that invites you to get creative in the kitchen. Start by gathering all your ingredients and preparing your workspace. A little organization goes a long way, setting you up for success!
- Heat the Oils: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and butter. Watch as they melt together, creating a luscious base for your soup.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Toss in the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté the mix for about 7 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften. This step releases their natural sweetness and infuses the soup with flavor.
- Thicken with Flour and Seasoning: Sprinkle in the flour and ranch seasoning, stirring until everything is well combined. This mixture will thicken the soup and give it that unique ranch flavor.
- Add the Chicken Broth and Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth along with the Frank’s Red Hot sauce. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and vibrant, giving you a glimpse of the delightful soup to come.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the uncooked chicken breasts into the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring your soup to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 12 minutes, partially covered. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even doneness.
- Shred the Chicken: After simmering, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Chop or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, making it easy to incorporate back into the soup.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Stir the cream cheese into the soup, ensuring it melts and integrates fully. This will give the soup a creamy texture that perfectly balances the heat from the buffalo sauce.
- Return the Chicken: Finally, add the chopped chicken back into the pot, allowing it to heat through. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
Your buffalo chicken soup is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Soup
When it comes to serving buffalo chicken soup, you have plenty of options to make it that much more delightful. Serve it hot in rustic bowls and enjoy it straight from the pot. Pair your soup with crusty bread or buttery crackers for dipping, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
For a more gourmet touch, consider garnishing each bowl with crumbled blue cheese and freshly chopped scallions. These toppings not only enhance the look of your dish but also add an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the heat of the soup.
If you’re feeling adventurous, serve the soup with a side of celery sticks and carrot sticks, reminiscent of traditional buffalo wing accompaniments. Your guests will appreciate this thoughtful detail, contributing to an overall delightful dining experience.
Expert Tips: Buffalo Chicken Soup
Creating the perfect buffalo chicken soup is all about getting the details right. Here are some expert tips to help elevate your dish:
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your soup will taste. Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken. Organic or free-range chicken can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your meal.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you love a good kick, feel free to add more of Frank’s Red Hot sauce to your preference. Conversely, if you’re serving guests who prefer a milder taste, keep the spice level lower and allow individual guests to add hot sauce to their bowls.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, consider using shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken breasts. It saves time and adds a depth of flavor to the soup.
- Experiment with Creaminess: If you want to make your soup even creamier, you can mix in a splash of half-and-half or a dollop of sour cream just before serving for an extra luxurious texture.
- Don’t Skip the Resting: Allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes after cooking can enhance the flavors as they meld during that time.
How to Store Buffalo Chicken Soup
Storing buffalo chicken soup is quite simple and keeps your delicious creation ready for future enjoyment. After your soup has cooled, transfer it into an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it.
To freeze, let the soup cool completely before pouring it into a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or chicken broth if needed to regain its original consistency.
Variations of Buffalo Chicken Soup
Buffalo chicken soup is wonderfully versatile, and each variation brings its unique twist to the classic recipe. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Add Extra Vegetables: Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or potatoes to enhance nutrition and create a heartier soup.
- Swap the Protein: Try this recipe with turkey or chickpeas instead of chicken for a different source of protein, maintaining the delicious buffalo flavor.
- Spicy and Sweet Option: If you enjoy contrasting flavors, you can add a hint of sweetness by incorporating some honey or brown sugar along with the hot sauce.
- Creamy Avocado: For a refreshing touch, serve the soup with sliced avocado on top. The creaminess of the avocado pairs beautifully with the spicy soup.
By experimenting with these variations, you can create a new favorite from one base recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions about Buffalo Chicken Soup
What makes buffalo chicken soup special?
Buffalo chicken soup is unique due to its blend of flavors, combining the heat of buffalo sauce with the comforting creaminess of soup. It’s hearty and satisfying while being easy to prepare, making it a beloved choice for many.
Can I make buffalo chicken soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this soup a day in advance. In fact, letting it rest allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when reheated.
Is buffalo chicken soup spicy?
Buffalo chicken soup has a zesty kick owing to the Frank’s Red Hot sauce, but you can control the spice level by adjusting the amount you use.
What can I serve with buffalo chicken soup?
Consider serving it with bread, crackers, or even a green salad for a light side. Garnishes like blue cheese and fresh herbs can elevate the presentation of your soup.
Buffalo Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
- 1 tablespoon butter For sautéing
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 sticks celery, chopped small
- 2 medium carrots, peeled & chopped small
- 1 tablespoon flour For thickening
- 1 ounce packet ranch seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce Adjust for spice preference
- 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts Can substitute with rotisserie chicken
- 8 ounces cream cheese For creaminess
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (optional)
- crumbled blue cheese For serving
- chopped scallions For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and butter.
- Sauté the chopped onion, celery, and carrots for about 7 minutes until softened.
- Sprinkle in the flour and ranch seasoning, stirring until combined.
- Pour in the chicken broth and Frank’s Red Hot sauce, stirring until smooth.
- Add the uncooked chicken breasts, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Remove chicken, chop or shred into bite-sized pieces and return to the pot.
- Stir in the cream cheese until melted and fully integrated.
- Season with salt and pepper, taste and adjust as necessary before serving.
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