Comforting Buffalo Chicken Soup
Cradling a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day is one of life’s simple pleasures. But when that soup is infused with the bold, spicy flavors of buffalo chicken, it becomes an indulgent and crave-worthy experience. Welcome to the world of Buffalo Chicken Soup – a dish that has quickly become a new fan favorite among soup enthusiasts.
This hearty, creamy soup combines the classic taste of buffalo chicken wings with the comforting texture of a classic chicken noodle soup. The result is a dish that’s both soothing and satisfying, perfect for curling up with on a cozy evening or serving to a crowd of hungry guests.
With its vibrant orange hue and generous chunks of tender chicken, this Buffalo Chicken Soup is sure to become a new household staple.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this Buffalo Chicken Soup apart is its perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and a hint of tanginess. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, cool sour cream, and savory chicken broth creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. The shredded chicken adds a satisfying texture, while the celery and carrots provide a fresh crunch to complement the velvety soup base.
But the real beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck or game day gathering, this Buffalo Chicken Soup delivers. It’s a snap to prepare, with most of the ingredients being pantry or freezer staples, and it can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs. Plus, the make-ahead and freezer-friendly options make it a true time-saver for busy home cooks.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Buffalo Chicken Soup ❓
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this Buffalo Chicken Soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of savory chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and creamy sour cream creates the robust flavor profile that has made buffalo-inspired recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Buffalo Chicken Soup Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Step 3: Stir in the diced celery and carrots, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
• Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
• Step 5: Add the shredded cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, sour cream, dried parsley, and paprika to the pot. Stir to combine and let the soup heat through, about 5 minutes.
• Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken noodle soup which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Buffalo Chicken Soup saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering bold, crave-worthy flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 1,218mg
These hearty, buffalo-inspired bowls provide approximately 54% of your daily protein requirements and 24% of your daily sodium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Omit the carrots and serve the soup over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb alternative.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free buffalo sauce.
• Added protein: Stir in a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas or white beans to boost the protein content.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrient-dense veggies.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Buffalo Chicken Soup.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh, crunchy salad for a complete meal.
• Complement the soup with a side of celery sticks and carrot sticks for a touch of freshness.
• For a game day feast, serve the Buffalo Chicken Soup alongside other crowd-pleasing favorites like mini meatballs, quesadillas, or loaded nachos.
• Create a cozy soup and salad platter by serving the Buffalo Chicken Soup alongside a Caesar or spinach salad.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Forgetting to adjust the seasoning: The saltiness of the chicken broth and the spiciness of the buffalo sauce can vary, so be sure to taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
• Using the wrong type of chicken: Opt for shredded or diced cooked chicken rather than raw chicken, as the latter will require additional cooking time and may result in a less cohesive soup.
• Not tempering the sour cream: Adding the sour cream directly to the hot broth can cause it to curdle. Instead, temper the sour cream by stirring in a few spoonfuls of the hot broth before incorporating it into the soup.
• Skipping the garnishes: Don’t forget to top your Buffalo Chicken Soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce, or a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Buffalo Chicken Soups retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the sour cream, then allow it to cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop and stir in the sour cream.
• Freezing baked: Allow the completed soup to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then gently reheat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore the creamy texture.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for making in advance. You can prepare the entire recipe, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Can I substitute the chicken for something else?
While the shredded chicken is the star of this soup, you can easily swap it out for other proteins. Turkey, pork, or even crumbled tofu would all work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the new protein is fully cooked through.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be dairy-free. Instead of using sour cream, opt for a dairy-free yogurt or a creamy cashew-based sauce. There are also many delicious dairy-free buffalo sauce options available, such as those made with plant-based ingredients like coconut milk or almond milk.
Why is my Buffalo Chicken Soup coming out watery?
If your soup seems a bit too thin, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure you’re not overcooking the vegetables, as that can release too much liquid. You can also try simmering the soup for a bit longer to allow it to reduce and thicken up. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon or two of cornstarch with a small amount of cold water, then stir that slurry into the hot soup to help it achieve the desired consistency.
Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Buffalo Chicken Soup is highly adaptable. You can stir in cooked rice or pasta, top it with crispy tortilla strips, or add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms. The possibilities are endless – just be mindful of any adjustments to the cooking time or liquid ratios that may be necessary.
Conclusion
These comforting Buffalo Chicken Soups represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive dish for a crowd, they’re sure to impress with their rich, creamy texture and bold, spicy-yet-tangy taste. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Buffalo Chicken Soups demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process.
So go ahead, ladle up a steaming bowl, and experience the ultimate comfort food delight that is Buffalo Chicken Soup.
Print
Comforting Buffalo Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until translucent.
• Step 2: Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Step 3: Stir in the diced celery and carrots, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
• Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
• Step 5: Add the shredded cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, sour cream, dried parsley, and paprika to the pot. Stir to combine and let the soup heat through, about 5 minutes.
• Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 314
- Sodium: 1,218mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Soup
