Love the bold flavor of buffalo wings but want something warmer and creamier? Our buffalo chicken soup recipe is the perfect blend of spicy and cozy. It invites you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
This recipe is simple, using broth, chicken, veggies, and cheese. The buffalo sauce adds a zesty twist without being too hot. Plus, you can use pre-cooked chicken and canned veggies to save time.
Top it with your favorites, like blue cheese and jalapenos, for a finishing touch that’s just right. You can make it on the stove or in a slow cooker. It’s an easy, tasty meal for any night of the week.
Key Takeaways
- Serves 8 people with 483 calories per serving.
- Includes rotisserie chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, sweet corn, and great northern beans.
- Enhanced with buffalo sauce, salsa verde, and a variety of cheeses.
- Total cooking time is approximately 40 minutes, with easy prep and cook options.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, perfect for meal prep.
- Customizable toppings ensure a personalized bowl every time.
Introduction to Spicy Buffalo Chicken Soup
The rich blend of flavors in spicy chicken soup makes it a warming and satisfying dish for any meal. It’s inspired by the bold taste of Buffalo wings. This recipe combines Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce and cream cheese. You can make this soup in just about 35 minutes. It’s hearty and can please any crowd.
This buffalo chicken soup with blue cheese reminds you of a game-day snack but in a bowl. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of zest. The soup mixes spiciness with creaminess. It includes ingredients like olive oil, butter, onion, and ranch seasoning. This creates a comforting and exciting flavor.
Make cooking easier with a Le Creuset Dutch oven, a sharp chef’s knife, and a sturdy ladle. Use 1/4 cup of Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce to adjust the spice level to your liking. For a better texture, topping with blue cheese and scallions is recommended.
After cooking, you can store this spicy chicken soup in the fridge for 3-4 days. It’s great for quick lunches and dinners. Each serving has 340 calories, 28g of protein, and 21g of fat. It’s a wholesome option that also tastes great.
Nutritional Info | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 340 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 10g |
Protein | 28g |
Fat | 21g |
Saturated Fat | 10g |
Sodium | 1533mg |
This buffalo chicken soup with blue cheese recipe was first published on September 28, 2019. It was later updated with new photos and instructions. The recipe has a high rating of 4.43 out of 7 votes, showing it’s very popular. Simple to cook and full of flavor, it brings the taste of Buffalo wings into a tantalizing soup.
Ingredients for a Flavorful Buffalo Chicken Soup
The heart of a tasty Buffalo Chicken Soup lies in its core ingredients. We’ll show you the special elements that set this recipe apart.
Basic Ingredients
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Diced yellow onion
- Minced garlic
- Chicken broth
- Diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- Sweet corn
- Great northern beans
- Buffalo sauce
- Salsa verde
- Dried oregano
For that creamy buffalo chicken soup texture, we mix in cream cheese and cheddar. It makes a big difference.
Optional Toppings
Level up your Buffalo Chicken Soup with these optional toppings:
- Diced jalapenos
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Additional buffalo sauce
- Queso fresco
- Blue cheese crumbles
Your creamy buffalo chicken soup gets a personal touch with these toppings. They bring more flavor and texture.
Prepping Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, getting your ingredients ready carefully is key. This step makes cooking easier and boosts the taste and texture of your soup.
Choosing the Right Chicken
Picking the right chicken is crucial for buffalo chicken soup. A ready-to-eat rotisserie chicken is a quick and tasty option. Alternatively, fresh chicken breasts will give your soup a tender, juicy feel.
For something different, you can use turkey breasts or tofu. This choice means the soup can fit various diets, making it easy to adjust.
Vegetable Preparation Tips
Prepping vegetables well is important for a tasty and hearty soup. Here’s how to do it efficiently:
- Onions: Dice half a white onion finely for a good mix of sweet and spicy.
- Carrots and Celery: Cut five sticks of each veggie into even pieces for a nice texture.
- Cauliflower: Add four cups of chopped cauliflower for extra creaminess and fiber.
- Garlic: Crush two cloves of garlic to add a lovely smell and taste.
If you want to speed up, using canned vegetables is an option. Go for fire-roasted tomatoes, sweet corn, and beans, but remember to drain them. This keeps your soup’s texture and flavor just right.
Getting these base ingredients just right sets you up for a delicious, customizable buffalo chicken soup. It will match your taste perfectly.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making the best buffalo chicken soup at home is simpler than it sounds. I’ll walk you through making it on the stovetop and in a slow cooker. You’ll love the warm and spicy flavors.
Using the Stovetop
- First, heat some olive oil in a big pot over medium.
- Sauté onion and celery until the onion is clear, around 5-7 minutes.
- Then, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 12 minutes until they’re no longer pink.
- Next, pour in the chicken broth and buffalo sauce, stirring well.
- Add salt, pepper, cream cheese, and flour. Keep stirring until well mixed.
- Now, lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 10 more minutes.
- Optional: Sprinkle in some blue cheese or scallions for more taste.
Using a Slow Cooker
The slow cooker method is hands-off and keeps the soup’s heartiness. It’s a perfect way to brew up some spicy buffalo chicken soup without too much work.
- Place the chicken in the cooker.
- Add broth, hot sauce, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, salsa verde, flour, chicken pieces, and cauliflower pieces if you’re using them.
- Then, set your cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until everything’s cooked well.
- Stir it once the time is up to ensure the cream cheese mixes in well.
- Optional: Top with blue cheese and scallions for a tasty finish.
Making the Soup Creamy
Getting that perfect, creamy texture in your buffalo chicken soup is all about the cheeses. They bring a lush, smooth feel that makes every bite delightful.
Incorporating Cream Cheese
For the best creaminess, start with 8 ounces of cream cheese. Cut it into small cubes and let it get to room temperature. This makes it melt without clumps, adding silky smooth texture.
Once your cream cheese is ready, add it slowly to your simmering soup. Doing it this way helps it mix well with everything else.
Using Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese boosts the rich, creamy taste of your soup. Fresh shredding your cheese is key here. It makes for a better texture. Add it while your soup simmers for 15 minutes. This adds a flavorful layer that’s hard to beat.
Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Chicken Thighs | 1 1/2 pounds | Main Protein |
Cream Cheese | 8 ounces | Creaminess |
Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups | Flavor & Texture |
Chicken Broth | 4 cups | Base Liquid |
Frozen Corn | 1 cup | Addition |
Optional Toppings | Blue Cheese, Celery, Green Onions | Garnish |
Adjusting the Spice Level
Making your spicy chicken soup just right for you is key. This is whether it’s just for you or for many. Knowing how to change the spice level is important.
Controlling the Heat
To make *homemade buffalo chicken soup* less spicy, use less buffalo sauce. The usual amount is 1 cup, but you can drop to half a cup or even less for a milder taste. You can also avoid making it too hot by not adding much extra hot sauce.
Adding Extra Heat
Yet, if you love spicy food, you can add more heat. Here’s how to make your *spicy chicken soup* extra hot:
- Extra Buffalo Sauce: You can start by adding more buffalo sauce, up to 1 ÂĽ cups, for a spicier flavor.
- Hot Sauce Customization: Add extra hot sauce after cooking to adjust the spice. For a bit of spice, 1-2 tablespoons is good. Moderate spice fans can use 1 tablespoon. And for those who love it hot, ÂĽ cup is the way to go.
- Spicy Additions: You can also add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even salsa verde while cooking.
- Heating Up the Cream: Mixing pepper jack cheese with cream cheese can make your soup both hot and creamy.
Always try to keep the flavor in check with the heat, so everyone enjoys your *homemade buffalo chicken soup*.
Buffalo Chicken Soup Recipe
Learn how to make buffalo chicken soup easily at home with our simple guide. This recipe is loved by many for its spicy, creamy taste. It’s quick to make and perfect for feeding a small group.
- 2 tbsp of ghee
- 1/2 cup of diced white onion
- 4 heaping cups of cauliflower
- 4 large chicken breasts (around 3 lbs)
- 1/3 cup of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
- 4 oz of cream cheese (dairy-free version possible)
- 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper
You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools for this buffalo chicken soup. Things like a cutting board, knife, big pot, blender, whisk, and measuring cups are necessary. The steps are easy, so you’ll have a smooth cooking experience.
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat ghee in the pot and cook the onion until it’s soft.
- Next, add the cauliflower and cook until it’s easy to poke with a fork.
- Now, put in the chicken and Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, and let it all simmer for 12 minutes.
- After boiling, blend everything until it’s a smooth soup. You might need to blend in parts if your blender is small.
- Put the soup back in the pot, stir in the cream cheese, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 more minutes.
- Serve your soup with extra toppings like blue cheese, green onion, and tortilla chips.
Cooking Times:
Method | Time |
---|---|
Crockpot | 6 hours 20 minutes |
Instant Pot | 30 minutes |
Stove | 40 minutes |
This soup recipe is a great choice for those who care about what’s in their food. A serving size of 2 cups has about 331 calories. It also gives you 29 grams of protein and plenty of good nutrients. Remember to adjust the recipe according to your taste and diet. This recipe was first shared on 10/25/2021 and updated on 03/11/2024 by Liz Marino. You can swap the chicken for chickpeas or change the milk for a different flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Soup
Serving buffalo chicken soup is like creating a work of art. You can make it an unforgettable meal with the right toppings and sides. Try putting a little sour cream on top. It’ll cool off the spiciness just enough. A few fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, will add a kick of freshness. They also go perfectly with the spicy buffalo taste.
Love blue cheese? Drop some crumbles into your soup. They add a great tang. They also mix well with the soup’s creamy texture, made rich by cream cheese. Or, if you can’t get enough cheese, sprinkle some shredded cheddar on top.
If you’re a fan of crunchy textures, top your soup with crispy bacon bits or croutons. They’re a nice change from the creamy soup. Also, if you’ve included cream, they’ll balance it out. For those who want extra heat, a little more buffalo sauce on top does wonders. Putting these extras in small bowls on the side lets everyone personalize their meal.
Serving Suggestion | Flavor Profile | Complementary Aspect |
---|---|---|
Dollop of Sour Cream | Cool and Creamy | Balances Spicy Heat |
Fresh Herbs (Cilantro or Parsley) | Herbal Freshness | Enhances Aroma |
Blue Cheese Crumbles | Tangy and Salty | Complements Creaminess |
Shredded Cheddar | Rich and Cheesy | Adds Depth |
Crispy Bacon Bits | Smoky and Savory | Provides Crunch |
Croutons | Crunchy | Texture Contrast |
Extra Buffalo Sauce | Spicy | Increases Heat |
These serving ideas make buffalo chicken soup more than just dinner. They turn it into a fun dining experience. Whether it’s a big gathering or a cozy night at home, these suggestions ensure everyone loves their soup.
Healthy Alternatives
Want to make your buffalo chicken soup even healthier? It’s simple. Just follow these easy tips to boost its nutrition without sacrificing flavor.Check this guide out for more tips.
Lowering the Sodium Content
For a healthier version of your favorite homemade buffalo chicken soup, start by cutting the sodium. Use a low-sodium chicken broth instead of the regular kind. Also, choose fresh veggies over canned to cut down on preservatives. These changes keep your soup tasty and good for your heart.
Using Light Cream Cheese
Looking to cut calories without losing that creamy soup texture? Switch full-fat cream cheese with light cream cheese. You’ll still have a creamy soup but with less fat. This keeps your healthy buffalo chicken soup yummy and balanced for those who love comfort food.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep buffalo chicken soup tasty, store it right. After it cools, put it in airtight containers and in the fridge. It stays good for 3-4 days this way. Keeping it fresh lets you enjoy it again.
Reheating spicy soup has easy ways. You can warm it up in the microwave or on the stove. If you choose the microwave, use a bowl that’s safe for it. Cover and heat on medium, stirring now and then. Reheating on the stove needs a saucepan. Heat it on medium, stirring a lot to avoid burning.
Use these steps for storage and reheating. You’ll be savoring your buffalo chicken soup quickly. It’s perfect for busy nights, game-days, or special events. Your soup will taste great every time you eat.
Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Option |
---|---|---|
Refrigerator (Airtight Container) | 3-4 Days | Microwave/Stovetop |
Freezer (Not Recommended) | N/A | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions about Buffalo Chicken Soup
Planning to make a buffalo chicken soup recipe? You might wonder about a few things. We’ll answer some common questions. This way, your easy buffalo chicken soup will be great every time.
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked chicken is a smart choice. If you have some leftover chicken or bought a rotisserie one, just shred it. Then, add it to your soup near the end of cooking. This quickens the process and blends the flavors well. Plus, it makes making the easy buffalo chicken soup even easier.
Is It Safe to Cook Chicken in the Soup?
Yes, it’s totally fine to cook chicken from scratch in your soup. Drop your chicken breasts or thighs in at the start. Let them cook along with everything else. This way, the chicken gets all the tasty flavors from the soup and spices. Make sure the chicken gets to 165°F inside to be safe. This is a common way in many buffalo chicken soup recipes.
- Using pre-cooked chicken is a great option for a quicker meal.
- Cooking raw chicken directly in the soup is safe and infuses more flavor.
- Always check the internal temperature of the chicken for safety.
Choose pre-cooked or raw chicken. Either way, your easy buffalo chicken soup will turn out delicious and hearty.
Pairing Your Soup with Sides
Serving Buffalo Chicken Soup is a special moment. The right sides can turn a simple meal into something unforgettable.
Best Bread Options
Choosing a strong-flavored bread is crucial. Here are some great choices:
- Crusty Baguette: Ideal for soaking up the soup’s flavor.
- Garlic Bread: Gives a tasty twist with every bite.
- Buttered Rolls: They’re soft and perfect for enjoying with soup.
Salad Pairings
A salad can balance the soup’s strong taste. Here are good salad picks:
- Caesar Salad: Its crunchy lettuce and creamy dressing cool down the soup’s heat.
- Greek Salad: Filled with fresh veggies and a tangy dressing to balance your meal.
- Mixed Green Salad: A lighter option that keeps the soup as the main star.
Choosing the right sides ensures your Buffalo Chicken Soup meal will be a hit. A crusty baguette or a zesty salad can make the soup shine. With these great choices, everyone will love your meal.
Buffalo Chicken Soup Variations
The classic Buffalo Chicken Soup is a great base for adding your own twist. It’s easy to adapt for different tastes and diets. Here are some popular variations to try.
Buffalo Chicken and Rice Soup
If you want a more filling soup, try adding some rice. Add a cup of cooked rice during the last 10 minutes of simmering. This simple step makes the soup heartier. It’s perfect for cold nights when you want something more substantial.
Rice also gives the soup a nice texture. It balances the creamy base well. So, every bite is satisfying.
Buffalo Chicken Soup with Blue Cheese
Adding blue cheese gives your soup a tangy kick. Mix in crumbled blue cheese just before serving. Let it melt a bit to create creamy bursts of flavor in the soup.
Sprinkle extra blue cheese on top for a fancy touch. Or, serve the soup with crunchy tortilla chips for a fun texture mix.
These variations are a fun way to change up the classic buffalo chicken soup. While adding new flavors, you still get the same comfort of the original. So, go on and experiment to find your favorite version of Buffalo Chicken Soup.
FAQ
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked chicken works great. It cuts down on cooking time but keeps the tasty flavor.
Is It Safe to Cook Chicken in the Soup?
Yes, it is safe to cook chicken in soup. Just make sure the chicken reaches 165°F inside to be safe to eat.
How Do I Make the Soup Healthier?
Start by using low-sodium chicken broth and fresh veggies. Instead of using full-fat cream cheese, opt for the light version to cut calories.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Changing the spice level in your soup is easy. Adjust the buffalo sauce amount. Less sauce means milder, more sauce or salsa verde makes it hotter.
What Are Some Tasty Toppings for Buffalo Chicken Soup?
Top your soup with blue cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, and cilantro. You can also use buffalo sauce, queso fresco, and extra cheddar for a tasty finish.
Can I Make the Soup Creamy?
Yes, making it creamy is simple. Add cream cheese and cheddar cheese to your soup. It will be smooth, creamy, and tasty.
How Do I Store and Reheat Leftover Soup?
Keep the soup in airtight containers when it’s cool. It stays good for 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring now and then.
What Side Dishes Pair Well with Buffalo Chicken Soup?
Enjoy the soup with crusty bread or garlic bread. A side salad, like Caesar or Greek, is a good light option.
Can I Add Rice to My Buffalo Chicken Soup?
Absolutely, rice makes the soup more filling. Add cooked rice near the end to soak up the flavors and give more texture.