Buffalo Chicken Soup combines the bold, tangy flavor of buffalo sauce with the creamy richness of a comforting soup. This dish is perfect for those who love a little spice in their meal, providing a balance of heat and creaminess that warms you from the inside out.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or preparing a large batch for a game day gathering, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful dish from scratch.

Recipe Preparation Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Knife and cutting board
Soup ladle
Measuring spoons and cups
Whisk
Wooden spoon
Bowls for serving

What do you need to prepare Buffalo Chicken Soup?

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup carrots, diced
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup buffalo sauce (or to taste)
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional garnish: Crumbled blue cheese, chopped green onions, or extra buffalo sauce

How to make Easy Buffalo Chicken Soup Step-by-Step?

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cooking the chicken. In a large pot, add the chicken breasts or thighs and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Set it aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Add the flour to the pot and stir to combine. This will help thicken the soup. Cook for another 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to ensure the flour doesn’t burn.

Step 4: Add Broth and Cream

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Then, add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Add the Chicken and Buffalo Sauce

Stir in the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Variations

Buffalo Chicken Soup is versatile, and there are many ways to customize it to your liking. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk. For a thicker soup, use more flour or add mashed potatoes to give the soup extra creaminess. You can also switch up the vegetables; add potatoes, corn, or bell peppers for a different flavor and texture. For a fun twist, try adding shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella to the soup. Some people enjoy adding a bit of ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for an extra creamy texture and a tangy flavor.

For a healthier option, you could opt for grilled chicken instead of shredded poached chicken, and use low-sodium chicken broth. If you’re looking for more heat, you can increase the amount of buffalo sauce or add diced jalapeños to the soup.

Cooking Note

This soup can easily be adjusted for those with dietary preferences or restrictions. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free flour or a thickening agent like cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour. You can also make this dish dairy-free by using coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative in place of the heavy cream. If you’re a fan of spicy food, don’t hesitate to add extra hot sauce or even some finely chopped chili peppers to kick up the heat.

If you’re in a time crunch, you can skip poaching the chicken and use pre-cooked shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken. Just make sure to add it during the last stages of the cooking process, so it doesn’t dry out.

The soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If reheating, you may need to add a bit of extra broth or cream to bring back its smooth texture.

Serving Suggestions

Buffalo Chicken Soup pairs perfectly with a side of warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls. You can also serve it with tortilla chips or a side salad to balance the richness of the soup. For a more substantial meal, serve the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich or a classic caesar salad.

If you’re hosting a gathering, consider offering a topping bar with extras like shredded cheese, crumbled blue cheese, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce. These additions will elevate the flavors and allow guests to personalize their servings.

Helpful Tips

To make this recipe even easier, consider using pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, which can save you time in the kitchen. If you like your soup extra creamy, you can blend part of it in a blender or with an immersion blender to give it a smooth texture, leaving some of the vegetables and chicken chunky for texture.

For a healthier twist, try using Greek yogurt instead of cream to achieve the desired creaminess while adding a boost of protein. If you want a stronger buffalo flavor, opt for a spicier buffalo sauce or add some red pepper flakes to the soup.

Remember to taste the soup as it cooks to adjust the seasoning, particularly with salt, pepper, and buffalo sauce. The soup will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t be alarmed if it seems a bit thin at first. If necessary, add extra broth or cream to adjust the consistency.

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Soup

To make the best Buffalo Chicken Soup, use high-quality chicken broth for a rich base. Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought works fine if you’re short on time. Be sure to shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the soup. The more finely you shred the chicken, the more tender and flavorful the soup will be.

The key to a delicious Buffalo Chicken Soup is balancing the heat of the buffalo sauce with the richness of the cream. Adjust the buffalo sauce to your spice tolerance, and always taste as you go. A good balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy will make the soup irresistible.

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FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare this soup up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Soup? Yes, this soup freezes well. Just make sure to allow it to cool completely before freezing. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
What can I use if I don’t have buffalo sauce? If you don’t have buffalo sauce, you can use hot sauce combined with melted butter to mimic the flavor of buffalo sauce.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining bold flavors with creamy goodness. It’s quick, easy to make, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re craving something spicy on a cold day or looking for a new soup recipe to try, this one is sure to impress.

Enjoy it with your favorite toppings and sides for a complete meal that everyone will love.