Oh my goodness, let me just tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: buffalo chicken soup! This hearty bowl of goodness is a game-changer, packed with the perfect balance of spicy and creamy flavors. Just imagine coming home after a long day, and the smell of this delicious soup wafting through the kitchen—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl! I whip this up whenever I need a little pick-me-up, and it never disappoints. My kids love it too, especially when I sprinkle some extra cheese on top. Trust me, once you take a spoonful of this buffalo chicken soup, you’ll be hooked! It’s comforting, flavorful, and oh-so-simple to make. Plus, it’s gluten-free, which makes it a win-win for everyone. You’ll want to keep this recipe close because it’s destined to become a family favorite!
Ingredients List
To create this delicious buffalo chicken soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for that gooey finish)
These simple ingredients combine to create a hearty and flavorful soup that everyone will love!
How to Prepare Buffalo Chicken Soup Instructions
Making this buffalo chicken soup is a breeze, and I promise you’re going to love how simple and satisfying it is! Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Sautéing the Vegetables
First things first, grab a large pot and heat it over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil (just enough to coat the bottom) and toss in your diced celery, carrots, and onion. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and fragrant. You want them to have a bit of color but not browned. This step is crucial because it builds the foundation of flavor for your soup!
Adding Broth and Chicken
Once those veggies are looking good, it’s time to pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring that to a boil, and oh boy, the aroma will start to fill your kitchen! After it’s boiling, reduce the heat slightly and add in your cooked shredded chicken. Now, for that kick, pour in the ½ cup of buffalo sauce. Remember, you can adjust this based on how spicy you like it! Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, too. Give it all a good stir, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together.
Simmering and Finishing Touches
After simmering, it’s time for the final touches! Lower the heat and stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream and the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy and luscious. This is when you can taste to adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve this hot, and enjoy each spoonful of comfort! It’s seriously the perfect meal on a chilly day or whenever you need a little warmth in your life.
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the goodness packed into this buffalo chicken soup! Each serving is an estimated 350 calories, making it a hearty yet satisfying choice. You’ll get about 25 grams of protein, which is fantastic for keeping you full and energized. The soup contains approximately 25 grams of fat, with 10 grams being saturated fat. Carbohydrates come in at about 10 grams, with just 2 grams of sugar and 1 gram of fiber. This is all an estimate, of course, but it’s a great way to feel good about what you’re enjoying. Plus, it’s gluten-free, so it’s a win for many diets!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this buffalo chicken soup! Here are just a few:
- Quick and Easy: Whip this up in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of buffalo sauce and creamy cheese creates an irresistible taste.
- Comfort in a Bowl: It’s warm, hearty, and perfect for cozying up on chilly days.
- Gluten-Free: Great for those with dietary restrictions, so everyone can enjoy!
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your preferences!
You’ll definitely want to keep this recipe in your rotation!
Tips for Success
To make sure your buffalo chicken soup turns out perfect every time, here are some handy tips! First, don’t be shy about adjusting the spice level. If you love a good kick, try adding a bit more buffalo sauce or even some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra burst of heat. On the other hand, if your taste buds prefer milder flavors, just stick to the original amount and balance it out with more heavy cream for creaminess.
When it comes to storing leftovers, let the soup cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just remember, when reheating, do it gently over low heat to avoid curdling the cream. Stir often and add a splash of chicken broth if it thickens too much. You’ll want to enjoy every last drop of this deliciousness!
Variations
If you’re in the mood to switch things up with your buffalo chicken soup, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! For starters, try adding different veggies like corn or bell peppers for a pop of color and extra nutrients. You can also experiment with spices—maybe toss in some smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for an added kick. If you’re looking to mix up the protein, shredded rotisserie turkey or even tofu can work beautifully! And for a fun twist, consider swapping in some ranch seasoning instead of buffalo sauce for a creamy ranch chicken soup vibe. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Serving Suggestions
To take your buffalo chicken soup experience to the next level, I highly recommend serving it with a side of crusty bread or warm, buttery rolls. The bread is perfect for dipping into that creamy, spicy goodness! If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup beautifully. You can even add some crunchy veggies like cucumbers and bell peppers to the salad for extra texture. And don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra cheddar cheese on top of the soup right before serving—it makes each bowl feel like a special treat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your buffalo chicken soup is super easy! Once it’s cooled down, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This will keep the flavors fresh and delicious. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days—perfect for meal prep or quick dinners! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat the soup over low heat on the stovetop. Stir frequently to ensure it warms evenly and doesn’t curdle. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every spoonful of this comfort food!
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Buffalo Chicken Soup: 7 Comforting Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty buffalo chicken soup packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté celery, carrots, and onion until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust buffalo sauce to your spice preference.
- Top with additional cheese if desired.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken soup