Easy Buffalo Chicken Soup Recipe

Buffalo chicken soup is an absolute game-changer for those who love the bold, spicy, and creamy flavors of buffalo wings but want a comforting and hearty dish to enjoy year-round. If you’re someone who craves the zing of buffalo sauce and the tender, savory goodness of chicken, this soup is a must-try. It’s perfect for cozy nights at home, meal prep for the week, or impressing guests at a casual dinner party.

In this article, we’ll guide you through an easy-to-follow recipe that captures the essence of buffalo wings in a warm, satisfying bowl of soup. But that’s not all – we’ll also dive deep into each ingredient, provide expert tips, offer fun variations to customize the soup, and give you all the tricks you need to make it your own.

Let’s jump right in and start whipping up this mouthwatering buffalo chicken soup!

This recipe is designed to be both simple and indulgent. No need for hours of prep – this dish comes together in about 30 minutes and delivers a full, rich flavor profile that will have your taste buds dancing.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this buffalo chicken soup. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store:

2 tablespoons olive oil: This will be used to sauté the chicken and vegetables. You can use butter if you want a richer flavor, but olive oil keeps it light and adds a nice base for the rest of the ingredients.
1 pound chicken breast (or thighs): You’ll need cooked, shredded chicken. Chicken breasts are leaner, but thighs give a juicier, more flavorful result.
1 onion (diced): This brings a sweet, savory depth to the soup and balances out the heat from the buffalo sauce.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic is always a welcome addition, adding an aromatic base note to your soup.
4 cups chicken broth: The liquid backbone of the soup, making it rich and hearty.
1 cup heavy cream: This is the secret to achieving that creamy, smooth texture that perfectly balances the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
1 cup buffalo sauce: The star of the show! Choose your favorite buffalo wing sauce – whether it’s mild, medium, or hot, depending on your preference.
1/2 cup ranch dressing: This adds extra creaminess and a tangy, herby kick that complements the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: For that smoky undertone that gives the soup complexity.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: To deepen the savory notes.
Salt and pepper to taste: These seasonings elevate all the flavors.
Shredded cheese (optional for garnish): Blue cheese or cheddar is the go-to here, adding both a sharp bite and richness.
Chopped green onions (optional for garnish): Adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy soup.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the diced onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the chicken breast (or thighs) to the pot. If you’re using raw chicken, cook it through, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes per side). Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, simply add it directly to the pot.

Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and heavy cream. Stir to combine, making sure the chicken is evenly distributed. Let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Stir in the ranch dressing, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking – if you want more heat, add a little extra buffalo sauce.

Step 5: Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the flavors to really develop, and the soup to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Once the soup has reached your desired consistency, serve it up hot. Garnish with shredded cheese and chopped green onions for extra flavor and color. If you want to get extra indulgent, top with crumbled blue cheese.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this buffalo chicken soup plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture:

Chicken: The chicken is the heart of the soup. Using tender, shredded chicken ensures that each bite is packed with protein and flavor. Chicken breast is leaner, while thighs bring in more juiciness, so choose according to your taste preference.
Buffalo Sauce: The buffalo sauce is where all the bold flavor comes from. This tangy, spicy sauce gives the soup its signature zing. You can adjust the heat level by using a milder or hotter version of the sauce, or by controlling how much you add.
Heavy Cream: Without heavy cream, this soup would lack the rich, creamy texture that makes it so comforting. It also helps tone down the heat from the buffalo sauce, creating a nice, smooth mouthfeel.
Ranch Dressing: Often paired with buffalo wings, ranch adds a cooling effect while complementing the bold flavors in the soup. It’s a must for that extra bit of creaminess and tanginess.
Smoked Paprika: This is one of the secret ingredients that adds a subtle smokiness to the soup, enriching the overall flavor and adding complexity.
Cheese and Green Onions: These garnishes are optional but elevate the soup to a whole new level of indulgence. The cheese adds richness, while the green onions provide a burst of freshness and a slight crunch.

Expert Tips

To make sure your buffalo chicken soup is as tasty as possible, keep these expert tips in mind:

Use pre-cooked chicken: If you’re in a rush, use rotisserie chicken. It’ll save you time and still deliver great flavor.
Control the heat: Buffalo sauces can vary significantly in spiciness. Start with a small amount, taste as you go, and adjust based on how spicy you want the soup to be. You can always add more, but it’s hard to tone down the heat once it’s in there.
Balance the flavors: If your soup ends up too spicy or tangy, a little extra ranch dressing or heavy cream can help mellow it out. If it’s too rich, a squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar can help cut through the creaminess.
Thicken the soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) or simply let the soup simmer longer to reduce.
Make ahead: This soup actually gets better the next day! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat and enjoy.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about buffalo chicken soup is how easily it can be customized. Here are some fun variations:

Buffalo Chicken Chili: Add beans (kidney, black, or white beans) to make it heartier. A can of diced tomatoes will also give it a bit more body.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for cauliflower or a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian take.
Add Veggies: If you want to sneak in more vegetables, consider adding diced celery, carrots, or even corn to the soup.
Spicy Ranch: For a different twist, use spicy ranch dressing or add a few jalapeños for some extra heat.

Final Words

Buffalo chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food with a kick. It’s rich, creamy, and full of bold flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a family, or a group of friends, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Plus, it’s so easy to customize based on your taste preferences – so feel free to make it as mild or as spicy as you like. The best part? It’s a one-pot wonder, which means cleanup is a breeze.

Easy Buffalo Chicken Soup Recipe