Satisfy your deepest cravings for spicy, comforting hot wings with this incredible Easy Creamy Buffalo Chicken Soup. This recipe offers a healthier, fuss-free alternative to traditional wings, delivering all the bold, zesty flavor you love in a warm, hearty bowl. Brimming with the iconic tang of Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo sauce and crowned with your choice of creamy blue cheese or cooling ranch, this soup is destined to become a staple in your kitchen.
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If you’re a devoted fan of buffalo chicken wings, you’ve found your new favorite dish! The magic of buffalo sauce lies not only in its fiery kick and tangy depth but also in its impressive nutritional profile. Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo sauce, in particular, is celebrated for being remarkably low in calories, virtually zero-carb, and free from added sugars. This makes it a fantastic ingredient for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, allowing you to indulge in rich flavors without derailing your dietary goals. This creamy soup harnesses that potent flavor, transforming it into a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and incredibly delicious.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Why Buffalo Chicken Soup?
There’s something universally appealing about the bold, spicy, and tangy flavor of buffalo sauce. It evokes memories of game nights, casual gatherings, and satisfying indulgence. However, traditional hot wings can be messy, labor-intensive, and often come with a side of guilt due to their fried nature. This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Soup offers a brilliant solution, transforming all those beloved flavors into a wholesome, comforting, and incredibly easy-to-make meal. It’s the perfect dish for a chilly evening, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a flavorful lunch that satisfies without weighing you down.
Beyond its incredible taste, this soup is a fantastic option for those seeking healthier meal choices. By using lean chicken breast, a generous amount of low-calorie buffalo sauce, and creamy elements like Greek yogurt and cream cheese, you get a rich and satisfying soup that aligns with various dietary needs, including low-carb and keto. It’s packed with protein to keep you full and uses simple, wholesome ingredients you can feel good about.
Choosing the Perfect Chicken for Your Soup
The type of chicken you choose and how you prepare it can significantly impact the ease and flavor of your Buffalo Chicken Soup. While I often opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean protein and ease of shredding, you have several excellent options to suit your preferences and schedule:
- Skinless Chicken Breasts: This is my preferred choice. You can cook them from raw and shred them using various methods, ensuring a fresh and tender texture.
- Instant Pot Shredded Chicken: For speed and convenience, the Instant Pot is unbeatable. Cook your chicken breasts in minutes, and they’ll be perfectly tender for shredding.
- Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken: Ideal for a hands-off approach. Simply set it and forget it, letting the chicken cook low and slow until it’s falling-apart tender. This method infuses the chicken deeply with flavor.
- Cubed Chicken: If you prefer distinct pieces of chicken in your soup, cut raw chicken into bite-sized cubes and sauté them directly in the soup pot before adding liquids. This adds a lovely texture.
- Rotisserie Chicken: For the ultimate shortcut, purchase a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the meat and add it to the soup, saving you significant cooking time. This is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal on the table fast.
No matter which method you choose, ensuring your chicken is well-seasoned during cooking will lay a strong foundation for the rich flavor of your Creamy Buffalo Chicken Soup.
How to Make Creamy Buffalo Chicken Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this flavorful soup is straightforward, even for novice cooks. The key is building layers of flavor from the beginning. Here’s how to bring your Creamy Buffalo Chicken Soup to life:
- Sauté Aromatics: Begin by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your chopped onions and cook them until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base.
- Introduce Garlic: Once the onions are ready, add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds to a minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
- Build the Liquid Base: Pour in the chicken broth and a generous amount of Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Stir everything together well, ensuring all ingredients are combined.
- Simmer for Flavor: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Allow the soup base to simmer for at least 10 minutes. This simmering time is essential for the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a rich and harmonious broth.
- Add Creaminess: Uncover the pot and carefully stir in the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt (or sour cream). Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and smoothly incorporated into the soup, creating that signature creamy texture.
- Incorporate Shredded Chicken: Finally, add your pre-cooked and shredded chicken to the pot. Stir to combine and heat through for a few minutes.
- Serve and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Let the soup cool slightly before serving, as hot soup can mute flavors. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes.
Mastering Soup Thickness: Tips for a Rich Consistency
The perfect Creamy Buffalo Chicken Soup often boasts a luscious, thick consistency. While the cream cheese and Greek yogurt contribute significantly to this, you might occasionally want to adjust it further. Here are a couple of methods to achieve your desired thickness:
- More Cream Cheese: The simplest way to thicken your soup and boost its creaminess is to add an extra ounce or two of cream cheese. Add it in small increments, stirring until melted and fully incorporated, until you reach your preferred texture.
- Cornstarch Slurry: For a quick and effective thickening agent, prepare a cornstarch slurry. Mix one teaspoon of cornstarch with one teaspoon of cold water until a smooth paste forms. Gradually whisk this slurry into your simmering soup, allowing it to cook for another minute or two until it thickens. Be careful not to add too much at once, as it can thicken rapidly.
- Xanthan Gum (Low-Carb Option): If you’re keeping an eye on carbohydrates, xanthan gum is an excellent alternative to cornstarch. Use a very small amount (start with ¼ teaspoon) mixed with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add it to the soup gradually while whisking vigorously, as xanthan gum is a powerful thickener and can become gummy if overused.
Delicious Toppings and Serving Ideas
One of the best parts of enjoying a hearty bowl of Buffalo Chicken Soup is customizing it with toppings! These additions not only enhance the flavor but also add delightful textures, making each spoonful an adventure. Here are some classic and creative topping ideas:
- Crumbled Blue Cheese: A timeless pairing with buffalo flavor, blue cheese adds a pungent, salty kick that perfectly complements the spicy tang of the soup.
- Ranch Seasoning or Dressing: A drizzle of creamy ranch dressing or a sprinkle of ranch seasoning powder (homemade or store-bought) provides a cooling contrast to the heat. For a healthier, lower-carb option, consider making your own using my Low Carb Ranch Dressing recipe, as many packaged mixes contain unwanted additives.
- Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions add a fresh, mild oniony flavor and a pop of vibrant color, enhancing the visual appeal of your soup.
- Celery: Just like with wings, crisp diced celery provides a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the soup.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A generous sprinkle of sharp or mild shredded cheddar cheese adds extra creaminess and a familiar, comforting flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese Crisps or Tortilla Strips: For a delightful crunch, add some savory cheese crisps or tortilla strips. These are fantastic for dipping and adding textural variety.
- Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: A scattering of fresh herbs can brighten the soup with a touch of herbaceousness.
- A Dash of Hot Sauce: For those who love extra heat, a final dash of Frank’s Red Hot or your favorite hot sauce is always welcome!
Storage Best Practices: Refrigeration & Longevity
Proper storage is key to enjoying your Easy Creamy Buffalo Chicken Soup for days to come. Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container. When stored correctly, your delicious soup will remain fresh and flavorful in the refrigerator for approximately 3-4 days. Always ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent any absorption of other food odors and to maintain optimal freshness.
Freezing for Future Enjoyment: Expert Tips
Yes, this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Soup is freezer-friendly, making it an excellent meal prep option! You can freeze it for up to a few months. I highly recommend using convenient Freezer Soup Molds from Amazon. These are perfect for portion control, offering indicators for ½ cup or 1 cup servings, which makes thawing and reheating a breeze.
It’s important to note that upon reheating, the dairy components (cream cheese and Greek yogurt/sour cream) in the soup may separate slightly. This is a normal occurrence and doesn’t affect the taste or safety of the soup. A good stir will often bring it back together. If you’re planning to freeze a large batch and are concerned about dairy separation, you can omit the cream cheese and Greek yogurt during the initial preparation. Add them in after you have thawed and reheated the soup, stirring them in until smooth and creamy.
More Buffalo Chicken Delights to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the bold flavors of this Easy Creamy Buffalo Chicken Soup, you’ll be thrilled to discover other fantastic buffalo chicken recipes that deliver the same great taste. Expand your buffalo repertoire with these irresistible options:
- Keto Low Carb Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Buffalo Chicken Tenders
More Hearty Soup Recipes for Any Occasion
Beyond the delightful kick of buffalo, a warm bowl of soup can be the ultimate comfort food. If you’re looking to explore more delicious and wholesome soup recipes, especially those catering to a low-carb lifestyle, here are some highly recommended options:
- Keto Low-Carb Taco Soup
- Keto Low-Carb Chili
- Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
- Keto Low-Carb Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Keto Low-Carb Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Keto Low-Carb Chicken Noodle Zoodle Soup
- Keto Low-Carb Cheeseburger Soup
- Cauliflower Soup
- Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin
- Ham Potato and Vegetable Soup
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Easy Creamy Buffalo Chicken Soup
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Ingredients
For the Chicken Preparation:
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth (to cook the chicken)
- 1 ½ pounds skinless chicken breasts (You can buy precooked cubed or rotisserie chicken to use in the recipe if you wish.)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- McCormick’s Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning to taste
For the Soup Base:
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (for the soup)
- ⅓ cup Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo sauce (Add more buffalo sauce to adjust to taste. I’ve also used ¾ of a cup for a bolder flavor.)
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
Buffalo Chicken Soup Topping Ideas
- Shredded cheddar cheese (divided for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (optional)
- Crumbled blue cheese
Instructions
Dutch Oven Shredded Chicken
- Add the chicken breasts, 1 cup of chicken broth, chicken seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste to the Dutch oven on medium-low heat.
- Cover the Dutch oven and cook for 20-30 minutes until the chicken has cooked through. You can test doneness using a meat thermometer. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 C).
- When cooked, remove the chicken from the Dutch oven and place on a flat surface or cutting board. Shred the chicken with two forks.
Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
- Add the chicken breasts, 1 cup of chicken broth, chicken seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste to the slow cooker.
- Cook for 4 hours on High or 8 hours on Low.
- Open and shred the chicken with forks.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
- Add the chicken breasts, 1 cup of chicken broth, chicken seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste to the Instant Pot.
- Cook for 10 minutes on Manual (High Pressure Cooking).
- When the pot indicates it has finished, allow the steam to release naturally for 10 minutes.
- Open the pot and shred the chicken.
Buffalo Chicken Soup Assembly
- Heat a large soup pot, I like to use a Dutch oven on medium-high heat.
- Add the olive oil and chopped onions. Cook until the onions are fragrant and translucent.
- Add in the garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
- Add the remaining chicken broth, shredded chicken, salt and pepper to taste, and Frank’s Buffalo Sauce to the pot. Stir well, then lower the heat to medium and cover.
- Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Open the pot and add the cream cheese and Greek yogurt (or sour cream). Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and smoothly combined.
- Cool slightly before serving. Garnish with your preferred toppings.
Video
Notes
If you want to use an Instant Pot for the entire recipe, perform the following:
- Use the Sauté function on your Instant Pot to cook the onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Add 4 cups of broth (no additional cup needed for chicken prep), buffalo sauce, raw chicken breasts, and seasonings directly into the pot.
- Cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 10 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
- Open the pot, remove chicken and shred it, then return to the pot. Stir in the Greek yogurt and cream cheese until fully combined and melted. Serve warm.