Buffalo Chicken Soup Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Soup Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Buffalo Chicken Soup

This creamy, flavorful Buffalo Chicken Soup is a perfect blend of comfort and heat, with tender chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and a tangy kick from Buffalo wing sauce. Ideal for a cozy meal, it's both filling and satisfying!

Ingredients

  • cup butter
  • 3 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • cup all-purpose flour
  • cup half-and-half cream
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cube chicken bouillon
  • 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
  • 1 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
  • cup Buffalo wing sauce, or more to taste
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Follow these simple steps to make this delicious soup:

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add the diced celery and onion, cooking until they become tender, about 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle the flour into the pot and stir until it is fully absorbed, about 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Slowly pour in the half-and-half and water, stirring continuously to combine.
  5. Step 5: Add the chicken bouillon cube and stir until it has dissolved completely.
  6. Step 6: Stir in the cubed chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and Buffalo wing sauce. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Step 7: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has fully melted, about 10 minutes.
  8. Step 8: Once everything is well combined and heated through, your soup is ready to serve!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Each serving of this rich and creamy soup provides a satisfying balance of flavors and nutrients:

Nutrient Amount % Daily Value*
Calories 259 -
Total Fat 18g 23%
Saturated Fat 11g 53%
Cholesterol 72mg 24%
Sodium 570mg 25%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 1g -
Protein 17g 33%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 195mg 15%
Iron 1mg 4%
Potassium 173mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note: Nutrient information is based on available data. Please consult a doctor or dietitian if following a medically restrictive diet.

Buffalo Chicken Soup

Buffalo chicken soup is a comforting, creamy dish that brings together the bold flavors of buffalo wings and the warmth of chicken soup. This hearty soup is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals, offering a delicious combination of tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy cheese.

Origin Story

The origins of buffalo chicken soup can be traced back to the popularity of buffalo wings, a dish that was invented in Buffalo, New York, in 1964. The wings were created by Teressa Bellissimo at the Anchor Bar, where she deep-fried leftover chicken wings and tossed them in a spicy sauce. Over time, the flavor profile of buffalo wings, combining heat and tang, became beloved across the U.S. and beyond. Inspired by this, home cooks began experimenting with buffalo chicken in various forms, including soups, to offer a twist on the classic. Buffalo chicken soup quickly became a favorite, combining the creamy textures of soup with the fiery kick of buffalo sauce.

Regional Variations

Buffalo chicken soup is closely tied to the flavors of Buffalo, New York, but it has evolved across the U.S. and Canada. In regions with a penchant for spicy foods, like the Southern states or the Midwest, variations of the soup include additional ingredients such as celery, carrots, or even beans. Some versions feature a more pronounced flavor of blue cheese, while others may lean heavily on the heat of the sauce. The flexibility of buffalo chicken soup means that it can be customized to suit different tastes, from extra spicy to mild, or even served with a side of ranch or bleu cheese dressing to balance the heat.

Difference from Similar Dishes

Buffalo chicken soup stands out from other creamy chicken soups due to its distinctive use of buffalo sauce, which imparts a sharp, tangy heat. Traditional chicken soups, such as chicken noodle or chicken and rice, focus on a more neutral flavor profile with broth-based or creamy foundations. What sets buffalo chicken soup apart is its spicy kick, which comes from the hot sauce and the tangy undertones of vinegar and cayenne pepper in the buffalo sauce. Unlike typical chicken soups, buffalo chicken soup also often incorporates shredded cheese, adding a rich, velvety texture that complements the spicy broth.

Where It's Typically Served

Buffalo chicken soup is popular in casual dining settings, especially in areas with a strong tradition of buffalo wing culture. It's often served at sports bars, casual American eateries, and comfort food restaurants, typically alongside appetizers or as a hearty meal on its own. Its especially favored during colder months or on game days, when its warming properties and bold flavor provide the perfect accompaniment to watching sports with friends. Additionally, many home cooks make it as a quick weeknight meal or as a potluck dish, often accompanied by crusty bread or tortilla chips.

Fun Facts

  • Buffalo wings were originally created by accident when a mother tossed leftover chicken wings in hot sauce to create a quick meal for her sons friends.
  • The name "Buffalo" in buffalo wings refers to the city in New York, not the animal.
  • Buffalo chicken soup is a great dish for meal prepping, as the flavors often improve after a day or two in the fridge.
  • Many people love to serve buffalo chicken soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of blue cheese to add a creamy, tangy contrast to the heat.

FAQ about Buffalo Chicken Soup Recipe

Leftover Buffalo Chicken Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth if it thickens too much during storage.

Yes, Buffalo Chicken Soup can be made ahead of time. Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the cheese, then let it cool to room temperature and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, reheat the soup and stir in the cheese just before serving for the best texture.

Yes, you can freeze Buffalo Chicken Soup. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it into a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove. Note that the texture of the dairy ingredients may change slightly after freezing, so you may want to add a bit more cream or broth when reheating.

To adjust the spice level of the Buffalo Chicken Soup, you can increase or decrease the amount of Buffalo wing sauce. If you like it spicier, you can also add more hot sauce or include diced jalapeños. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Buffalo wing sauce or use a milder brand.

Yes, you can easily make Buffalo Chicken Soup in a slow cooker. Simply combine all ingredients (except the cheese) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the cheese towards the end of the cooking time, stirring until melted. This method can enhance the flavors as the ingredients have more time to meld together.

Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even blue cheese, depending on your preference. Keep in mind that the flavor of the soup will change slightly depending on the cheese you choose.

Buffalo Chicken Soup pairs well with a variety of sides. You can serve it with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a side salad. For a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with baked potatoes, tortilla chips, or even a serving of rice.

To make this soup healthier, you can try using lower-fat dairy options, such as skim milk or reduced-fat cream. You can also reduce the amount of butter or substitute it with olive oil. If you want to cut down on sodium, use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce or eliminate the bouillon cube.

Comments

Nancy Mitchell

10/15/2022 09:12:54 AM

This soup turned out absolutely fantastic! It's the best one I've ever made. I made a few tweaks to the original recipe - I threw in two carrots, 1/3 cup of buffalo sauce, a splash of habanero hot sauce, oregano, and garlic powder. The flavors were incredible! Plus, I decided to cook it in my crock pot, which made it even more convenient.

Joseph Evans

02/13/2025 06:21:53 AM

I accidentally combined this recipe with another one, but it turned out delicious. I will definitely be making it again.

Brian Mitchell

01/12/2025 01:48:20 PM

I used a homemade wing sauce that added the perfect touch to this soup. It was absolutely delicious! Thank you!