Buffalo Chicken Soup for Cold Days

Name: Buffalo Chicken Soup for Cold Days
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup buffalo sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Chopped celery and blue cheese for garnish

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Recipes

When the weather turns chilly, I find myself craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup, and this Buffalo Chicken Soup never fails to satisfy. The spicy kick from the buffalo sauce combined with tender, shredded chicken creates a dish that warms the soul. I love garnishing it with ranch dressing and celery for that extra crunch and creaminess. It’s incredibly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight, and the leftovers are just as delicious. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your rotation all winter long!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-23T21:42:28.574Z

Making this Buffalo Chicken Soup has become a family tradition for us during the colder months. One evening, I decided to experiment with a classic chicken soup by adding the zesty flavor of buffalo sauce. The result surprised me; the soup was rich, hearty, and full of flavor! I also learned that letting the chicken simmer in the broth allows it to soak up all those spicy, savory notes, creating a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.

I enjoy serving this soup with crusty bread, which perfectly complements the heat from the buffalo sauce. On top of that, adding a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles enhances the whole experience. It’s a bowl of comfort that keeps us warm and cozy, especially while watching the snow fall outside!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A perfect balance of heat and creaminess that warms you up
Simple ingredients that come together quickly for a weeknight meal
Great for making ahead and freezing for those busy days

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of this Buffalo Chicken Soup lies in its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients. Using fresh, cooked chicken not only enhances the flavor but also adds the necessary protein for a hearty meal. You can opt for rotisserie chicken to save time, as it’s pre-cooked and packed with flavor. If you're preparing chicken from scratch, consider poaching it in seasoned broth to infuse even more taste into the final soup.

Buffalo sauce is the star ingredient, delivering that signature heat and flavor. Various brands have different heat levels, so choose one that aligns with your taste preferences. For a milder soup, you may start with a smaller amount and gradually add more. Additionally, if you prefer homemade buffalo sauce, a blend of hot sauce, melted butter, and vinegar can work perfectly!

Perfecting the Technique

Sautéing the onion and garlic until they become translucent is a crucial step. This not only develops their flavors but also lays the groundwork for a robust base. Keep an eye on the garlic as it can burn quickly; it's ready when it’s fragrant, around 60 seconds. When adding the chicken and buffalo sauce, make sure to stir well to prevent clumping, which can affect the texture of your soup.

Once you add the heavy cream, keep the soup at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. Boiling can cause the cream to separate, leading to a less desirable texture. If this happens, quickly reduce the heat and stir well to reincorporate any separated cream.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For serving, I recommend topping each bowl with crunchy celery and blue cheese crumbles for added texture and flavor contrast. These fresh garnishes enhance the overall eating experience, balancing the richness of the cream. You might also consider adding a drizzle of ranch dressing for an extra layer of creaminess; this combination truly encapsulates the buffalo chicken flavor profile.

If you’re looking to make this soup even heartier, consider adding vegetables such as diced carrots or potatoes during the initial sauté. These additions can provide extra nutrition and create a more diverse texture in each bite. Alternatively, for a spicier kick, toss in sliced jalapeños along with the boiling ingredients.

Ingredients

Soup Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Chopped celery and blue cheese for garnish

Feel free to adjust the level of buffalo sauce according to your spice preference!

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Combine Ingredients

Add the shredded chicken, chicken broth, and buffalo sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring to a simmer.

Add Cream and Season

Once the soup reaches a simmer, pour in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped celery and blue cheese crumbles. Enjoy hot!

This soup holds well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for later enjoyment.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, use spicy buffalo sauce or add more hot sauce to taste.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Buffalo Chicken Soup is excellent for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you plan to freeze the soup, it's best to do so before adding the heavy cream, as it can change texture upon thawing.

When you're ready to enjoy a frozen portion, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat gently, adding the cream just before serving. This way, you maintain the creamy consistency you desire in the final product.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your soup turns out too thick, you can easily adjust the consistency by adding a bit more chicken broth or water until it reaches your preferred thickness. Remember, during simmering, the soup may reduce more than anticipated, so it’s always good to have extra broth on hand for adjustments.

Conversely, if you find your soup lacks flavor, try incorporating more buffalo sauce or a touch of salt to intensify the taste. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors. Always taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving to ensure everything is just right!

Scaling Up the Recipe

If you're hosting a gathering or just want leftovers, this recipe is easily scalable. To double the recipe, simply increase the amounts of all ingredients proportionally. It's best to use a larger pot to maintain even cooking and prevent overflow. Just be wary of how thick the final texture gets; adjust with additional broth if needed.

For a more intimate gathering, consider halving the recipe. This is particularly useful if you're seeking to conserve ingredients or don't have a large enough storage container for leftovers. Regardless of the batch size, this buffalo chicken soup is sure to impress!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great and saves you time.

→ How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or use low-fat yogurt for a lighter version.

→ Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure the buffalo sauce is gluten-free, this soup is safe for gluten-free diets.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.