Hot Wing Soup

This Buffalo Chicken Soup isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. Imagine the bold, tangy kick of classic buffalo wings transformed into a warm, comforting bowl of soup. It’s the perfect harmony of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors, making it an irresistible addition to your family dinner rotation or the star of your next game day gathering. Effortlessly simple to prepare, yet incredibly satisfying, this soup promises a burst of zest that will awaken your taste buds and leave everyone craving more.

Contents

Why You Need This Zesty Buffalo Chicken Soup In Your Life

In the realm of comfort food, few dishes strike the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity quite like a hearty bowl of soup. This Buffalo Chicken Soup elevates that experience, offering a dynamic flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. Here’s why this recipe is destined to become a household favorite:

A Flavor Explosion in Every Spoonful

If you’re a fan of buffalo wings, prepare to have your world rocked. This soup encapsulates everything you love about that iconic flavor: the fiery kick of Frank’s RedHot, the cooling creaminess of blue cheese, and the savory goodness of tender chicken. But it’s not just about the spice; the rich blend of vegetables, chicken broth, and cream cheese creates a depth of flavor that’s both complex and incredibly comforting. It’s spicy without being overwhelming, allowing the other delicious notes to shine through.

Effortless Preparation for Busy Lives

One of the greatest joys of this Buffalo Chicken Soup is its remarkable ease of preparation. Forget spending hours in the kitchen or wrestling with complicated steps. This recipe is designed for real life – those busy weeknights when you crave something homemade and delicious but are short on time. With just one pot, your Dutch oven or a large soup pot, you can create a culinary masterpiece. The chicken cooks directly in the soup, absorbing all the wonderful flavors, meaning no separate cooking required. And thanks to the magic of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning, you get a perfectly balanced spice blend without needing a dozen different jars from your spice rack.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal to warm you up on a chilly evening, a crowd-pleasing dish for a casual get-together, or the ultimate game day comfort food, this soup fits the bill. It’s hearty enough to be a standalone meal but also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple side salad. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the classic buffalo chicken flavors in a less messy and more spoon-friendly format, making it a hit with adults and kids alike (with slight spice adjustments, of course!).

A Nod to Culinary Friendship and Inspiration

Today’s delightful Buffalo Chicken Soup recipe comes to you with the warmest regards, courtesy of my wonderful friend, Natasha, the creative force behind the acclaimed Salt & Lavender food blog. Natasha and I have shared a culinary journey for many years, and her talent as a blogger and recipe developer is truly exceptional.

Recently, Natasha has taken her passion to the next level by publishing her very own cookbook, and let me tell you, it’s an absolute treasure. If your kitchen bookshelf is yearning for a new addition filled with easy-to-follow, impeccably tested recipes, each accompanied by stunning photography that makes your mouth water, then this cookbook is an absolute must-have. It’s packed with approachable dishes that deliver big on flavor, perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned home chefs. Trust me, it deserves a prime spot in your collection!

Key Ingredients for Your Zesty Soup

Crafting the perfect Buffalo Chicken Soup relies on a thoughtful selection of ingredients that work in harmony to create its signature flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to gather:

Olive Oil & Butter: The foundational fats for sautéing our aromatics, providing a rich base.
Yellow Onion, Celery, Carrots (Mirepoix): These three humble vegetables form the aromatic backbone of countless soups. When gently sautéed, they release their sweet and earthy flavors, adding depth and nutrition.
All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of flour helps to thicken the soup, creating that wonderfully creamy, comforting consistency we crave.
Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning Packet: This is a game-changer! It eliminates the need for multiple individual spices, delivering that unmistakable tangy, herby Ranch flavor that complements buffalo sauce beautifully.
Chicken Broth (Low-Sodium Recommended): The liquid base of our soup. Opting for low-sodium broth allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish and adjust it to your preference.
Frank’s RedHot Original Sauce: The star of the show! Frank’s RedHot is iconic for a reason, providing that perfect balance of heat and tangy vinegar flavor that defines classic buffalo sauce.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender, these cook directly in the soup, absorbing all the incredible flavors. They’re easy to shred or chop once cooked.
Cream Cheese (Softened): This is the secret to achieving that luxurious, velvety texture and rich creaminess in the soup. Softening it beforehand ensures it melts smoothly without lumps.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.
Crumbled Blue Cheese (Optional): For true buffalo flavor enthusiasts, a sprinkle of sharp, pungent blue cheese crumbles on top is non-negotiable. It adds a delicious contrast and authentic touch.
Scallions (Chopped, Optional): Fresh scallions offer a mild oniony bite and a pop of vibrant green color, perfect for garnish.

Mastering Your Buffalo Chicken Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this flavorful Buffalo Chicken Soup is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a hearty, zesty meal ready in no time!

Prep & Sauté Your Aromatics

Begin by heating your large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, add your chopped yellow onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté these vegetables for about 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they have softened and become fragrant. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base for your soup.

Building the Flavor Base

Once your vegetables are tender, it’s time to deepen the flavors and begin thickening the soup. Stir in the all-purpose flour until it coats the vegetables evenly. Cook for another minute, allowing the flour to toast slightly. Then, sprinkle in the entire packet of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning. Mix well until the veggies are thoroughly coated and the aromatic spices are released. Next, pour in the chicken broth and Frank’s RedHot Original Sauce, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming and ensuring everything is well combined.

Cooking the Chicken to Perfection

Carefully place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat immediately to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot slightly, leaving a small gap for steam to escape, and let the chicken cook for approximately 12 minutes. If your chicken pieces aren’t fully submerged, remember to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Creamy Finish & Shredding Secrets

Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. While the chicken cools, add the softened cream cheese to the simmering soup. Stir vigorously until the cream cheese is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the broth, creating a rich, creamy base. Now, for the chicken: you can either cut it into bite-sized pieces or, for an even more satisfying texture, shred it. Once prepared, return the chicken to the pot. If the chicken wasn’t quite done, let it cook for a few more minutes in the creamy soup. This final simmer ensures the chicken absorbs all the creamy, spicy goodness.

The Final Touch: Garnish & Serve

The last step is to season your soup to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give it a final stir, then ladle the hot, zesty Buffalo Chicken Soup into individual bowls. For an authentic and irresistible finish, generously top each serving with crumbled blue cheese and a sprinkle of chopped scallions, if desired. These garnishes not only add a beautiful presentation but also provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, spicy flavors of the soup. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Variations for the Best Buffalo Chicken Soup

While this Buffalo Chicken Soup recipe is fantastic as written, a few extra tips and potential variations can elevate your culinary experience and tailor it to your specific preferences. Beyond the initial chopping, this soup truly takes no time to make, making it a perfect, tasty option for even the busiest nights. And if your household loves buffalo wings, this soup is a super delicious substitute that involves far less work and mess!

Shredding Chicken Made Easy

My personal twist on this recipe, and one I highly recommend, is shredding the cooked chicken instead of simply cutting it into pieces. For an effortless shred, once your chicken breasts are cooked and slightly cooled, place them in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed for about 30 seconds to a minute, and you’ll have perfectly shredded chicken to your liking. This creates a wonderful texture that integrates seamlessly into the creamy soup.

Customizing Your Spice Level

Frank’s RedHot provides a medium, tangy heat. If you prefer a milder soup, you can reduce the amount of Frank’s RedHot to 1/8 or 1/4 cup. For those who crave extra heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper along with the Ranch seasoning, or drizzle extra hot sauce into individual bowls when serving. You can also experiment with different hot sauces, but Frank’s is classic for a reason!

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

This soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. This soup also freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

While the soup is a meal in itself, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping. A crisp green salad with a cooling Ranch or blue cheese dressing can also offer a refreshing contrast. And, as mentioned, don’t forget those delightful garnishes: crumbled blue cheese and fresh chopped scallions are key. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream can also add another layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Buffalo Chicken Soup

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious Buffalo Chicken Soup:

Can I use different chicken cuts?

Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are specified for their lean nature and ease of cooking directly in the pot, you can certainly use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will add a richer flavor and stay incredibly moist. The cooking time might need to be adjusted slightly, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Is this soup very spicy?

The recipe as written provides a moderate, zesty heat from the Frank’s RedHot. It’s designed to be flavorful and warm without being overwhelmingly spicy for most palates. However, spice tolerance varies. If you are sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount of hot sauce (e.g., 2 tablespoons) and taste before adding more. You can always add more at the end, but you can’t take it away!

Can I make this dairy-free?

Making this soup dairy-free presents a challenge due to the cream cheese and optional blue cheese. You might experiment with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, but the texture and flavor may differ. Achieving the same creamy richness without dairy can be tricky. For a purely dairy-free option, you might need to adjust the thickening agent and omit the cream cheese and blue cheese entirely, which would significantly change the soup’s character.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, this Buffalo Chicken Soup will last safely in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It actually tastes even better on subsequent days as the flavors have more time to deepen and meld together.

The Full Recipe Card: Your Culinary Guide

Buffalo Chicken Soup

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

This Buffalo Chicken Soup is a zesty soup that’s a tasty addition to your game day menu. It’s perfectly spiced, simple to make and super satisfying!

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 35 mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. butter
1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
1 Tbsp. flour
1 1-oz. packet Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot original sauce
1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
Salt and pepper, to taste
Crumbled blue cheese, optional
Scallions, chopped, optional

Instructions

Add oil and butter to a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook the onions, celery and carrots for 7 minutes, stirring often.
Stir in the flour and ranch seasoning, followed by the chicken broth and Frank’s RedHot.
Add the chicken breasts to the pot. Increase the heat to a boil. Once the soup comes to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot slightly and let the chicken cook for 12 minutes. If the chicken isn’t fully submerged, flip the pieces halfway through cooking.
Take the chicken out of the pot. Meanwhile add the cream cheese to the soup and mix until incorporated. Cut up or shred the chicken and add to the pot.
If the chicken isn’t fully cooked, let it cook a few more minutes. Season the soup with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and top with blue cheese crumbles and chopped scallions.

Notes

The only thing I did different with this recipe was to shred my cooked chicken instead of cutting it up into pieces. I added my cooked chicken breasts to my stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and mixed the chicken on medium speed until it was shredded to my liking.

I added the crumbled blue cheese and chopped scallions to the top of each bowl as garnish. It looks nice and gives extra flavor.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Keyword: buffalo sauce, Chicken, Comfort Food

Cuisine: American

Course: Soup

More Hearty & Delicious Soup Recipes

If you’re a soup lover, there’s always a new bowl to explore! After you’ve savored this amazing Buffalo Chicken Soup, be sure to check out some of these other comforting and flavorful recipes:

Creamy Broccoli Soup: A rich and velvety classic, perfect for a cozy meal.
Italian Wedding Soup: Tiny meatballs, tender pasta, and hearty greens in a flavorful broth – a true crowd-pleaser.
Stuffed Pepper Soup: All the savory goodness of stuffed peppers, made easy in a comforting soup form.

Final Thoughts & Your Turn to Cook!

This Buffalo Chicken Soup recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to bring exciting flavors and comforting warmth to your table with minimal effort. It captures the essence of a classic buffalo dish in a way that’s both novel and incredibly satisfying. The simple steps, combined with the bold taste, make it a true winner for any occasion.

I genuinely hope you take the plunge and whip up a pot of this fantastic soup. I’m confident you’ll enjoy it as much as I do. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to grab a copy of Natasha’s new cookbook! With over 100 quick and easy recipes, it’s a treasure trove of culinary inspiration that you and your family are sure to enjoy for years to come!

Please do let me know if you give this recipe a try. Your feedback and questions are always welcome – just drop a comment below. Enjoy every zesty, creamy, spicy spoonful!

Adapted from Salt & Lavender Everyday Essentials