Buffalo Chicken Soup

Name: Buffalo Chicken Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ medium yellow onion (diced); 2 celery sticks (diced); 2 medium carrots (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 4 cups chicken broth; ½ cup Buffalo sauce; 2 cups cooked (shredded chicken); 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, cut into small pieces; chopped green onion (optional for garnish); blue cheese crumbles (optional for garnish)

By Tyla | Last modified on Dec 24, 2025

Featured in: Soups

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Buffalo Chicken Soup delivers a creamy, zesty punch that brightens up any meal. With tender shredded chicken embraced by a spicy Buffalo sauce-infused broth and smooth cream cheese, this soup is perfect for those chilly days or casual gatherings. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a convenient way to satisfy your cravings while warming you inside out.

This comforting dish gracefully balances heat and richness, making it a crowd-pleaser whether served as a hearty main or a flavorful starter. Customize your bowl with tangy blue cheese crumbles or fresh green onions to add layers of flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Rich, creamy texture paired with the bold zest of Buffalo sauce for ultimate comfort food.
Customizable toppings like blue cheese and green onions enhance flavor and presentation.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and serves as the base for sautéing vegetables to develop depth.
Yellow onion: Gives a mildly sweet aroma and soft texture when diced and cooked.
Celery sticks: Provide a subtle crunch and earthy undertone after being diced and cooked.
Medium carrots: Contribute natural sweetness and color, complementing the spicy broth.
Minced garlic cloves: Impart a fragrant, pungent flavor essential to balance the soup’s heat.
Onion powder: Enhances the savory profile with a layer of concentrated onion flavor.
Garlic powder: Boosts the garlic essence smoothly without overpowering.
Dried parsley: Adds a hint of herbal freshness and a touch of color.
Kosher salt: Balances flavors and enhances the overall taste of the soup.
Black pepper: Brings mild heat and depth to complement the Buffalo sauce.
Chicken broth: Provides a flavorful, savory liquid base for the soup to simmer.
Buffalo sauce: Infuses the soup with classic tangy heat, signature to Buffalo dishes.
Cooked shredded chicken: Adds protein and hearty texture, absorbing the spicy flavors beautifully.
Cream cheese (8-ounce package): Creates a velvety and creamy consistency for indulgent richness.
Chopped green onion (optional): Offers a fresh, sharp contrast and garnish for visual appeal.
Blue cheese crumbles (optional): Provide a tangy, creamy topping that compliments Buffalo flavors perfectly.

Instructions

Saute Aromatic Vegetables: Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots, cooking until they soften and release their aroma, about 5 minutes. This step builds the flavorful foundation of the soup through tender vegetables and fragrant butter.
Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to avoid burning but release its full flavor. Next, sprinkle in onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mixing these spices early helps distribute their flavors evenly throughout the base.
Combine Broth and Buffalo Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth along with the Buffalo sauce, stirring well to blend the spicy heat with the savory elements. Allow the mixture to simmer until the carrots are tender, roughly 10 minutes, which also intensifies the soup’s depth.
Incorporate Cream Cheese: Lower the heat to low and whisk in small pieces of cream cheese gradually until smooth. This process creates a luscious, creamy texture that balances the spiciness of the Buffalo sauce while enriching the soup body.
Heat Shredded Chicken: Add the cooked shredded chicken to the pot, stirring until fully warmed. This final step integrates the protein and ensures every bite bursts with hearty, spicy flavor ready to serve.
Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with chopped green onions or crumbled blue cheese, depending on your preference. These toppings add fresh brightness and a tangy contrast that elevate each spoonful, enhancing both taste and presentation.

You Must Know

This soup can be adjusted in heat by varying the amount of Buffalo sauce according to your heat tolerance.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
Cream cheese must be whisked gently on low heat to avoid curdling and maintain smoothness.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream cheese from separating.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Buffalo Chicken Soup with toasted crusty bread or fresh celery sticks to complement its spicy, creamy profile. Serve alongside a crisp green salad for a complete, balanced meal.

Professional Tips

For a thinner soup, add extra chicken broth to reach desired consistency without diluting flavor.
Substitute blue cheese with shredded cheddar for a milder but still flavorful topping.
Freshly minced garlic offers a stronger aroma but adjust quantity to avoid overpowering the soup.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?: Yes, sauté the vegetables first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add cream cheese near the end and stir until smooth.
Is this soup gluten-free?: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your Buffalo sauce brand to ensure it contains no gluten additives.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?: You can add raw chicken and cook through in the broth, but shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and enhances flavor.
How spicy is this soup?: The spiciness depends on the Buffalo sauce used. Start with less and adjust to your taste during cooking.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?: Sour cream or Greek yogurt can be used for creaminess, but add them off heat to prevent curdling and adjust flavor accordingly.
Can this soup be frozen?: Freezing is possible but may alter the texture of the cream cheese. For best results, freeze without cream cheese added, then stir it in when reheating.